How to Build a Business That Aligns With Your Legal Skills feat. Rebecca Larson Secord

Rebecca Larson Secord didn’t plan on becoming a real estate lawyer—it just happened. What started as a temporary gig while navigating a tough job market turned into a thriving career in real estate law, and today, Rebecca is the owner of Your Home Legal, a San Diego-based law firm helping buyers, sellers, and investors mitigate risk. In this episode, we visit Rebecca’s journey from law school to entrepreneurship, why real estate law is so much more than transactions, and how she built a business that aligns with her expertise and personal commitments.

LISTEN TO LEARN

How Rebecca turned an unexpected opportunity into a successful real estate law career
The differences between real estate law across states and what lawyers should know before making a move
Why understanding risk mitigation is essential in real estate transactions

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WE ALSO DISCUSS

Rebecca’s transition from Virginia to California and the challenges of re-qualifying as a lawyer
The realities of running a law firm and what it takes to build a business.The importance of mentorship, coaching, and knowing your numbers when starting a practice
The importance of mentorship, coaching, and knowing your numbers when starting a practice

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How to Build a Business That Aligns With Your Legal Skills feat. Rebecca Larson Secord

About This Episode

Rebecca Larson Secord’s Background

Rebecca Larson Secord is a real estate risk mitigator, lawyer, and entrepreneur who owns Your Home Legal, a law firm dedicated to helping buyers, sellers, and real estate investors navigate legal complexities in California. A first-generation college and law school graduate, Rebecca’s legal career wasn’t the result of a carefully mapped-out plan. Instead, she adapted, pivoted, and ultimately built a business that aligns with both her expertise and her lifestyle.

"Real estate was never the plan. But I got into it, and I realized I loved it. I loved solving problems, figuring out how to fix title issues, and helping people navigate the legal side of buying and selling property," shares Rebecca Larson Secord on You Are A Lawyer.

Rebecca’s background spans litigation, federal court work, and transactional real estate law. Her experience working in multiple states gave her a unique perspective on how real estate transactions vary across jurisdictions, which ultimately led her to specialize in risk mitigation and contract structuring. Today, she not only runs her own firm but also actively educates clients on how to protect their investments and avoid costly legal mistakes.

Why Law School

Rebecca always knew she wanted to be a lawyer—mostly because everyone told her she should be. Growing up, her strong-willed personality and love for debate made her a natural fit, even though she didn’t initially know what being a lawyer actually entailed.

"I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was a kid. But I didn’t even know what that meant—I just knew people kept saying I should do it," reflects Rebecca Larson Secord on Episode 182 of You Are a Lawyer.

It wasn’t until law school that she started figuring out what legal practice really looked like. Although she was drawn to trial advocacy and moot court, she didn’t leave law school with a clear path. Instead, she stayed open to opportunities, which eventually led her to real estate law—a field she never expected to enter but one that turned out to be the perfect fit.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree

For Rebecca, a law degree isn’t just about arguing cases—it’s about problem-solving. Whether she’s helping clients clear up title issues, ensuring proper contract structuring, or advising investors, her legal skills are used daily in ways that extend beyond a traditional litigation practice.

"Real estate law is so much more than contracts. It’s problem-solving, risk management, and helping people make informed decisions that protect their investments," explains Rebecca Larson Secord, on this episode of You Are a Lawyer.

She believes that law school doesn’t prepare lawyers for business ownership or practice management, which is why she invested in mentorship and coaching when starting her firm. Today, she encourages other lawyers to think creatively about how they use their degree, whether that’s by transitioning into a niche practice area or applying legal expertise to non-traditional roles.

Lawyer Side Hustles

Rebecca didn’t just build a law firm—she built a business. Unlike many attorneys who focus solely on legal work, she took the time to learn the ins and outs of running a profitable practice, from financial management to marketing. This business-minded approach has allowed her to structure her firm in a way that supports both her professional goals and her personal life.

“I didn’t know how to run a business when I started. Law school doesn’t teach you that. But I surrounded myself with mentors, learned my numbers, and built something that works for me,” shares Rebecca Larson Secord in Episode 182 of You Are a Lawyer.

Outside of her law practice, Rebecca is deeply involved in real estate coaching and professional development. She believes that lawyers—especially those running their own firms—should invest in business education, whether that’s through formal coaching programs or networking with other law firm owners. By treating her practice as both a legal service and a business, she has created a model that allows for long-term sustainability and growth.

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Contact Rebecca Larson Secord

Rebecca is licensed to practice law in California, Virginia, and DC.

Learn more about Rebecca

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