Benjamin Valencia II is a top-rated family law attorney based in Los Angeles, California, with expertise in handling a wide range of family law matters. He has been recognized multiple times in Rising Stars and Super Lawyers, highlighting his exceptional legal skills. Benjamin completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA and earned his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School in 2001, becoming a licensed attorney that same year. In 2016, he was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California. With over 17 years of experience, including 10 years as a partner at a large law firm, Benjamin co-founded Valencia-Taghavi LLP, where he combines a big-firm approach with personalized, boutique-style client service.
Fluent in multiple languages and attuned to the cultural nuances of international and immigrant clients, Benjamin stands out for his ability to navigate complex divorce and custody matters with sensitivity. He represents a diverse array of clients, from celebrities and professionals to single parents, tackling cases of all sizes and complexities. Known for his dedication, professional work ethic, and client-centered advocacy, Benjamin is a trusted name in family law. Outside of his practice, he enjoys spending time with his family, collecting saltwater fish, and curating a remarkable collection of shoes, ties, and cuff links, reflecting his meticulous approach to both his personal and professional life.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day is entirely focused on serving my clients, and I work tirelessly to ensure their needs are met. I start my day by checking emails and messages before I even get into the office, answering every single inquiry I receive. Family law is an emotional and unpredictable field, so being available around the clock is essential. My clients know they can rely on me at any time, whether it’s answering late-night texts or handling urgent situations like restraining orders. In fact, I’ve even handled critical matters remotely, such as a restraining order hearing while I was in Paris, just to make sure a client and their children were safe. Working in family law means you can’t stick to traditional hours—there’s always something that needs attention. The flexibility that virtual platforms provide makes it possible for me to meet my clients’ needs no matter where I am, and that’s how I stay productive and committed to my clients.
How do you bring ideas to life?
When it comes to bringing my ideas to life, I rely heavily on collaboration. I have a strong sense of self-realization, so once I think of something, I immediately start talking about it with colleagues and professionals, seeking their input and advice. I never approach a project thinking I can do it alone. Instead, I focus on how I can build and refine my ideas with the help of the knowledgeable and talented people around me. Surrounding myself with dynamic, intelligent, and motivated individuals is key because their energy is contagious and helps propel my goals forward. I believe that greatness is achieved through teamwork—no one can succeed in isolation. It’s all about leveraging your network, collaborating, and recognizing that you’re only as strong as your team.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the growing focus on returning to basics. I believe that more people are recognizing the importance of family, community, and country. There’s a shift toward prioritizing the things that truly matter, and it’s encouraging to see a collective effort to build a better future for our children. This trend of returning to core values and focusing on long-term well-being feels like a foundation for meaningful progress and growth in society.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is my commitment to collaboration and constant communication. I believe in surrounding myself with dynamic, intelligent people who inspire me, as their energy and expertise push my ideas forward. When I have a concept or goal, I immediately begin discussing it with colleagues and professionals to gather input and refine it. This habit of seeking advice and building off others’ perspectives ensures that I’m not trying to achieve success alone. It also helps me stay focused and grounded, as I’m constantly learning from others and leveraging my network to bring ideas to life. Ultimately, I see productivity as a team effort, and having that support system makes all the difference.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to take the time to enjoy and appreciate my successes rather than always focusing on what’s next. I’m a perfectionist and my drive often pushes me to move on to the next challenge immediately after achieving something. I tend to be my own harshest critic, always thinking about what more I can do instead of pausing to relish in the accomplishment. It’s something I still struggle with today. Looking back, I think if I had allowed myself to savor those moments of success, I would have been able to balance that drive with more enjoyment and fulfillment. Perhaps if I had started doing that earlier, I would be better at it now.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
One thing I believe that most people might not agree with is the idea that not everyone should be rewarded just for showing up. I’m very much a no-nonsense person and I think there’s value in both winning and losing. In today’s culture, where everyone gets a trophy and everyone is praised just for participating, I think we lose sight of what excellence really is. Success and greatness don’t come from mediocrity being celebrated. I believe there’s a learning process in both winning and losing, and that it’s essential for personal growth. When people don’t face challenges or experience failure, they miss out on valuable lessons that come from pushing through and achieving greatness. The culture of “everyone is a winner” is, in my opinion, hindering the growth of youth today. I believe in healthy competition, and I was raised with the idea that there should be a winner and a loser. That’s how we learn and excel. This might not be a popular opinion, but it’s something I truly believe in.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I repeatedly do that aids in my success, and I highly recommend others do as well, is making my bed every morning. Even though I have a housekeeper, I take the time to make it perfectly, with all the pillows just right. It’s a small act, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment right at the start of the day and sets a positive tone for everything that follows.
The second habit I swear by is dressing for success. I carefully curate my clothing every day, ensuring I pick an outfit that makes me feel powerful and successful. From my watch to my shoes, every detail is planned. My clothing is not just for aesthetic purposes, it’s my armor for the day ahead. When I step out of the house looking put together, I feel confident, which boosts my performance. If I look sloppy or unprepared, I don’t feel my best, and that directly impacts how I perform. These two habits—making my bed and dressing intentionally—are vital to my routine and contribute greatly to my success.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
To protect myself emotionally from the emotional bombardment that comes with my work, I have a few strategies that help me stay grounded. As a lawyer, I often relate to my clients on a human level, whether as a father, mother, husband, or wife, but it’s essential not to let that emotional connection cloud my judgment. If I become too emotionally invested, I risk losing objectivity, which affects my ability to provide the best advice and strategy for the case. To maintain balance, I spend time with my saltwater fish tank, which calms me and helps clear my mind. I also practice meditation, say a quick prayer, and retreat to places like my desert house and cabin in the woods to unwind. In addition, taking drives in my vintage convertible, enjoying music, and spending time with my family all help me recharge, ensuring I stay emotionally balanced and focused in my work.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has helped me grow professionally and advance my career is demanding excellence from myself and others, even when it’s not popular. I am my harshest critic, and I hold the professionals I hire, my staff, and the work we produce to the same high standards. I expect the best from my clients as well, giving them the tools they need but requiring them to follow the strategy I believe is in their best interest. If they’re not willing to do so, I’m prepared to suggest they find another lawyer. This approach isn’t about rejecting them but about staying true to my belief that only the best work should be done. By surrounding myself with talented people and holding everyone, including myself, accountable to high standards, I ensure that the quality of work we provide is always top-notch.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One significant failure in my career occurred during a lengthy evidentiary hearing that didn’t unfold as I had expected. Despite thorough preparation, the outcome didn’t align with my expectations, and I believed the judge made an incorrect ruling. Over the years, I’ve learned that you can’t control every factor in a case, especially when it comes to subjective decisions like a judge’s ruling. In this particular case, I realized that my certainty about the outcome may have clouded my ability to anticipate a different result. Moving forward, I now focus on preparing for all possible outcomes, including those that might not be in our favor, so that I can manage any setbacks more effectively. The key lesson here was the importance of flexibility, adapting to unexpected circumstances, and ensuring that I’m fully prepared for any scenario that may arise.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I’d give away is the concept of a full-service law firm that goes beyond just legal services. This model integrates financial, spiritual, fashion, and therapeutic services into a team-based approach. Many clients don’t just need legal help—they also need support in areas like personal growth, emotional well-being, or even improving their confidence and making better life choices. By addressing both the legal issues and the underlying personal challenges clients face, you create a more holistic, multidimensional service. This approach not only solves immediate problems but also helps clients make positive changes that prevent future issues, building long-term relationships and fostering loyalty.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that has greatly improved my productivity is Zoom, particularly when combined with LA Court Connect, which allows us to conduct hearings and depositions remotely. This system has revolutionized how we work, enabling us to handle legal matters from anywhere in the world, without the need for travel. Before this, I had to travel extensively for cases across different states and even internationally. Now, I can take depositions from Singapore or anywhere else directly from my office, saving significant time and resources. This technology has made it possible to work more efficiently and stay connected with clients and colleagues no matter where they are.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I’m a big fan of classic literature when I get the chance to read for pleasure. Books like A Tale of Two Cities, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Iliad have always resonated with me. I love escaping into these timeless stories, though lately, I haven’t had as much time for reading due to my focus on other things.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
When it comes to TV, I’m more of a Netflix addict and a huge fan of reality TV. My wife got me into The Real Housewives, and I’ve watched every episode of every franchise. Recently, I’ve also been hooked on shows like House of Villains and Below Deck. They’re my guilty pleasures, and I find them incredibly entertaining.
Key learnings
- Commitment to Client-Centered Service: Benjamin is dedicated to being available 24/7 for his clients, handling urgent legal matters around the clock, even from different time zones when necessary, ensuring his clients’ needs are prioritized at all times.
- Productivity Through Collaboration: He emphasizes the value of working with a supportive team and constantly exchanging ideas with colleagues, leveraging diverse perspectives to enhance both his personal and professional growth.
- Balancing Professionalism with Emotional Well-being: To remain objective, Benjamin practices mindfulness and finds ways to recharge, like spending time with family or enjoying his saltwater fish tank, helping him maintain a clear focus in high-stress situations.
- Demanding Excellence for Career Growth: He holds himself and his team to high standards, believing that excellence in service builds trust and advances both his practice and career.
- Adaptability in Facing Setbacks: A key lesson from his career is to prepare for all possible outcomes, recognizing the importance of flexibility and managing expectations in unpredictable situations.