Romel Ambarchyan is a Founding Partner and Managing Attorney at RA & Associates. He is a consumer advocate attorney who specializes in assisting personal injury victims and their families in California . Romel’s passion and empathy for his clients are what set up apart from his competition. Romel is a firm believer in “quality over quantity”, and as such carefully limits his caseload, instead of focusing on client relationships. With over a decade of experience, Mr. Ambarchyan is the advocate who is not only committed to getting you compensated for your injuries but is as committed to the health and well-being of his clients. Mr. Ambarchyan achieved his bachelor’s degree in history with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles. From there, he attained his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Every day at my firm looks a little different. Mondays tend to be the busiest. I start with meetings across various departments, including the intake team and our pre-litigation managers, to outline the game plan for the week. The rest of the week flows between case reviews, strategy sessions, and case management meetings. Structure helps me stay ahead, but no two days are ever exactly alike.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I like to start in solitude. I sit somewhere quiet with a notepad and brainstorm freely, writing down ideas and working through them in my head. Once I have refined them enough, I share them with colleagues or my wife to get perspective. Clarity comes when you give yourself the space to think without distractions, then open the idea to discussion once you have worked out the core concept.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Artificial intelligence. I recently attended a Google conference through YouTube and got a glimpse of upcoming products. The possibilities are incredible, especially in how they will reshape industries like law. There is so much potential we have not even begun to tap into.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I have kept the same habit since my first year practicing law. Every morning, I write out my to-do list by hand on a manila notepad. I do not type it. I like to physically write each task, then cross it off with a red pen when it is done. It brings order to my day and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I move through my list. It is simple, but it keeps me grounded and focused.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient. In your twenties, you want everything to happen quickly, whether it is success, recognition, or growth. Everything worthwhile takes time. If you put in consistent effort, things mature naturally. Enjoy the process instead of trying to rush to the result.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I am not afraid to speak up when I disagree. Whether it is at work or in my personal life, if something does not sit right with me, I say it directly. Some might find that confrontational, but I believe it is better to address issues head-on than let them linger. Transparency resolves problems faster than silence ever could.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Write things down by hand. It might sound old-school, but physically writing tasks or ideas connects you to them in a way that digital tools cannot replicate. It creates mental clarity and momentum throughout the day.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I meditate every morning for fifteen to thirty minutes before work, and that serves as my reset button. If I ever feel overwhelmed during the day, I step away from the office for a walk or a drive to clear my head. Sometimes, the best way to regain focus is to pause completely and come back refreshed.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Early in my career, I tried to do everything myself. Over time, I realized that real growth happens when you trust and empower your team. I now rely heavily on my managers and encourage open dialogue. Once a month, we hold a roundtable meeting where everyone contributes ideas. Embracing collaboration and letting go of control has helped our firm scale and operate more efficiently.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
When COVID first hit, I had just launched a major marketing campaign and invested a substantial amount of money. The timing could not have been worse. Everything shut down, and the campaign failed before it even had a chance. It was tough, but I learned to stay patient and not get fixated on immediate outcomes. Some things are beyond your control, and setbacks often teach you more than success does.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Trust your gut. Whatever you are building, whether it is a business, product, or brand, you will always have naysayers. Do not let that deter you. If your instincts tell you an idea has potential, follow it through. Confidence in your own judgment is one of the most valuable tools an entrepreneur can have.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
At RA & Associates, we use Salesforce for CRM management and CasePeer for case management. Both platforms help us organize, track, and move cases efficiently. When you are managing a high volume of clients and complex litigation, these systems are essential for staying organized and delivering consistent results.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I am a big fan of The Joe Rogan Experience and the Lex Fridman Podcast. Both explore ideas and people from every walk of life, including science, philosophy, business, and fitness. I like long-form conversations that dig beneath the surface and make you think differently.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Recently I watched Snowfall on Hulu. It is about the rise of the crack and cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1970s and 1980s. The storytelling and historical depth were incredible. It is raw, well-acted, and gives a real sense of the time period.
Key learnings
1. Consistency and Structure Drive Productivity
Romel starts his week with team meetings to set the tone and outline strategic goals, especially on Mondays. Throughout the week, he balances structured planning with the flexibility required in legal practice, ensuring no two days are identical but remain productive.
2. Old-School Habits Keep Him Grounded
He maintains a long-standing habit of writing out his daily to-do list by hand and crossing items off in red pen. This tactile process creates focus, clarity, and a tangible sense of accomplishment.
3. Patience and Empowerment Fuel Growth
One of his biggest lessons is to embrace patience and trust the process rather than rushing success. Professionally, he attributes much of his firm’s growth to empowering his team, encouraging open dialogue, and letting go of the need to control everything himself.