Meet Antoinette Naddour, Esq., Llm

We were lucky to catch up with Antoinette Naddour, Esq., Llm recently and have shared our conversation below.

Antoinette, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I am a proud Lebanese American, born into the Catholic faith. Growing up in Orange County in the 1980s, there weren’t many Lebanese or Arab Americans in the area. My curly dark hair and fair features often set me apart and made me feel like I didn’t quite fit in.

As a child, I struggled to reconcile my cultural identity with my surroundings. Whether it was the school lunches my mother lovingly prepared or my untamable curls, I stood out in ways that felt awkward at the time. We had different rules at home and I would find myself questioning my parents about why I couldn’t spent the night at a friend’s house or wear certain clothing. Over the years, I learned to embrace the beautiful traditions and culture my parents brought from the old country while blending it with my American patriotism—a melting pot I am incredibly proud of.

Education was the priceless gift my family received from the United States. I became the first woman in my family to earn a college degree. From there, I went straight to law school and became a licensed attorney at the age of 24. My youth and appearance made for some interesting challenges early in my career. Judges would often confuse me for a paralegal or legal assistant when I appeared in court representing clients. On one occasion, a male attorney addressed me dismissively as “girl,” prompting me to firmly correct him: “It’s Counselor.”

These moments of being underestimated taught me an important lesson: the best way to stand out and succeed is to own your difference and excel at what you do. Preparation, confidence, and persistence became my tools. I learned that if you show up ready, own your worth, and fight forward, the only difference people will notice is your excellence.

Later, I joined the California State Guard as a JAG officer. In a unit with few women and even fewer female officers, I found myself in another space where I looked different from my peers. But instead of letting that hold me back, I created my own path to serve effectively. I let my work speak for itself and built connections through collaboration and shared purpose. Over time, I found allies and developed projects that brought our team together, allowing us to make a meaningful impact on our community.

Being “the only one in the room” taught me that finding your space in the world and knowing who you want to be is the hardest part. Once you’ve done that, being your authentic self and delivering quality in everything you do leads to acceptance—not for how you look, but for the value you bring.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

For over ten years, I have had the honor of serving as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Veterans Legal Institute (VLI), a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services to hundreds of low-income and homeless veterans each year. At its core, VLI exists to serve those who have selflessly served our country. It is our job to ensure that veterans—many of whom face unimaginable challenges upon returning to civilian life—receive the legal support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and self-sufficiency.

Veterans often face legal barriers that stand in the way of stable housing, employment, and access to healthcare. At VLI, we work to remove these barriers. Whether it’s helping a veteran avoid eviction, secure their rightful benefits, or navigate a complex family law issue, the services we provide are truly life-changing. It’s not just about solving legal problems—it’s about giving veterans the opportunity to thrive after their service.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the ripple effect of these efforts. When we help a veteran secure stable housing, we’re not just impacting one life—we’re also supporting families, strengthening communities, and honoring the service and sacrifice that these individuals have made. Over the years, VLI has served over 12,000 veterans, and every case reminds me why this work is so important.

I am incredibly proud of what VLI has accomplished, but there’s still so much more to do. We’ve recently expanded our focus to include innovative programs like mobile legal clinics, which bring services directly to veterans who might otherwise be unable to access them. This ensures that no veteran is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.

What makes this work truly special is the meaning it brings to my life. It’s a rare privilege to wake up every day knowing that the work you do has a direct and profound impact on others. This isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Serving those who have served our nation is a cause worthy of our time, energy, and passion.

Outside of my work at VLI, I channel my creative energy into real estate. I find immense joy in discovering homes with potential and transforming them into beautiful spaces that people want to live in. It’s a way for me to express my love for renewal and possibility, which aligns with the spirit of my work at VLI—helping others rebuild and find new opportunities.

Despite my career and the fulfillment it gives me, my greatest job has been as a mother to my two sons. Watching them grow into men has brought me an immense amount of pride and I trust as they navigate their lives and careers they will build service into their journey.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Knowing Who You Are

One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned is the importance of knowing who you are and what you stand for. Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, and it’s in those moments that your core values will guide you. For me, being firm in my beliefs and values—integrity, perseverance, and service—has provided a foundation that I can always rely on, even in difficult times.

There were moments in my career when I faced failure, doubt, or external pressures to compromise my principles. But I always came through by remembering my worth, what I bring to the table, and the unique perspective I offer. To those just starting their journey, I encourage you to take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Build a strong sense of self, and don’t let external circumstances or temptations sway you.

2. Working Smart
While there is no substitute for hard work, working smart is just as vital. Early in my career, I learned the value of preparation and equipping myself with the information and knowledge necessary to excel. Being intentional about your efforts—not just putting in the hours but also focusing on results—will take you much further.

I’ve found that success often comes from understanding the environment you’re in, the people you’re surrounded by, and the subject matter at hand. Walking into any room with confidence requires doing your homework, staying informed, and bringing integrity to your work. For those starting out, I recommend being a lifelong learner. Stay curious, ask questions, and arm yourself with the tools and skills you need to navigate your field effectively.

3. Trusting in God
Faith has been the cornerstone of my journey. I believe that we enter this life with nothing and leave with nothing. Keeping a strong connection to God’s plan has helped me stay grounded, make decisions with clarity, and find peace in both success and failure.

When faced with big decisions or moments of doubt, I turn to prayer and reflection. It reminds me that my purpose is greater than any individual challenge or accomplishment. It is important to nurture your faith—whatever that may look like for you—and stay connected to a sense of purpose. Trusting in a higher plan can bring peace, clarity, and direction when life feels overwhelming.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey
The journey is never a straight line—it’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges. My advice is to focus on these three areas as your foundation. Know who you are, work smart and with integrity, and trust in something greater than yourself.

Success is not just about climbing the ladder or achieving accolades; it’s about building a life rooted in meaning, service, and authenticity. Take the time to understand what drives you, surround yourself with people who inspire you, and stay committed to lifelong growth. Remember, every step you take shapes the person you’re becoming—so take them intentionally.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

My favorite book of all time is “The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran. Originally published in 1923, this literary masterpiece has been translated into over 100 languages and remains a worldwide bestseller to this day. Its timeless wisdom and poetic prose have resonated across generations, providing guidance on the universal themes of life, love, work, and purpose.

What makes The Prophet so impactful is its ability to distill complex ideas into beautifully simple and profound truths. One passage that has stayed with me over the years is Gibran’s take on children:

“Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.”

This idea—that our children are their own beings, not possessions to control but lives to nurture and guide—speaks my own version of motherhood, and to the selflessness required in parenting, mentorship, and leadership. It reminds me to honor the individuality and potential of my sons, rather than imposing my own will and desires upon them.

What I love most about Gibran’s writing is how universal and enduring it is. Despite being written a century ago, his insights feel as relevant and applicable today as they were in 1923. His words are both poetic and practical, offering a lens through which to view life’s most profound questions with clarity and grace.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: antoinetteesquire
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettenaddour

Image Credits

Professional photos by Victoria Chrystal Photography