Our Story

Welcome to The Law Mami, where we celebrate the intersection of culture, resilience, and legal empowerment. Founded by Carmen Palao, who coined the nickname "Law Mami" during her journey through law school, our brand was born out of a desire for representation. Carmen was searching for merchandise that captured her unique identity as both a proud member of her community and a dedicated law student. When she couldn’t find anything that resonated with her experience, she decided to create it with two fellow law students and friends, Layah Mosley and Tia Owens—two remarkable women who exemplified the spirit of what it means to be a "Law Mami." Together, they embarked on a mission to build a brand that reflects their shared experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the challenges they faced while navigating the legal field. They became the founders of not only a brand but a movement that highlights the diversity of the legal field. 

Carmen is a passionate and determined advocate for underrepresented communities and immigrant rights. Born and raised in MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, with Central American roots stemming from Guatemala and Honduras, she channels her heritage into her work. In May 2024, she became a first-generation Latina law school graduate. Carmen remains unwavering in her mission to uplift and empower individuals from similar backgrounds through her platform, The Law Mami and through her work in the immigration field. 

Layah, a first-gen college grad and law school student, is currently in her final year of law school. As an LA native with deep Caribbean and African American roots, she is committed to using her legal expertise to uplift diverse communities. Her interests in real estate law and intellectual property reflect her drive to create lasting, equitable change. Layah has combined her passion for real estate law with her dedication to community empowerment by working in a role focused on keeping Los Angeles residents in affordable housing. Through this position, she stays true to her roots while contributing to a future where diversity and inclusion thrive in every legal sector.  

Tia, drawing from her rich Mexican and African American heritage, hails from Denver, Colorado, and has since moved to California to chase her dreams in the music industry. As of May 2024, Tia is a law school graduate who also owns "Killer Instinct Studios," a commercial recording studio facility in North Hollywood. With a decade of experience in the music business with former positions at Paramount Recording Studios, Republic Records, and G.O.O.D. Music, she exemplifies the seamless integration of creativity and legal expertise.

At The Law Mami, we’re not just a brand; we’re a movement. Our mission is to inspire and empower women from all walks of life to pursue their dreams in the legal field. We want every woman to see that her story, her background, and her struggles can lead to success. We want to show women that just because you aren’t represented in a field it doesn’t mean you don’t belong– it means you have to create that representation yourself.