March 30, 2021 — Best Best & Krieger LLP Partner Ruben Duran, selected to Profiles in Diversity Journal’s inaugural Latino Leaders Worth Watching list, says in an essay published by the magazine that he set out early in his legal career to improve cities and create strong and healthy communities.

In an essay titled “How I Found my Perfect Career,” Ruben says he switched from pre-med to political science, with an eye on law school, after realizing he enjoyed student government and public policy.

“It’s an axiom that all politics is local, and our day-to-day lives are affected more by city hall than almost anything that happens in Sacramento or Washington, D.C.,” Ruben wrote. “Whether it’s an after-school program for kids, the development of affordable housing, or planning for transportation and jobs, local governments make decisions and provide programs that help communities and people thrive.”

Ruben, who is managing partner of the firm’s Ontario office, serves as city attorney for the cities of Ontario and Fontana and general counsel for the Oxnard Harbor District and Board counsel to the Southern California Association of Governments. He is also vice chair of the California State Bar Board of Trustees.

Profiles in Diversity Journal Publisher and Founder James R. Rector said the professionals appearing on the Latino Leaders list are “genuine and worthy of recognition” for their leadership and achievements. “Each profile represents a giving back and paying it forward approach. Each award winner is an asset to his or her respective employer and to our nation,” he wrote.

Read Ruben’s profile and essay in the 2021 First Quarter edition of Profiles in Diversity Journal.