Kelly Bagla

Introducing Kelly Bagla, Esq., an esteemed business attorney based in San Diego, California, renowned for her international accolades. Originally hailing from England, Kelly’s childhood dream of practicing law became a reality upon her graduation from the United Kingdom. After immigrating to the United States, she achieved her law degree in California and began her career at Baker McKenzie LLP, the largest international law firm globally. While working for this firm, Kelly advised both domestic and international clients on matters of corporate and securities law. However, she eventually realized that working for someone else wasn’t her ultimate aspiration, leading her to step away from the security of a salaried position and establish her own law firm.

In 2009, Kelly founded Bagla Law Firm, APC, which rapidly gained recognition as one of the most trusted names in business law within a decade. Additionally, she created GoLegalYourself.com, an online platform that assists entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses by providing essential legal documentation, catering particularly to those who bootstrap their startups.

Kelly’s expertise extends beyond her legal practice as she is a prolific author, having penned four books: “Go Legal Yourself, First Edition,” “Go Own Yourself,” “Doing Business In the United States,” and “Go Legal Yourself, Second Edition.” She also contributes to Homeland Magazine and San Diego Veterans Magazine on a monthly basis. Currently, Kelly is working on her fifth book, “Legal Pearls, Pearls Of Wisdom For Avoiding Business Litigation,” set to be released on Amazon in November 2022.

Dedicated to both her personal and professional life, Kelly approaches each with equal seriousness. In 2010, she was awarded the title of ‘Ms. Southern California’ in a natural bodybuilding competition and still holds her professional bodybuilding card. Kelly continues to wake up early each day, allowing her to cater to the needs of her international clients residing in different time zones.

Each of Kelly’s enterprises is committed to educating, equipping, and inspiring entrepreneurs to identify opportunities to establish, initiate, and expand their own businesses. Starting a new business or entering a foreign market is no easy feat, especially in the United States. It requires meticulous planning, crucial financial decision-making, and navigating through complex legal activities, which can prove daunting for foreign-based companies.

Bagla Law Firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including but not limited to business formation, asset protection for real estate investors, assistance for foreign-based businesses, mergers and acquisitions, trademarking, and offshore asset protection. Serving a diverse clientele within and outside the United States, Bagla Law Firm has garnered a reputation for excellence.

Kelly derives immense satisfaction from helping international entrepreneurs establish their presence in the U.S. She works closely with these entrepreneurs to establish their legal entities in the country, emphasizing the importance of proper compliance. Kelly explains, “The laws in this country are complex, and those wishing to establish businesses here must do so correctly. The United States is highly litigious, and individuals or businesses can easily attract lawsuits if they fail to adequately protect themselves.”

The majority of Kelly’s clients consist of domestic and international entrepreneurs, business leaders, CEOs, and early-stage investors in the process of establishing their companies. Her global clientele encompasses entrepreneurs from diverse industries, ranging from digital entertainment to healthcare products and cyber security.

Kelly emphasizes that her international clients trust Bagla Law Firm due to her own immigrant background. She shares a common bond with international entrepreneurs seeking opportunities in the United States, as she came to the country for similar reasons. Kelly believes the possibilities for business owners in the U.S. are endless.

Having experienced the unique challenges of setting up a U.S.-based business firsthand, Kelly fully understands the intricacies involved. This personal experience places her on the same wavelength as her international clients, who recognize that she has successfully navigated the process for multiple businesses she owns. Kelly firmly believes that it takes an entrepreneur to truly understand the needs of another entrepreneur.

During her upbringing as the youngest of seven children, Kelly witnessed her father’s struggles and accomplishments. He spent years working in a factory, diligently saving and planning for the future. Eventually, he was able to purchase the very same factory and become his own boss, becoming the first business owner in their family.

The profound impact of her father’s journey left an indelible impression on Kelly. She recalls, “I knew that I not only wanted to follow in his footsteps, but I also wanted to help others experience that same sense of accomplishment and independence.”

Kelly’s ultimate motivation stems from her desire to protect and assist those who dare to dream big. Whether through her role as a legal advisor to new companies, her writing endeavors aimed at educating people on protecting themselves while establishing new ventures, or her podcast, the Go Legal Yourself Podcast, where she shares insights with aspiring entrepreneurs, Kelly goes above and beyond to help others achieve their dreams.

Kelly’s innovative approach to the legal industry and her positive impact on entrepreneurs have garnered widespread recognition. She has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades, including being recognized as one of the Top Women Entrepreneurs by L.A. Dreams Magazine. San Diego Business Journal nominated her as one of the Business Women of the Year, and she was selected as one of the Top Lawyers by Marquis Who’s Who. San Diego Attorney Journal also named her Attorney of the Month, while Insights Success Magazine acknowledged her as one of the Top 20 Businesswomen to Watch in 2020. Industry Wired Magazine honored her as a Top Transformational Woman Leader.

In addition to these accolades, Kelly has been awarded the distinction of being a recipient of the Lawyers of Distinction award in both 2020 and 2021. She received the Best of 2020 Oceanside Business Services Award and the 2020 Legal Awards for Best International M&A Law Firm USA. Kelly was recognized as the Corporate Attorney of the Year, California, by Acquisition International, and named Business Legal Professional of the Year USA by Corporate Live Wire.

Kelly’s accomplishments have also been highlighted in several cover stories. The Business Fame Magazine featured her as one of the Most Recommended Law Firms to Watch in 2021, while Tycoon Success Magazine listed her among the Top Law Firms to Watch in 2021. Mirror Review Magazine recognized her as one of the Top Law Firms to Watch in 2022, and Inc Magazine included her in the prestigious list of the 10 Best International Law Firms to Watch in 2022. Furthermore, Kelly serves as a podcast host for the Go Legal Yourself podcast, which ranks among the top 20 business law podcasts. She has also been a judge on the Emmy award-winning T.V. show Everyday Edisons and is well-known as a TV personality and speaker.

Despite her busy schedule, Kelly never misses an opportunity to learn from successful business owners who have paved the way before her. She reveals, “I constantly listen to audiobooks while working out or walking my dogs. I’m always seeking inspiration and looking for ways to improve myself and my business.”

Kelly advises young female entrepreneurs, dubbing herself the Queen of Business Law®, that the business landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, making it more accessible for those seeking to become their own bosses. She urges women, in particular, to believe in themselves, stay true to their values and ethics, and never compromise. According to Kelly, confidence is the key to conquering both business and life—it is the only accessory anyone truly needs.