Breanna (Bre) Rucker interviews Anthony (Tony) Ross, Senior Associate at Murchison & Cumming LLP, for Breaking Boundaries in Law and Life, a quarterly column co-authored by members of the Barristers and Inclusion sections of the Beverly Hills Bar Association.

1. Looking back, are there any life experiences that really shaped how you view diversity and inclusion—both personally and professionally? How have those moments influenced how you approach the law?

Definitely. Growing up in the 70s I was always one of very few minorities in school. I was always aware—before I even had the words for it—that I was living in two different worlds. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, but went to school outside the city, so I had to learn to navigate these contrasting environments without any guidance. Small moments, like a teacher asking us to collect certain types of rocks I could not find in my neighborhood for a science project, made it clear that my experiences weren’t always aligned with my classmates’. I could not find the kind of rocks in my homework assignment on the sidewalks of Brooklyn.

This experience of existing between two worlds has made me keenly aware of biases and how people can be misjudged. It’s also given me the ability to communicate effectively across different perspectives. While it was tough at times, I’m grateful for it because it’s helped me recognize those nuances and be a better advocate, especially for clients who face similar challenges.

But there’s also a silver lining. Growing up in non-diverse communities has taught me to better frame and catch things others might miss. I know people of color who struggle with those challenges because they didn’t grow up having to navigate two different worlds. Often, it’s not until college or even law school that some people of color encounter these dynamics, and it can really trip them up.

I was fortunate to have learned how to navigate these waters early. I learned how to appear less threatening and/or more relatable when necessary; I honed these skills intentionally. While some might overlook their importance, being able to adapt to unspoken norms in other cultures was crucial to where I wanted to go in life. I’ve seen how difficult it can be for others—especially those from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds, like Latin or Asian communities. Learning the language of law is one thing, but learning the unspoken languages and nuances that permeate this country’s legal community, is something entirely different. And it’s a lot—it can be a heavy burden, but it can also be necessary depending on your aspirations and where you come from.

2. Have you ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in within the legal world? If so, how did you deal with that, and what advice would you give to someone else who might be feeling the same way?

Right. So the first part of the question—have I ever felt like I didn’t quite fit in the legal world? Yes, absolutely. It’s interesting because I don’t think about it every day, but sometimes it becomes stark. Like when you go on a retreat with 700 of your colleagues, and you realize how few of them look like you or have a similar background. So, yes—there have been many times where I’ve felt like I didn’t fit in

As for how I handle it, I acknowledge it, but I don’t dwell on it because it doesn’t serve my purpose. Early in my career, these feelings made me reconsider certain paths—like whether I wanted to teach or become a judge. 

Practicing law is already hard, and when you add that layer of identity into the mix, it can become a real distraction. You don’t always think about it, but sometimes you’re confronted with it, and you can’t avoid it.  No matter how many accolades you have or how qualified you are, there’s still that reality of sometimes not fitting in. Some people shy away from those roles because of it, even if they’re qualified. They might want to be judges or professors but hesitate because they don’t want to deal with those challenges.

Now, I don’t shy away from anything. Even when I’m confronted with doubts or difficult situations, I power through. That’s always been my way. But it does take its toll. You can come out victorious on the other side, but you carry the scars from the battles you fought along the way.You have to acknowledge the challenges, but don’t let them define you. My advice would be to keep pushing forward and don’t shy away from the tough situations, even if they feel isolating.

Another way to look at it is that everyone has their weaknesses—whether physical, mental, or emotional. The difference is, when your challenges are based on race or gender, they’re immutable. You can’t hide the fact that you’re Black, Asian, or a woman, and that comes with its own set of challenges.

I remember an incident in law school where I was asked to write a paper on how the criminal justice system had progressed in its treatment of race. I was pulling my hair out because everything I researched showed the opposite. It wasn’t until a mentor intervened and got my assignment changed that I realized the task was impossible. I would have failed that class because I didn’t know enough at the time to see I was being set up for failure. Those kinds of experiences remind me that being Black in this profession comes with its own set of landmines.

3. Who or what has inspired you the most when it comes to breaking boundaries, whether in law or just in life? How has that inspiration shaped your journey?

The answer is different for law and life, but both come down to two women. In life, it’s my mom, hands down. She taught me that I could do anything, and I took that quite literally. Her belief in me gave me this drive to push through everything, even when it seemed impossible. My attitude has always been, “I’m going to go through, over, or around whatever obstacles are in my way.” That’s still how I approach life. 

My mom gave me the tools. She practically grew me into a lawyer, even before I knew it. For example, when I was four, she’d assign me articles from the New York Times before she went to work. When she came home, I had to explain any words I didn’t understand and summarize the article. That went on for years. She worked in HR at a law firm, and she used to ask questions in the Socratic method. So, by the time I hit high school and started thinking about becoming a lawyer, she had already laid all the groundwork. It was almost like she had planted the seed long before I realized it.

In law, it’s Nadine Strossen, the former president of the American Civil Liberties Union. She was my constitutional law professor, and later, she hired me as her assistant for several years. Through her, I had the chance to meet Supreme Court justices and other incredible people in the legal world. She’s a First Amendment scholar and was the first female president of the ACLU, an organization that does such vital work in fighting for marginalized people. Nadine has shown me how the law can impact society and how you can push back against injustice. She’s always managed to turn people’s assumptions about her into an advantage, and she’s been an amazing mentor and inspiration.

4. How do you personally define success in your career? Has that definition changed as you’ve faced challenges or overcome obstacles?

That’s a great question. For me, success has become about the joy and excitement I find in practicing law. It really hits all those positive points in my mind. I love diving into fact patterns, strategizing, and learning about case law—I’m a total nerd about it!

Success, for me, is doing something that genuinely excites you. I even enjoy the discovery phase—something I know not many people can say. To me, it’s like a game of chess, where every move matters. Sure, there are days when I wish I were doing something else, but overall, I feel grateful to engage in work that I truly enjoy. It’s not just about the surface-level achievements; it’s about the engagement I feel with my work. In other fields, maybe reaching the pinnacle could feel boring, but in law, I find that the questions only get harder, which keeps me on my toes.

Reflecting on my journey, my definition of success has definitely changed. In the beginning, it was all about getting through those initial hurdles: Can I get into law school? Yes! I graduated. Can I pass the bar? Yes! I did that too. Those milestones felt monumental at the time.

Now, as a partner at my firm, I realize those benchmarks have shifted. I could aim for a judgeship someday, but right now, I’m focused on the practice itself. Winning a trial is a success, but what fills me up is the intellectual challenge and the knowledge that our work has a real impact—not just in our community, but often on a national and global scale.

The judicial branch is an important part of our government, and what we do really matters. While some may be cynical about the law, I still get enamored by the law, I find it inspiring. I take a deep breath every time I walk into a federal courthouse; it never fails to move me.

I’ve been practicing for about 16 years now. And looking back, I can say I never truly envisioned where I’d end up. I just tried not to stress about the future. I focused on the hurdles right in front of me—getting into law school, passing the bar, becoming a lawyer. Those were my goals. 

5. If you could share one piece of advice with young lawyers who are passionate about diversity and inclusion, what would you tell them?

My advice is to follow your passion. Go where you feel drawn. If there’s something in the law that excites you, lean into that. It makes everything easier when you’re genuinely interested in what you’re doing.

A lot of people get hung up on what they think others think they should be doing. I don’t believe in that. Find what lights you up and go for it. When you chase your passion, everything else starts to make sense. Don’t overthink it—just go after what feels right to you. Trust the journey.

Breaking Boundaries in Law and Life is a quarterly column dedicated to highlighting the stories, challenges, and successes of individuals and initiatives that are pushing the envelope in both the legal profession and society.

Co-authored by members of the Barristers and Inclusion sections of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, this column will explore diverse perspectives on how legal practice intersects with social justice, equity, and inclusin. Each edition will spotlight trailblazers who are reshaping the legal landscape and breaking down barriers, offering readers insights and inspiration for both their careers and personal lives.