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Meet the Team
Bridgett M. Gloudeman, Esq.
Hi, I’m Bridgett, founder of Bright Side Legal and a licensed family law attorney based in Dana Point, California. I created Bright Side Legal to honor the reasons I became an attorney: to serve others and provide legal guidance centered in compassion, integrity, and heart.
Over a decade ago, I started my career in family law as a legal assistant at a busy legal aid clinic, where I realized my calling to support families through major life transitions. During law school, I clerked at two family law firms, gaining practical experience and deepening my passion for helping others. I earned my Juris Doctor and graduated with honors locally from Western State College of Law.
Following my admission to the California State Bar, I became Supervising Attorney in the Family Law Department at a rapidly growing Orange County firm, leading a team of paralegals and overseeing a broad range of cases, from divorces and custody matters to prenuptial agreements, fertility and surrogacy cases, stepparent adoptions, and domestic violence matters. Through managing high-volume caseloads in various roles, I have gained a deep understanding of California family law, developed strong advocacy and negotiation skills, and cultivated an unwavering commitment to ethics and compassion.
At Bright Side Legal, my focus is on delivering effective advocacy without unnecessary conflict. My mission is to guide you through life’s transitions with clarity, confidence, and practical support, guiding you to the bright side of life’s new chapters.
Lauren Thigpen, Paralegal
Hi, I’m Lauren, a family law paralegal and certified postrelationship abuse coach dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate some of the most difficult and transformative moments of their lives. My work is grounded in empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to making every client feel heard, respected, and supported.
My path began at Montana State University, where I studied English Literature and developed a deep appreciation for communication, clarity, and the power of understanding someone’s story. Years later, feeling called to work more directly with people in transition, I returned to school and completed the Paralegal Program at the University of California, Irvine, with a clear intention of entering family law.
From the start, I knew I wanted to be in a field where compassion and human connection were just as essential as legal knowledge. Family law offered exactly that—a space where I could help people through emotionally charged situations with steadiness and care.
In addition to my legal work, I became a Certified PostRelationship Abuse Coach and built a community for individuals healing from toxic relationships, emotional trauma, and the aftermath of complex legal battles. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside survivors as they rebuild their confidence and reclaim their lives.
Across every role I hold, my purpose remains the same: to show up with empathy, to listen deeply, and to ensure that no client ever feels alone in their journey. I strive to create an environment where people feel safe, understood, and supported as they move toward a stronger, more hopeful chapter.
Our Approach
At Bright Side Legal, we believe the best outcomes are achieved when families focus on resolution, not conflict. Our approach is centered on three guiding principles:
Negotiation First
We prioritize negotiation at every stage of the process. Whether in divorce, prenuptial planning, or surrogacy agreements, our goal is to create a respectful dialogue where each party’s interests are heard and addressed. By fostering cooperation, we help clients avoid the financial and emotional cost of litigation.
Clarity and Security
We provide clear legal advice and draft thorough, customized agreements. Our clients leave the process with confidence that their rights and responsibilities are defined, enforceable, and built on a foundation of fairness.
Client-Centered Service
We understand that each family is unique. Our services are designed for clients who want to move forward with dignity, preserve harmony, and keep control of their futures, without handing decisions over to the court.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
