In a legal world driven by tradition and rigid career paths, Shiva Bhaskar decided to chart his own course. From the courtrooms of Los Angeles to the living rooms of clients struggling with credit issues, Shiva’s journey is one of innovation, resilience, and purpose.

Today, he’s the founder of Tier One Credit, a company that helps people legally challenge errors on their credit reports. But his path to entrepreneurship didn’t start with a grand plan. It started with dissatisfaction, exploration, and a deep desire to help people find financial stability.

Shiva’s First Steps: Law, Doubts, and Discovery

Like many attorneys, Shiva began his career at a law firm. He had the credentials, the skills, and the opportunities. But something wasn’t clicking.

While working long hours and tackling complex cases, he realized that traditional law practice wasn’t enough. It didn’t feel meaningful. It lacked impact.

That’s when the idea of trying something different—something client-centered and scalable—started to take root.

From Courtrooms to Apartments: The Real Estate Detour

During a career pause, Shiva took an unexpected turn into real estate. He became a licensed broker in New York City, renting apartments, helping clients navigate one of the most competitive housing markets in the country.

Real estate taught him something law hadn’t: hustle, communication, and the importance of credit. He saw firsthand how a single credit score could make or break a housing application.

This wasn’t just a detour—it was a discovery. He began asking: what if I could help people fix the very thing that was blocking them from building their lives?

The Birth of Tier One Credit

With legal experience and real estate savvy, Shiva co-founded Tier One Credit. The company’s mission? Help people clean up their credit legally, accurately, and permanently.

No shady tactics. No shortcuts. Just smart, ethical legal work using federal consumer protection laws.

Shiva built the business by combining his knowledge of the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act with a passion for results. Tier One Credit doesn’t just dispute errors—it holds credit bureaus and lenders accountable.

Credit Myths That Just Won’t Die

According to Shiva, misinformation about credit is everywhere. One myth he often hears? That negative marks stay on your credit forever. That’s not true.

Most negative items, like late payments or charge-offs, must be removed after seven years—except for Chapter 7 bankruptcies, which last 10 years. Another myth? That paying off a collection always helps your score. In many cases, it doesn’t—and might even hurt your negotiation position.

Education is key, and Shiva’s team is dedicated to debunking these myths and showing people the truth.

Helping People Win: The Legal Strategy Behind Tier One

Tier One Credit doesn’t operate like a typical credit repair firm. They start with a deep dive into each client’s credit report to identify potential violations.

If something’s wrong—outdated info, duplicate entries, reporting mistakes—they take legal action. Sometimes, that means sending a formal dispute. Other times, it means suing under federal law.

What’s surprising? Clients don’t pay out of pocket. Under consumer protection statutes, attorney’s fees are often paid by the violating party if the case settles or is won.

It’s a win-win: consumers get justice, and Tier One gets compensated fairly for their work.

The Heart of the Mission: Helping Real People

What drives Shiva? It’s not fame or fast growth. It’s helping people.

He remembers his time volunteering at Project Bright, mentoring young people in the juvenile justice system. That experience stuck with him. It reminded him that people make mistakes—but they also deserve second chances.

Tier One Credit is an extension of that belief. Every credit report fixed is a step toward a better life. A chance to get a home. A loan. A job. A new beginning.

Building with Integrity, Not Hype

In a world full of flashy startups and “growth hacks,” Shiva’s strategy is different. He believes in thoughtful scaling, strategic planning, and keeping the mission at the center.

He didn’t quit his job on day one. He and his co-founder tested their model for months before going all in. They made sure they liked the work, could deliver results, and were ready to lead.

That patience paid off. Today, Tier One Credit is a trusted name in consumer advocacy.

Real Estate Roots: Shiva’s Market Picks

Even with credit repair at the center of his business, Shiva hasn’t lost his love for real estate. He keeps an eye on markets in Los Angeles, especially Long Beach, Torrance, and the San Fernando Valley.

Why? These areas have strong rental demand, community diversity, and long-term value. For Shiva, real estate is not just an investment—it’s a part of his DNA.

Lessons for Business Owners and Lawyers

Shiva’s story is full of insights for fellow attorneys and entrepreneurs:

• Law school doesn’t have to define your career.
• Entrepreneurship is scary, but it’s also freeing.
• Your legal skills are valuable outside the courtroom.
• Starting small and testing your idea matters.
• Serving people well is the best long-term strategy.

Final Thoughts: Doing Good While Doing Business

Shiva Bhaskar didn’t take the conventional path—and that’s exactly why his story matters.

He’s proof that you can turn legal knowledge into social impact. That you can build a business that’s profitable and meaningful. That helping people can also build wealth.

At Carbon Law Group, we believe stories like Shiva’s can inspire attorneys, clients, and entrepreneurs alike. If you’re running a business or building your next venture, consider how the law—and your own story—can become tools for transformation.

Because just like a credit score, your business journey can always be improved, rewritten, and elevated. You just need the right strategy—and the courage to begin.