STUDENT AND ALUMNI PROFILES

What I Did Before Law School:

Before law school, I worked as a paralegal for a year at a NY law firm, then worked at a tax/consulting firm and an investment bank, both in Tokyo. I also spent a year at Wharton before coming over to the Law School.

What I Am Hoping to Do With My Law Degree:

After graduation, I hope to do cross-border M&A in Tokyo (helping U.S. companies buy Japanese companies and vice versa) using both my law and business degrees. In general for law, I was disheartened a few years ago by the wave of corporate “scandals” because I am a big believer that U.S. law is the basis for, and a distinct advantage of, U.S. businesses and capital markets. A Penn Law degree will instill confidence in my clients that not only do I respect and understand the law, but also know how to utilize it to my clients' advantage, instead of just avoiding problems. In particular, the Penn Law skill set is widely comprehensive yet detail oriented with a critical thinking approach. Thanks to Penn Law, I will have the ability to approach every issue from all perspectives and understand that a series of events can stem from one small, yet critical, detail.

My Best Experience at Penn Law:

Every Friday afternoon because you realize how much information can be crammed into your head by the professors in only a week.

Professor Who Influenced Me Most:

Professor William Tyson because when you're wrong, he'll tell you you're wrong, and guide you with enthusiasm until you get it right.

My Favorite Course:

My favorite course is Criminal Law with Professor Leo Katz because you walk into class a bit confused from the reading, the professor clarifies everything for you, then turns everything upside-down with things you'd never think of, and you walk out of class confused again, but at a “higher” level of confusion.

What Three Words or Phrases Would You Use to Describe Penn Law?

Challenging, focused and non-elitist

Penn Law is Known for Its Collegiality. Why Should That Be Important to Law Students?

I cannot overstate the value of the collegial atmosphere at Penn Law. Students are busy enough, so to have a helping hand at every turn makes an otherwise unmanageable situation enjoyable.

What Do You Wish You Had Known Before Starting Law School?

You will get called on during the first day of classes.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

“First Fridays” – on the first Friday of every month, the museums/art galleries in Old City open their doors at night, with free admission and free drinks.

What I'm Most Proud Of:

The ability to always make time for golf.

My Extracurricular Activities at Penn Law:

APALSA (Asian Pacific American Law Students Association) and the Law & Business Club.

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

Pottruck gym because there isn't a single book in the building – a good place to get away.

Based on Your Experience Visiting Other Schools, How is Penn Law Different?

Penn Law is different because it is a top school that will encourage you to develop as an individual, whereas I found Penn's peer schools to have such an overbearing culture that I would have graduated a different person.

What would you consider the most unique attribute of Penn Law?

Without question, the interdisciplinary approach: I hope to graduate with a degree from Wharton (MBA), a degree from Lauder (MA), and a semester abroad at a Tokyo university – and those are only a few of the options available to law students. Penn Law encourages students to take advantage of all the resources at the University of Pennsylvania, and beyond.

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