Tatsuhiro Kubo, SJD Candidate

Hometown:

Tokyo, Japan

Class Year:

2012

Prior Education:

University of Tokyo
Bachelor of Arts

What I Did Before Law School:

Before coming here I had been working as an associate lawyer at an international law firm for around six years and was involved in domestic and cross-border M&A transactions as well as commercial and employment litigation.

Why I Chose Penn Law:

Through my working experience, I came to realize that in order to be a fully engaged international business lawyer, I needed to gain deeper understanding of business and common law concepts and practices. I chose Penn Law because I was strongly interested in the cross-disciplinary study offered. I chose to obtain the “Wharton Business Law Certificate” and experienced several business school courses in addition to Law School courses. I could not experience them if I did not choose Penn Law.

My Best Experience at Penn Law:

Everything I experienced here is special. Especially, studying and playing with new friends from all over the world is invaluable experience.

Professor Who Influenced Me Most:

Professor Stuart Diamond, teaching “Negotiation and Dispute Resolution”. In every class, a certain negotiation situation is given and each student is assigned to play a role of a party involved in the negotiation situation. In addition, every week we are required to have at least one real-life negotiation and report the result of and lessons from such negotiation. Through these practical and real experiences, I could test my negotiation style and skill and learn how to improve them. His book “Getting More” is very interesting and practical. I enjoyed his classes very much and got many hints to improve my negotiation skills and to “get more” in my real life.

My Favorite Course:

“Corporations” by Professor Jill Fisch and “M&A” by Professor Edward Rock. The contents of their classes are very practical. I came to a U.S. Law School to study common law concepts and practices and these courses directly hit my needs.

My Favorite Philadelphia Moment:

Cycling through Schuylkill River Trail.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

My decision to choose Penn Law.

My Extracurricular Activities at Penn Law:

Having home parties to drink and chat with my classmates and to learn different cultures.

My Favorite Place or Activity on the University Campus:

Wall climbing at Pottruck gym and reading books, drinking coffee and chatting with classmates at the Law School’s courtyard.