I was born in South Korea. My sister and I were adopted when I was five and she was seven. Growing up an orphan and being adopted at an older age has shaped my outlook, and I’ve always been drawn to helping families and children. Before becoming an attorney, I was a family law paralegal for over 10 years.
As orphans, my sister and I had to assimilate into a new family and culture. Because we were older, we remember the struggles of coming from a “broken family” and having to build something new for ourselves.
Being abandoned at the age of two, living in two different orphanages then with a foster family, and finally being adopted at five gives me a unique perspective into a child’s ability to adapt and overcome trauma to build a new life. I saw how my parents had to adjust their parenting style to welcome and care for two young children who had experienced trauma.
Because of my experiences, I bring empathy and act as a strong advocate for our clients and their families who are going through challenging situations and evolving family dynamics. As we’re navigating their case, we remind clients of the bigger picture and what life will be like after they go through one of the most difficult transitions. Anytime we can provide compassionate advocacy where our clients can move on and build a better life after going through a difficult situation is a highlight.
I love being in the Seattle area. I’ve lived in New York and California, but Seattle will always feel like home. The crisp, clean air is incomparable. Also, being surrounded by both water and mountains is the ideal setting.