In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
I practice in a variety of transactional work in the areas of real estate, mergers & acquisitions, corporate formation and governance, hospitality, and general business contracts. I came from an entrepreneurial family and I love working with business owners and being a part of their journey to success. I also love real estate because it is tangible and each property is unique.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a psychologist.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when I was asked to participate in a career pilot program where they matched young students with professionals working in their career of choice. I asked to shadow a psychologist, but given patient/doctor confidentiality concerns, that didn’t work out, so I shadowed a female criminal defense attorney. She was so cool and her cases were fascinating, so I decided to attend law school.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would work in a business development or sales role. It suits my extroverted personality.
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
I enjoy the collaborative atmosphere and it is a huge benefit that we have skilled lawyers in many other practice areas to support my clients’ varied needs.
What is the best career advice you have received?
“People don’t care so much about what you know, they want to know that you care”.
I have found this to be so true, my clients don’t expect me to have all the answers right away, but they know that I have their best interest at heart, and I will research the issues and work tirelessly to help them seek the right answers and best position themselves in their transactions and legal challenges.
What is an item on your bucket list?
Most of my bucket list items relate to travel and adventures. I would like to travel the world, try new adventures and food, and to live life to the fullest.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Thailand, but I’m continuously seeking the next favorite spot.
What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?
Lake Minnetonka
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
That’s a tough one – I’m a total foodie and I represent a lot of restaurant clients, so I better not answer. 🙂
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
Working out, cooking, spending time with family and friends, eating, biking, boating – really anything active is great; anything active outdoors is even better.
What is a recent good book you read?
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a first generation immigrant. My family of 9 plus a cousin arrived in the United States together and lived in a converted garage with only one bathroom for the first few years of our new lives here.
What is your strongest asset?
I’m a connector of people. I think that has served me well both socially and professionally.
If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?
If the climate is right, we always explore the lakes or enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful parks and walking trails.
