Diversity Scholar Spotlight - Q&A with Sarah Kim
Sarah Kim, a rising 3L at South Texas College of Law Houston, has gained invaluable experience working at several Houston area law firms and plans to pursue a career in commercial litigation upon graduation.
She also plans to continue giving back to the community that has given her so much. Prior to entering law school Sarah received national recognition during her freshman year at the University of Houston for a nonprofit organization she founded that provided free music lessons to students who could not afford them. Since then Sarah has stayed actively involved in school and her community and currently has several projects in the works that will benefit both law students and the local community.
When Sarah’s not studying law or working, you might find her camping or learning a new language.
PracticePro
Tell us about any leadership positions, student journals/organizations, or projects you're involved with in law school or in the community.
Sarah
My first love is law and my second love is entrepreneurship. One project I am developing is a program that connects law students and other legal professionals to pro bono or volunteer opportunities in their area. I am also considering ideas for several community outreach programs. I am involved in my law school’s Pro Bono Honors College, Garland Walker Inns of Court, the League of Women Voters (Houston), and more. I was also a PracticePro 1L Diversity Scholar and speaker, and served as the Treasurer and Community Liaison for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA).
PracticePro
What did you do (where did you work or intern) last summer?
Sarah
In the summer of 2017, I worked at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas under the Honorable K. Hoyt as an intern.
PracticePro
Where do you to see yourself professionally in 5 or 10 years from now?
Sarah
Professionally, I aspire to become an attorney practicing commercial litigation and pursue the areas of law that hold a lot of interest for me. However, I am always seeking to do more. I entered law school to make a difference in the city I grew up in: Houston. I want to use the influence and knowledge I gain professionally to give back to the community that has given me everything.
PracticePro
Where are you working this summer (Summer 2018) and what are you hoping to accomplish during your internship?
Sarah
Currently, I work full time as a law clerk at Hill Rivkins LLP. I have been blessed with the chance to work under experienced attorneys in Houston and New York who give me every opportunity to tackle complex issues, experience trial life, and take part in cases from start to finish. I hope to gain the experience I need to make myself the best possible candidate come 2019.
PracticePro
What do you do for fun? Tell us one fun or interesting non-law school related thing about yourself.
Sarah
For fun, I like to go camping around Texas and spend time with the friends and family that have supported me throughout my law school experience. I grew up practicing martial arts and kick-boxing, but I am lifetime learner and try to learn new skills (oil painting, sketching, etc.) and languages in my free time.
PracticePro
Tell us about a struggle or challenge you faced growing up, how you overcame it, and how it shaped who you are today.
Sarah
As an Asian female, it was (and still is) a struggle to gain respect from those with preconceptions of how I would or should behave.
PracticePro
What is the one accomplishment you are most proud of?
Sarah
My freshman year during my undergraduate student years at University of Houston, I received a national award for a nonprofit organization that provided free music lessons to students who could not afford them. The teachers were students with music majors from around the state, who gained experience teaching groups of 5 to 50 high school students. The students then gave back to the community by performing at Shriner’s Hospital and various senior care homes. Although this was in the past, this truly set me on the path I am on today. Because of this, it is the one accomplishment I am most proud of.
PracticePro
What is one thing you wish you had known before law school? Do you have any advice or book recommendations to incoming 1Ls to help them succeed or better handle the rigors of law school?
Sarah
First, I would recommend surrounding yourself with positive, supportive, and honest people. The first group of friends I made my first year of law school ended up being the people who stuck by my side. Law school is a better place when you have the support of your peers.
Second, communicate with your professor. Some professors are supportive, kind, and patient. Others, are not. Regardless, it’s your duty to meet and talk with them to make sure you understand the law, concepts, and how they want you to address exam questions.
PracticePro
Tell us about a volunteer organization you are involved with and why it’s important to you.
Sarah
The League of Women Voters (Houston) partners with several other organizations to provide the community with information on voting, naturalization ceremonies, and more. I met great mentors there and love being a part of an active organization that does so much.