Un Kei Wu (JD 09)

Could you tell me something special or interesting about your background before you went to law school?

I was born in Macau. My family immigrated to Lima, Peru when I was six years old, and then we moved to San Francisco when I was sixteen years old to finish high school. As a result, I speak three languages - Cantonese, Spanish, and English. I went to college at UC Santa Barbara and majored in Linguistics. Then, I took a year off and worked at a law firm as a legal assistant to get a taste of what I was getting into.

Why did you decide to go to law school?

When I moved to San Francisco from Peru, one of the things that struck me the most was the American legal system - people actually followed the law! For example, in Peru a lot of people ignore the traffic laws and you kind of have to fend for yourself as a driver or pedestrian. In San Francisco, I was amazed to see that there are stop signs and drivers actually stopped to allowed pedestrians to walk in front of them.

Also, I worked for an employment law firm before I started law school. I realized early on that I could use my background as an immigrant and my experience with language skills to communicate and relate to other immigrants, so I plan to practice in the area of employment law with a focus on this population.

Tell me something special or interesting about your law school experience.

I participated in the Paris Summer Program last summer and wished that each of my law school courses were in a different part of the world. Being a law student in Paris and a tourist at the same time was a lot of fun. Professor Oppenheimer does a great job directing the program. I think every law student should consider studying abroad.

Also, working at the Women's Employment Rights Clinic was a nice alternative to a class because I had direct interaction with my professors and clients. I was fortunate to be able to represent a client at a hearing, and to obtain a positive outcome for my client after weeks of preparation. Overall it was a very fulfilling experience.

What is your greatest source of motivation/support as you work towards your JD?

Law school is a challenge every week and during finals can be a challenge every day. When I realize how much I still do not know it motivates me to keep learning and keep going. However, there are times when I do not care about learning anymore, and when that happens, I tell myself that law school is not forever.

What is your favorite thing you do when you are not at law school?

I love traveling to new places or visiting family and friends in Peru, Hong Kong, and China whenever I have a break. In San Francisco, I enjoy going to the movies and eating out with friends. One of my favorite places to eat is Fresca, a Peruvian restaurant. I love to eat Peruvian ceviche and not think about school.

When and where did your wedding take place this past break?

I got married on December 27, 2008 in Peru. I met my husband in San Francisco, but we had actually attended the same school as children in Peru and never knew each other until we both moved to the Bay Area.

What message or advice do you have for your fellow law students?

Do NOT give up! Just keep trying. If you need help, use the school's resources and talk to your professors. It definitely helps to know how to outline and IRAC. I am someone who has to do something first and then see what I have to do to improve. Academic Development offers great support if you need guidance with these skills.

Esmé Grant is the Disability Services Coordinator for the Law School. She is also a 2007 alumna of GGU Law. Esmé is a big fan of interesting stories such as Un Kei's and welcomes students to share their fascinating backgrounds by dropping by room 3339 to say hello!