Meet Justin! Born in Vancouver, Canada, Justin moved to Orange County at the age of four, where he developed a lifelong love of sports—playing football, baseball, basketball, and tennis throughout his youth. From high school onward, Justin worked a variety of jobs, taking on everything from retail and food service to other odd jobs, experiences that taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and adaptability. These early experiences ultimately shaped Justin’s path into the law.
Justin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Riverside, and went on to attend the University of San Diego School of Law. While at USD, he mentored incoming first-year law students and served as Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA).
Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time on the golf course and exploring the city in search of the best restaurants.
Q: What sport best reflects your work style and why?
A: I would have to say golf best reflects my work style because it mirrors life with its natural ebbs and flows. Some days things click and progress feels effortless, other days things don’t go as planned but the focus is always on moving forward. Just like in golf you adjust to each shot, learn from mistakes, and stay patient knowing progress comes from consistency and commitment over time.
Q: What advice would you give to law students or new attorneys about balancing ambition with sustainability?
A: I like to view my legal journey as a marathon rather than a sprint. Work hard and set high goals, but pace yourself so you can stay sharp and motivated in the long run. Protecting your well-being, and knowing when to recalibrate doesn’t slow your progress, it makes it sustainable and, in my opinion, ultimately leads to greater success.
Q: How did your time mentoring through APALSA shape the way you communicate and connect with others today?
A: Mentoring through APALSA shaped the way I communicate and connect with others by reinforcing the importance of being genuine in my intentions with the people I meet. It reinforced the importance of listening first and connecting with others on a human level rather than through titles or expectations. I feel like approaching conversations with sincerity creates more meaningful, lasting relationships.
Q: What is one restaurant you will happily drive out of your way for?
A: This is a hard one, but I’d have to pick Mr. A’s in San Diego. The food is good, the view is amazing, but beyond that, it’s a place that holds a lot of personal, sentimental value for me.
A special thank you to Justin for sharing his experience with us!