May DEI – AAPI Heritage Month Interviews
May 2024
From discussing the individuals who have profoundly impacted their careers to sharing invaluable advice for those embarking on their legal and leadership journeys, our interviewees offer a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.
Each respondent brings a unique perspective shaped by their cultural heritage, personal experiences, and professional expertise. Through their candid reflections and heartfelt advice, they provide invaluable insights that resonate not only with aspiring legal professionals but also with anyone striving for personal and professional growth.
From reflections on their journeys to forward-looking aspirations, our interviewees offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of experiences within the AAPI legal community. We invite you to delve into their stories, gain wisdom from their experiences, and join us in celebrating the contributions of AAPI professionals to the legal landscape.
Thank you for joining us in commemorating AAPI Heritage Month and celebrating the diversity, resilience, and achievements of the AAPI community.
You can click on the names below to jump to a specific interview.
Jerrilyn Malana – Katherine Kao – Milady Cambare – Rohanee Zapanta – Ernalene Rex, CP, SCCP – Jonathan Dang
Jerrilyn Malana
Title/Role: Chief Deputy District Attorney (Human Resources, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Special Counsel) San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Email: Jerrilyn.Malana@sdcda.org
LinkedIn: Click here.
Who has impacted your career the most and how?
I’ve had several mentors and sponsors over the course of my professional career, and I am eternally grateful to all of them. However, the person who has been the most impactful is my former boss, who was the Vice President of Human Resources for a financial institution. She recognized my potential to do more than human resources work, and she strongly encouraged me to pursue law school. Her unwavering support changed my career trajectory in a dramatic way, and I eventually became an employment law attorney.
What advice do you have for people just starting their legal journeys? Leadership journeys?
For both the legal journey and leadership journey, I have the same advice: The path to success is not always linear. It is often a journey marked by twists, turns, and unexpected detours. We need to embrace these challenges, learn from them, and keep moving forward toward our goals.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Learn to embrace ambiguity and the grey areas. In the legal profession, decision-making is rarely black and white. There are many shades of grey and many uncertainties that you will need to contemplate and navigate. Honing your skills in this area will allow you to think more critically and creatively and ultimately lead you to explore various possible solutions.
What’s next for you?
I look forward to continuing my career in public service with the District Attorney’s Office. I also look forward to continuing to serve in volunteer leadership roles for various organizations, including the California Lawyers Foundation and UC San Diego. On a more personal level, I really want to travel more and see the world. So, I’m planning more international travel over the next few years.
Katherine Kao
I’m an attorney at Fennemore Wendel in Oakland and the Chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council. I have been a litigator since 2009, and I’ve been at this firm since 2014. I just passed my 10th anniversary.
Take us through your career arc or legal journey.
I went to UC Berkeley for my undergrad, and then I went straight to law school in San Francisco, which was called UC Hastings and is now UC Law SF. I don’t know if I would necessarily recommend that people go straight from college to law school. I think it would be useful to get some actual experience in the law before you decide to spend a bunch of money on law school. Luckily, it turned out okay for me.
I graduated from law school in 2009, which was not a great time to graduate. I didn’t really have a job. I think the only job that responded to me was a litigation boutique firm made up of practitioners who came from Big Law. I gained a lot of great experience there. I never thought I wanted to be a litigator when I was in law school, but I caught onto it pretty quickly, and I actually enjoyed a lot of it. I’ve been doing it since. I moved to Oakland and happened to find a job down the street from me, which was perfect. The rest is history.
What are your thoughts and views on mentorship?
Mentorship is actually one of the parts of being at a law firm that I enjoy the most. I remember when I was a very new attorney and had no idea what I was doing, and it was so helpful to have somebody there to say, “This is good. You should be doing more of this,” and “You should be doing less of this.” Some of my best mentors who have stuck in my mind are those who encourage me to be myself. I feel like the traditional view of a litigator is that they should be bulldogs. They fight. They are aggressive. They slam books down on the desk. That’s not my personality. When I tried to be like that, it felt really inauthentic. My favorite part of being a mentor is showing people that there are other ways to do this job, and you don’t have to be one type of person. You can be yourself and still do your job very well. I know that not everybody enjoys litigation, but I hope that I can give people a feel for litigation and they can figure out for themselves whether it’s something that they can see themselves doing.
What is your take on community?
Community means the people I have selected to surround myself with, which includes the people I work with. There’s a reason I’ve been at this firm for as long as I’ve been here. I enjoy the people I work with. They are all smart and have very interesting lives and stories. It also means my friends and neighbors up in Portland.
What are your reflections on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
I don’t want to speak for all groups of ethnic minorities, but when you get a specific month, you’re like, “Okay, well, I live this every day.” One thing I’ve been reflecting on recently related to AAPI issues in general is what I’ve seen when rewatching episodes of Saturday Night Live from Bill Hader’s time. Yellowface was still acceptable on Saturday Night Live, so you would have Bill Hader up there pretending to be an ambassador from China. I remember watching that at the time and not thinking it was problematic, but now when you watch it, it’s very cringy.
It wasn’t that long ago, so I’m impressed that the mentality has changed so that when you see things like that, you’re like, “That was not okay.” I feel like we’ve already come so far in just a decade. I would love to see it go further.
I think there’s more of a conscious shift toward understanding AAPI folks as individuals and not a particular stereotype, especially within the legal community. For a long time, you had this idea of Asian Americans as studious, quiet, and timid. They’re not going to speak up. They’re not aggressive. I hope that has changed a little bit and that I can do something to change that. Obviously, there’s still a ways to go.
My parents are Taiwanese, so it’s nice to have a month to think about where I’m from, where my parents are from, what that means, and what foods they eat. I can refocus my thinking around that because it’s not something I consciously think about. The hope is that I can move through my life and not have to think I’m different from somebody else because of my heritage.
What advice do you have for people who are interested in getting involved in DEI? How did you become the DEI Chair at Fennemore?
This is somewhat of a sticky subject for me because I feel like, as a person of color, the expectation is that I will take the lead on DEI issues because it matters to me, so I should be the one to spearhead the initiatives and organize events and be outspoken about it. Of course, I love being the DEI chair, and I appreciate that the firm thought of me as somebody who could do it. But it’s walking a fine line between feeling like, “Of course, you thought this would be for me,” versus, “Obviously I want a say in what happens, so this is something I should take on.” All that to say I appreciate it when allies are there to support, organize, and share ideas.
For people who want to get involved in or start or expand DEI within their workplace or other setting, my advice is to connect with others around you who share your concerns about any perceived gaps, blind spots, or areas of improvement from a DEI perspective, and start meeting consistently to discuss ways to address those issues. If you’re a new employee or you just have no idea what anyone else thinks about diversity, equity, and inclusion, test the waters first as you get to know people. There might be a pop culture moment, current event, or personal anecdote that evokes some aspect of DEI that organically comes up in casual conversation, such as the debate over whether Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter is a country album. In general, I always find strength in numbers because it’s helpful to have someone else with a different perspective to contribute ideas, provide feedback, and spot issues that I otherwise would not have noticed myself.
Milady Cambare
Title/Role: President of the Orange County Paralegal Association
Email: president@ocparalegal.org
LinkedIn: Click here.
Who has impacted your career the most and how?
My attorney at Beckman Coulter was my mentor who trained and coached me on how to draft, review, and negotiate legal contracts. He encouraged me to become an active member of the Orange County Paralegal Association and to continue my education by earning a certificate in business contracts at UC Irvine Extension.
What advice do you have for people just starting their legal journeys? Leadership journeys?
I am a firm believer in keeping in touch with former colleagues and managers, whether it’s checking in to say hello or grabbing coffee/lunch, since they may help you in your career growth or with your next opportunity. Also, it’s important to make time for continuous education by joining a professional paralegal organization and participating in MCLE events and educational conferences. I recommend volunteering to help out in your paralegal association as well as giving back by doing community service.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Take advantage of networking opportunities to meet more people in the legal field and expand your circle. Don’t be intimated or shy if you don’t know anyone in the room. Be confident in your skills and believe that you can make good things happen.
What’s next for you?
This is my first year as president of the Orange County Paralegal Association, so I am helping to continue to build and strengthen our organization. We have over 470 members and, together with my executive team and board, we are planning more MCLE, networking, and pro bono events for the members. I am also excited to attend the NALA conference this year in Louisville and hope to make more friends there!
Rohanee Zapanta
Title/Role: California Superior Court Judge, County of San Diego
Email: Rohanee.Zapanta@sdcourt.ca.gov
Who has impacted your career the most and how?
My grandmother has impacted my career the most. She never had any formal education. She never learned to read or write. She could barely sign her name. I grew up in a bilingual household with her, which gave me a unique perspective on language access and administering justice. My grandmother taught me the importance of active listening and the value of recognizing emotion through body language and facial expressions.
What advice do you have for people just starting their legal journeys? Leadership journeys?
Communication is key in the legal profession and is comprised of 50% speaking and 50% listening. I encourage you to continuously self-assess and ask yourself, “Am I at 50%?”
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Really take to heart the positive attributes people share about you. That is evidence that you are qualified to be where you are and capable of doing what you do.
What’s next for you?
I’m working with mental health professionals on creating tools and tips to better understand trauma and how to provide the healthiest and safest approaches to administering justice in my courtroom.
Ernalene Rex, CP, SCCP
Title/Role: Paralegal/Charleston Association of Legal Assistants (CALA) President
Email: lene.rex.3@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Click here.
Who has impacted your career the most and how?
My children and my husband, especially my eldest son. I wouldn’t have pursued switching careers without them as my inspiration. My paralegal instructors at Trident Technical College (TTC) believed in me and wrote exceptional letters of recommendation for me, which eventually helped me with my first legal assistant position, serving as a stepping stone into my paralegal career.
I lived in Las Vegas and worked in the hospitality industry for many years. I had a life-altering event that made me decide to study law, particularly the paralegal profession. It was tough to juggle a full-time job and school, so I took some paralegal courses part-time. I only had one child at the time. In 2019, I graduated with an associate degree in paralegal studies from Trident Technical College (TTC) in South Carolina.
In the same year I got my paralegal degree, I was given the opportunity to work at a large law firm, Motley Rice, as a legal assistant. I had no paralegal or legal assistant experience under my belt besides my paralegal degree. Motley Rice decided to give me a chance because of the exceptional letters of recommendation provided by my former paralegal instructors at TTC, former bosses, and former colleagues. My transferrable skill sets from being in the hospitality and banking industry for over 15 years also proved helpful.
I later achieved my Certified Paralegal designation through NALA in 2021, and I was offered a paralegal position at another law firm – Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook and Brickman, LLC – where I am currently employed. Last year, I became the NALA Liaison and Vice President of the Charleston Association of Legal Assistants (CALA), a NALA Affiliated Association. I am currently in my first term as the president of CALA, and I am a member of Trident Technical College’s advisory board for paralegal studies. I love my job and the career path I have chosen. I am fortunate to have very supportive people around me for, without their help, I would not be where I am today!
What advice do you have for people just starting their legal journeys? Leadership journeys?
Don’t give up! As the sayings go, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” and “Quitters never win, and winners never quit.” I believe in those sayings to their core. Wherever you are, be proactive and show that you’re indispensable by demonstrating that you are always willing to learn new things and are adaptive to changes. The laws are ever-changing, and it is important to remain up to date with those changes. Join a national paralegal association like NALA and/or your local association.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Honestly, I would not change anything. The journey I took has led me to where I am today. I have learned many lessons in life from mistakes and choices I’ve made, which eventually led to my dream career becoming a reality.
What’s next for you?
I hope to keep working for the same law firm and team that I’m with. Eventually, down the line, I hope to be in a paralegal management role and become an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP®) in discovery by 2025!
Jonathan Dang
Title/Role: Paralegal
Email: jdang05@yahoo.com
LinkedIn: Click here.
Who has impacted your career the most and how?
The most influential person who has impacted my career is Lee Paige, CP. I was in his very first introduction to paralegal course at Mt. San Antonio College. I was inspired when I heard about his extensive career and accolades and his involvement in the Los Angeles paralegal community. Professor Paige worked at many prestigious firms and governmental agencies and was president of the Los Angeles Paralegal Association. I wanted to follow in his footsteps but also create my own journey in the profession. Even after his course ended, he was graciously kind enough to mentor me throughout my career. He inspired me to take on various leadership positions within the Los Angeles Paralegal Association. I am who I am today because of his mentorship and guidance.
What advice do you have for people just starting their legal journeys? Leadership journeys?
You are in charge of your career and must be proactive. Jobs will not be handed to you easily, and getting involved will make you stand out. I interned for two years before I landed my first paralegal position and did not have a mentor fresh out of college. I highly suggest getting a mentor as soon as possible. I promise they don’t bite! If you previously worked in another industry or a different field, you need to highlight your skills! The skills obtained from your prior working experiences can be a strong tool even if you don’t have legal experience. For instance, if you worked as a barista, you could highlight your customer service skills. These skills are relevant since there is client interaction when working in the legal profession. With my experience in the military, my transferrable leadership skills helped me become a leader within my firms and the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
- Find a great mentor who will be by your side every step of the way.
- Embrace learning, and don’t be afraid to explore new subjects and learn continuously. You should also stay curious and ask questions.
- Don’t fear failure, and learn from your mistakes. Failure is a stepping stone to success. Don’t let fear hold you back.
- Be kind and empathetic to everyone you meet. You will soon start to realize that the legal community is quite small.
- Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and stay resilient. Working in the legal field is tough, and sometimes you need thick skin.
What’s next for you?
I will be graduating with my master’s in legal studies from USC in May. I aspire to teach at a local paralegal program in the near future. I also look forward to passing the torch within the Los Angeles Paralegal Association.
Categories