‘A New Brain Teaser to Solve Every Day’

Yi Sun Kim Firm: G&B Law, Encino Yi Sun Kim’s practice concentrates on business bankruptcies, litigation and transactions. She has been an attorney for 12 years. Best part of the job: The dynamic nature of the cases. Although the same themes or issues may run across different matters, we are dealing with unique facts, personalities and priorities with each client.  There is a new brain teaser to solve every day, and a new person to get to know and help. How law is changing: The most obvious change is advancing technology. Negotiating, revising and executing documents electronically allows for faster, streamlined closings of large transactions. Courts are moving towards electronic filing and service and self-calendaring, which makes it easier to access cases and obtain relief. We have to keep on top of these advancements to serve the urgent needs of our clients with less disruption in their lives and business.  Personality traits of a power lawyer: I listen to the entire story before passing judgment or offering a solution. In letting a person speak until he or she is done, small but very relevant details will be revealed that can completely change the direction or strategy of a matter. And people are so used to being cut off or disregarded that allowing them their own time to speak can make a huge difference in how much trust the client will have in the attorney throughout the engagement.  Memorable experience: Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles provides free assistance to more than 100,000 individuals and families to address the most critical needs of Los Angeles communities. My best memories are working with this organization, whether by volunteering at the Self Help Desk they run at the United States Bankruptcy Court in Woodland Hills or participating in their emergency response efforts to assist victims of the Woolsey Fire. Every person I’ve worked with in that organization has been so passionate, hard-working and inspirational, and it helps motivate me in my private practice to see the positive impact we can have. What clients should do:  Let me know if they do not understand what their contract says, or what just happened at their hearing, or what I said in our meeting. I don’t mind spending that extra time to explain, especially in non-legal terms, so they can feel more secure and avoid future complications. If they have issues with any other aspect of their business, even if it is not in my particular practice area, I want them to share it with me so I can put them in touch with the best referral.