First impressions
There’s often more to someone than what we see at first.
I tend to listen first and open up as I get to know people.
Once I’m comfortable, there’s plenty of room for jokes, unexpected tangents, and, according to my family, occasional ridiculousness. Some of the best relationships are the ones that let those less obvious parts of a person appear naturally.
The little things
Small pleasures. Serious enthusiasm.
An ideal ordinary morning begins with breakfast for the family and coffee with my wife before the day gets busy.
I’m particular about the coffee, less particular about admitting how long a small repair will take. There’s something satisfying about preparing a cup carefully for someone else—or fixing something myself, even when the result carries clear evidence that I was learning as I went.
Books, swimming, hiking, photography, beautiful scenery, new restaurants, and quiet cafés belong here too. So does finding an inexpensive shirt that happens to fit just right. None of it is extraordinary. That may be the point.
The journey here
Two countries, a long professional chapter, and a new season.
I was born in Korea and moved to the United States when I was sixteen.
A new language, a different culture, and an unfamiliar world took time to navigate. Looking back, those experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t fully recognize then.
I eventually found my way into the patent profession. I began as a patent examiner at the USPTO, where I spent a little over twelve years, then moved into private practice as a patent attorney and became a law-firm partner.
I enjoyed learning about new technologies, working through difficult problems, and meeting people with interesting ideas. I was fortunate to work with talented colleagues and clients who taught me things that went well beyond patent law.
In the summer of 2026, I stepped away from the partnership to consider what I wanted to carry forward—and what else I might be ready to explore. I didn’t have everything figured out. I still don’t, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to find out.
What matters now
Good work, good people, and a life that holds both.
The way people treat one another has become as important to me as what they accomplish.
A close friend I’ve known since college helped show me what that can look like. He is funny and playful, but also focused when something matters, generous with his time, and kind without needing recognition for it. His example—and others like it—has made me want to become a better person myself.
I saw something similar at work. Encouragement could help a younger attorney trust their abilities. A client’s recognition of the care behind a difficult project could mean as much as the result itself. Doing good work matters; so does the way we care for people along the way.
My Christian faith has also become an increasingly meaningful part of my life. There is still much I don’t understand, but I value the time I spend reading, reflecting, and thinking about how to live with greater gratitude and purpose.
I hope the next chapter includes meaningful work, time with family, continued learning, and the freedom to explore a few new interests. Some of it may have to do with patents. Some of it probably won’t. There will almost certainly be coffee involved.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you’re here.
A little about my work →