Melissa Telan

IP Attorney

“My three year tenure as an IP Attorney has been a memorable and character-building experience that at the same time provided significant professional growth.”

 

What was the most difficult aspect of adjusting to work in Japan?

Getting used to living in a country so different from mine (in terms of culture, cuisine, etc.) was probably the most difficult aspect of adjusting to work in Japan. But the adjustment period did not last very long, and in the end I found that leaving the comforts of home to experience what life is like in another part of the world was a good decision.

How did you cope with the stresses of working and living in Japan?

Through walking. Osaka is one of the most walkable cities you'll find, and I find that walking helps me cope with the stress.

What has been your fondest experience in Japan?

It's a toss-up between experiencing the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival and having my first Japanese autumn. Both experiences were absolutely magical.

What advice would you give to entry level recruits?

When choosing an office or company, target one that would test the limits of your capabilities at the onset. The Firm is such a place - right from the get go you are given substantial responsibilities and opportunities to push and test abilities. I found it a little intimidating in the beginning, but looking back it's the best way to learn.

What did you like most about living and working in Osaka?

Living in Osaka is a traveler's dream. Osaka is a stone's throw away from some of Japan's must-see cities like Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and Himeji. Hop on the bullet train (which stops in Osaka) and you're in Tokyo in less than three hours. Osaka itself is a great city to live in - it is a vibrant, cutting-edge metropolis that boasts a happening nightlife and the best food in all of Japan (it is not called the "Kitchen of Japan" for nothing). You would be hard-pressed to find a city as exciting as Osaka.

I like how my job at Shusaku Yamamoto has allowed me to work with so many diverse people around the country and globe. Working at the Firm permitted me to learn about the ways and workings not only of Japan but also of many other countries - from Canada to China - through my colleagues from those countries. My three year tenure as an IP Attorney has been a memorable and character-building experience that at the same time provided significant professional growth.

What one piece of advice you would offer to someone looking to work at Shusaku Yamamoto?

Make sure to prepare mentally before coming to Shusaku Yamamoto. Although it is not required to take a course on Intellectual Property, it wouldn't hurt to brush up on the basics of IP to help you adjust with work easier.