Kate Tuason

International Paralegal

“The best thing about being a part of a global team is that it is such an amazing opportunity to be exposed to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. I love making new friends of different nationalities, chatting and having fun with them, and also working them. It is so interesting to get to know them.”

 

What three words best describe your life in Osaka? First in English, then in your mother tongue.

Independence, freedom, self-discovery.
Pagsasarili, kalayaan, pagtuklas sa sarili.

How was Osaka in reality to what you had imagined before you started working in Osaka?

Actually, I didn't experience any culture shock when I came to live in Osaka, since I had thoroughly researched about it prior to arriving here. However, the work culture did startle me with how long the work hours are, the extreme attention to detail that is expected, and the little-to-no tolerance for any mistakes.

What is the most important thing that working at the Firm has taught you about yourself?

It has been a humbling experience. I have grown to appreciate the virtue of collaborative effort and effective communication. As opposed to giving up in the face of adversity, I have realized an inherent skill to adapt and accommodate irrespective of the circumstances.

What was the most pleasant surprise you experienced at work?

Whenever it is a US national holiday, the pace of work significantly slows down because most of my work is for US-based clients. During those times, it is always a pleasant surprise and I am so happy to be able to enjoy the much-needed breather.

How would you describe your co-workers?

Very professional, detail-oriented, and committed to their work. I can see that they care a lot about what we do in the firm, so I strive to emulate their mindset.

Do you feel like you're having an impact directly on the clients that you work for?

Yes. As a paralegal, I am often one of the last, if not the last person to check an e-mail before it is sent to the client. Since I deal with various e-mails every day and week, I feel the responsibility of needing to provide our clients with correct, sound, and detailed legal advice, as our advice affects their future courses of action in the prosecution.

What is the best thing about being a part of a global team?

It is such an amazing opportunity to be exposed to people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. I love making new friends of different nationalities, chatting and having fun with them, and also working them. It is so interesting to get to know them.

What is your most treasured possession that you've obtained during your stay in Osaka thus far and why?

My freedom and independence are things I've gained from this experience in Japan that money cannot buy. It is such a liberating feeling to be able to go wherever I want and do whatever I want, with the support of high-quality public transportation and a safe, clean environment.

What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?

Being extremely detail-oriented. I am the type of person who is inclined to look at the big picture of a matter, so it took a lot of time and training to habitually notice the small details when crafting every single letter. I owe it to my seniors who were patient with me and painstakingly took the time to help me improve.

When I am not at work, I am

dozing in bed, convincing myself to do my chores. Or out and about, spending time with my friends and loved ones.

What have been your 3 fondest leisure experiences in Kansai?

-Seeing the nemophila flowers by myself in Osaka Maishima Seaside Park
-Karaoke, eating, drinking, and more with various friends and loved ones
-Viewing the cherry blossoms every spring in different parts of Kansai

What advice would you give a potential new colleague?

Relax and don't pressure yourself too much. Be kind to yourself, persevere, and most of all, enjoy the journey.