Meet Our Talent
Danica Encarnacion
International Assistant
How was Osaka in reality to what you had imagined before you started working in Osaka?
I think I always had a vague understanding of how convenient living in Japan would be, but nothing really prepares you for how streamlined life is here. Especially in Osaka, not only is it surprisingly easy to fall into a routine and a comfortable lifestyle, but it's so easy to do "touristy" things in spare time like go to Kyoto or Nara just due to the sheer proximity and ease of commute Osaka has to these places. Not to mention all the fun thing in Osaka its self has like USJ and Dotonbori.
What three words that best describe your life in Osaka? First in English, then in your mother tongue.
Improvement, change and hope. Aliguasen, salatan, tan ilalo.
How would you describe your co-workers?
They're some of the most hard-working, yet unapologetically hilarious people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They really embody the "work harder, play harder" mindset. I know very few people who are as skilled and diligent as my co-workers, but we also all share so much joy and laughter in the interim. I'm really fortunate to work with them.
Do you feel like you're having an impact directly on the clients that you work for?
Unquestionably. Working as a paralegal, you're the person communicating directly with clients and there's a lot of privilege, but also pressure in that. You shoulder the weight of making sure all of our advice is communicated effectively, and clarifying anything else that a client might have questions about. Being competent at my job means a lot less headaches and breakdowns of communication at vital stages in prosecution, and I take pride in that.
What is the best thing about being a part of a global team? What are the challenging or difficult aspects of your work?
I think the biggest challenge is getting used to the nooks and minute details of the work. Because as a paralegal, it's a very well-oiled system, but you have to know what you're looking for. So I think the initial learning curve of getting used to the process and building that eye for detail is probably one of the most difficult yet essentials things you'll have to establish.
When I am not at work, I am
going on some really great food trips with my friends. We really make the most of our downtime to go out and experience all those viral food spots. When going out stops being fun though, you'll probably find me tucked away at home with either a good book or my latest gaming obsession, depends on when you catch me.
What is your most treasured possession/object that you've obtained during your stay in Japan thus far and why?
Unironically, my earbuds. I actually lost the charging case for my old pair sometime around my first few months Osaka, but it enabled me to buy a new pair from a brand that isn't really available to me in my home country, and I haven't looked back since. I use them every day, they're my stalwart companion for every commute and downtime I have, and have been providing the soundtrack for every Japan adventure I've had.
I am looking forward to
my first cherry blossom season in over a decade. I started in May and as I write this it's early February, so I'm really excited to experience my first "hanami" since starting with the Firm.
What advice would you give a potential new colleague?
Take notes of everything. There are so many things you'll learn in the first couple of months that might feel like information overload, but every one of them has a place in your repertoire. Whether they be tips that will help you speed up or be more precise. As you settle into your role, the more you stand to benefit from taking diligent notes and finding the parts of the system that will make work far more efficient for yourself.