Corey Scherrer

Biotechnology Specialist

“Adjusting to and thriving in the culturally different and fast-paced work environment at Shusaku Yamamoto improved my self-confidence immensely. After working at the Firm, I feel that I can conquer any difficult life or career situation I may face in the future.”

 

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

When I moved to Japan, I did not speak any Japanese and had little exposure to Asian languages and alphabets so language was definitely the most difficult aspect for me in adjusting to life and work in Japan. Thus, initially, it was difficult for me to find specific household and food items I was searching for as well to navigate the city. At work, I am usually one to hit the ground running and will solve problems on my own so it took some adjusting to having to seek help from Japanese-speaking colleagues over questions regarding Japanese language documents.

On arrival, the apartment arrangements, internet access, supermarket proximity and other amenities were all handled of by the firm's probation housing package. This was great as it greatly reduced the anxiety of moving to a new country and it was a great foundation to settling down.

What has been your fondest experience in Japan?

I often hosted or attended BBQs at various locations around Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. I have fond memories of pick-up sports games, great conversations with good friends, and tasty cuisine from different cultures around the world. Additionally, I really enjoyed the numerous outdoor leisure activities in close proximity to Osaka. At least once a month in the summer and fall I would be at the beach or hiking in the mountains. During the winter months, there are numerous mountains for skiing and snowboarding close to Osaka.

What sort of work did you get and was it challenging?

I handled prosecution work on Japanese, U.S., European and various other foreign chemical and biological patent matters. The technologies of the patents included immunology, oncology, genetics, metabolics, and more. Additionally, I was able to contribute to various litigation projects and legal opinions for high profile clients in the biotechnology field. The work was always challenging, and when I felt like I had mastered a particular technique or area of law, there was always something new for me to learn or a colleague with whom to discuss potential applications of a newly learned technique.

What did you like most about working?

I really enjoyed the fast-paced, high-energy atmosphere at the Firm. There was always a new challenge to be overcome, allowing me to constantly grow both personally and professionally. I also enjoyed experiencing the differences in work cultures between the East and the West.

When I was not at work, I was .....

enjoying the wide variety of food and nightlife Osaka has to offer. Over long weekends, I would utilize the extensive rail system Japan has to offer to visit different cities throughout Japan; each city is subtly different than the other in feel and cuisine. I thoroughly enjoyed life in Japan.

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

Adjusting to and thriving in the culturally different and fast-paced work environment at SHUSAKU YAMAMOTO improved my self-confidence immensely. After working at the Firm, I feel that I can conquer any difficult life or career situation I may face in the future.

What advice would you give to entry level recruits?

Don't be afraid to branch out and make friends with as many people as you can while living abroad. By befriending individuals from different walks of life, you will learn much about not only different cultures, but also yourself. You may also make a few life-long friends in the process! Also, take advantage of the numerous cultural and culinary experiences available around Kansai and the rest of Japan; the population density in the major cities in Japan offers opportunities not found in many other places in the world.