Loo_GTLaw

Thomas S. Loo
Co-Managing Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Education: BS, JD, USC
Interests: Community involvement, gardening, Tiger parenting
What I’m Reading: WSJ, The Economist
My Philosophy: No one succeeds by themselves. Recognize you’ve been helped, help others.

How have you personally been witness to assimilation and/or retention of cultural values?
I was among the earlier Asian American generation attempting to enter the practice of law. During this period, the Asian community did not hold lawyers with the esteem of someone who wanted to become a doctor, for example. So, like most Asian Americans at the time, getting my parent’s support to attend law school was the first step. Once in law school, I found I didn’t have many role models who could guide me in the field. I was the only Asian in my law school class.

What are some tips for other AAPIs beginning their careers?
With today’s ever-growing globalized economy and business environment, the AAPI community needs to recognize and utilize language and cultural skills that may normally be taken for granted. Major law firms continue to expand and open offices in Asia, including China and now South Korea. AAPIs play a vital role in these decisions and can be the difference between an office succeeding or not in these foreign legal and business communities.