Later Law Student Network

​Brian Fu

Background
I'm originally from California in the U.S.A.  I grew up in Los Angeles, but moved up to Northern California away from home for school (as most Americans do).  After graduating from UC Berkeley with a bachelors in Legal Studies, I moved back to Southern California for work at a non-profit organization.  The work was enjoyable, but I knew that what I really wanted to do was practice law.  That's when I decided to go back to school to get my J.D.

Motivations
Like a lot of people perhaps, my interest in law was first sparked by watching lawyers on television.  Although that might not be an accurate depiction of the legal field, it is the best picture most can get before entering the profession.  Luckily for me, apart from just TV, I also had the opportunity of interning at various courts in California as part of a national program.  Watching legal professionals in action dispelled the notions I had of dramatic occurrences in the courtroom, but cemented my interest in law.

Challenges
Being an international student, it takes extra time to process information that is distinctly Australian.  Although it can be interesting to compare and contrast, differences such as the governmental structure, and even simple things like foreign-sounding names, were curveballs I never really anticipated before moving over.  Also, life gets busy despite your best efforts.  Sleep can be tough to fit in, much less readings.  But shh...don't tell the professors.