Kathy Hao
Attorney At Law, TCW GLOBAL LEGAL GROUP
Barrister Executive Suites, Inc. is happy to announce our newest Tenant in the Spotlight: Kathy Hao! She has been a longtime tenant at our Pasadena location.
Learn more about her impressive story:
At what age did you immigrate to America? 27
Where did you get your education?
I received my BA in English Literature from Xian International University, P.R. China, MA in Sociology from Cal State University, Northridge, and JD from University of West Los Angeles, School of Law.
We hear you’ve raised 2 wonderful daughters! Tell us about them and your experiences as a career woman and single mother?
I became a single mom when my older daughter Jade was 4 and Connie was 1.5. I worked my way to finish my graduate school study in CSUN and a few years later I went to law school. I juggled between two jobs (translator –subtitles for movies some nights and weekends and day job as a social worker for Los Angeles County). I made sure that they received the best education I could provide them. They both are good musicians. Jade plays piano, clarinet, violin and viola. She was in the marching band and symphony orchestra in Junior high and high school. Connie plays piano and Chinese Zither (a traditional 5-foot 21 strings instrument). Because I was the only parent, I had to make sure that I managed my time efficiently. I carpooled with other parents and arranged their classes so that it benefits me timewise. I would join their Ballet classes I so that I could work out, I also joined Connie’s Zither classes so that I didn’t have to waste two hours waiting for her. I made sure they had the best work ethics and study habits so that I did not have to be distracted by their misbehavior. I am proud to say, throughout their school years, I have never been bothered, distracted or worried by their behavior.
Jade received her BA from UC Riverside, and is finishing law school in May. She will be a lawyer after taking the Bar in July (I hope); she also works as a bartender at private events some weekends and is a receptionist at the law school. Connie is finishing her BS from UC Santa Barbara and is currently working for an orthopedic group in SB, while going to school.
They both are very driven, hardworking and goal-minded individuals.
From your website, I can see that you are involved in immigration law. Is this where most of your practice is geared towards?
I have two offices: one with Barrister in Pasadena and one in Alhambra. My Alhambra offices handle personal injury cases. The Pasadena offices primarily handle immigration and business related matters. As most of my clients are immigrants and most of them are either individuals with extraordinary ability or businessmen, I handle most of their business related and immigration matters.
What are you most passionate about in your practice?
I feel so rewarded when I can help my clients to resolve their problems. I am passionate about the work I do and the results we can achieve.
What is your greatest career accomplishment?
I have several careers: I was a college professor when I was 22 years old and later became an interpreter and administrator for China Central PhilharmonicSociety, the nation’s symphony orchestra. I helped to purchase the first performing pipe organ in China in 1988.
After law school, I also taught law at the University Of West Los Angeles School Of Law from 2007 to 2013.
In addition to my law practice, I am also very involved in the Chinese Community in Southern California. I have hosted many large events, including concerts at the Pasadena Civic Center, art shows, International US-China Television Award Gala, televised ICN (International Chinese Network) Chinese New Year Gala, and many, many other business events and seminars.
I am guest a professor for a few universities in China
What can we expect to see next from Kathy Hao – any goals for 2016?
I plan to bring more talented and successful Chinese from China to the United States and help with more meaningful exchange programs.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Travel, I travel almost daily to either Santa Barbara, or Lake Arrowhead. I travel internationally a few times a year. I like shooting, hiking, diving, boating etc.
Barrister thanks Kathy for being a great tenant and for being an inspiration for so many people!
