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Ja K. Suh
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Ja K. Suh
Law Offices of Suh & Suh, APC
4660 La Jolla Village Drive
Suite 1025
San Diego, CA 92122
Phone: (858) 622-6279 | Fax: (858) 622-6273
http://www.suhlaw.com
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with those clients who can remain honest and realistic in terms of what to expect from the legal system, their lawyer, and most importantly, of themselves.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Nursing Homes
- Powers of Attorney
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with those clients who can remain honest and realistic in terms of what to expect from the legal system, their lawyer, and most importantly, of themselves.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1996
Bar Number: 186966
Other Court Admissions
All state courts of California, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee.
Federal Courts: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits
U.S. District Courts: California, Southern District, Tennessee, Western District, Mississippi, Southern & Northern Districts, Florida, Middle District
Association Memberships
None
Continuing Education
All courses required by the State Bar.
Papers and Publications
CLE material for ABA sponsored Brain Damaged Babies Seminar regarding Daubert. (1996)
Example Cases
1) My client's ex-husband attempted to set aside a marital settlement agreement (MSA), which awarded ALL community property to my client. The ex-husband claimed that he was legally blind at the time the documents were signed, and that my client "tricked" him into giving up all his community assets. After many days of evidentiary hearings, and a Motion to Reconsider brought by the ex-husband after "losing" the motion, the court conclusively ruled in my client's favor. Ex-husband did not appeal.
2) My client's girlfriend accused my client of multiple forcible rapes over a period of a year. I successfully convinced the assistant district attorney assigned to the case to NOT file charges against my client in exchange for a voluntary stay-away order.
Education
Degree:
M.A. Candidate (N/D)
School:
University of Missouri - Columbia
City:
Columbia
State:
MO
Year:
1995
Honors:
Awarded teaching fellowship
Focus and Accomplishments:
Focus: English, with a concentration on Critical Theory
Accomplishments: Several poems published in newspapers and university press during this time period.
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law
City:
Columbia
State:
MO
Year:
1995
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Winner of the Laura Sklar Writing Award, Represented law school in the regional International Moot Court competition, "Highest Grade" awards in several classes. Full scholarship for 3L.
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of Missouri - Columbia
City:
Columbia
State:
MO
Year:
1991
Honors:
Dean's List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: English Literature
I participated in various student organizations.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California, Tennessee, Florida
Firm Focus and History
When problems arise involving family matters, you do not have to go through it alone. The attorneys and staff at The Law Offices of Suh & Suh, APC have the legal experience and the genuine desire to guide you through the process. Whether you are the husband or wife, father or mother, or in some other form of relationship, we pride ourselves in taking care of each of our clients' legal needs by providing real and realistic solutions to difficult issues.
My sister and I founded the Law Offices of Suh & Suh, APC in February 2005.
Previous Employment Summary
Past employers include a major telecommunications company as well as a "national" law firm with over 400 attorneys.
Activities and Awards
As to my past legal experience, I was a legal intern at the telecommunications company U.S. Sprint. My first job as a lawyer was as a litigation attorney at a major Memphis, Tennessee law firm where my practice focused on medical malpractice, products liability and railroad crossing defense cases. I was then recruited to head the nursing home litigation section of the Tampa office of Hinshaw & Culbertson, a national law firm with offices across the country.
My other employment has included working as a Registered Nurse and a college instructor in English Composition.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it actually helps the attorney to deal with an informed client.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
In certain cases.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I do not do this.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
It is a noble profession.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Throughout my legal career, I have always found time to work as a registered nurse on a very limited basis. For example, last year, I made home visits as a home health nurse on the weekends for a local hospice. My patients included those dying from cancer, AIDS and other end-stage diseases. I think these visits helped me be a better lawyer, since I tend to get too wrapped up in a case, to the exclusion of everything else. Because I am so competitive, I sometimes need to step back and realize that there is more than one way to "win".
And, since the practice of law depends so much on how well one writes, I think my English literature degree has turned out to be worth something after all.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As a practical matter, family, criminal and immigration law lends itself to the more personalized relationships that can be fostered in a small-firm environment. More importantly, these three areas of the law often intersect, with unintended consequences for the unwary. I enjoy the challenges of the "court room work" necessary in both family and criminal law. Initially, I stayed away from practicing family law, probably because I had the same prejudices and beliefs about "divorce lawyers". However, now that I have been practicing in this area, I find that regardless of which area of the law one practices, a good lawyer is a good lawyer--period.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about my career is the variety, intellectual stimulation, and opportunity to meet interesting people.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our aggressive yet professional attorneys will zealously advocate your cause. Our kind and caring staff is fully trained to provide excellent ancillary support.
What are your strengths and style?
I am fair but tough. I will not back down if I know that my client and I are in the right. However, my true strength lies in knowing when to back down AND how to back down.
I do not have one set style. I tailor my style to whatever is needed for that particular opposing counsel, judge, client, hearing or jury. Personally, I favor a cooperative, relaxed style, but this just does not work in all cases.
Personal Interests:
Watching my two daughters grow, travel, reading, still dreaming about the future with my husband.
Office Manager/Assistant
Joy Seo
Fax
(858) 622-6273
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hours and weekends by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Korean
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Our office handles immigration matters on a fixed-price basis. Also, certain discreet services, such as prenuptial agreements, are on a fixed-price basis. All other matters, including family law, criminal law and consultations are on an hourly basis.
Hourly Rates
$300-$350, depending on the type of case. I find that regardless of how much an opposing counsel's hourly rate is, my overall billing is usually 25-50% less because I am efficient.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. The first 30 minutes are free (in-person or over the phone). Anything over and above the 30 minutes is charged at the regular hourly rate.
Typical Retainer
$2,500 - $5,000
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
