As a law firm comprised of women lawyers who are leaders in our homes, communities, and workplace, let’s take a moment to celebrate 100 years since women began to be able to vote in the United States. We recognize the fight for the right to vote for women of color continued after this historical marker and is still a battle for disenfranchised voters across the county. It’s why we believe it’s so important to vote!
We talked to our Attorney Mei Shih on what inspires her to vote in one of our nation’s most important elections.
womenpowervote #vote2020 #lawyerswithheart #womenlawyers #MeiShih
When did you know you wanted to become a family law attorney? Why?
I always knew I wanted to work directly with clients and so I can help them with real world problems. Family law gave me that opportunity to work directly with clients and help them come up with creative solutions to their legal issues. I love that family law is not one size fits all.
How has the pandemic affected your work and family life? What advice do you have for families working through this?
The pandemic has changed the way I work and how we operate as a family unit. I have young children and we have all had to adopt to a different style of learning and working with one another. We all carved out a little space for ourselves within our home, so each family member has space for uninterrupted “me time.” We add outside time to our daily calendar to make sure we go outside to stretch our legs, tend to our garden, or to chat with neighbors (from a socially safe distance of course). It’s also important to reach out to friends and family during this time. Give yourself a break, treat yourself to an extra scoop of ice cream or a night off from work. We’re all going through this together and there is no right or wrong answer.
As an attorney in an all-women law firm that values diversity to reflect the clients you serve, are there any candidates or groups this election cycle that inspire you?
The Gen Xers have really moved me this election cycle. I love their tenacity, strength and no bs attitude! I love that they stand up for what is just and that they have the strength to hold views that differ significantly from their parents and other family members.
What community groups or organizations have personally moved you to act through services, donations or volunteering? Is there a particular group you are currently passionate about?
As a first-generation Asian American woman, I am fortunate to be in the position I am today. My parents immigrated to the United States with nothing but a couple of hundred dollars in their pockets. They never had a chance to formally learn English and relied on me to help them navigate the English-speaking world we live in. I saw their struggles and I was glad I was able to help them. Because of my parents, I am passionate about giving back to the immigrant community and utilize the translational skills that I have. I am currently a sitting board member and a volunteer attorney for a non-profit organization, International Justice Family Coalition (IFJC), that provides legal assistance and representation to immigrants and foreign nationals that do not speak English who are involved in issues that require a family law attorney.
When you are not helping clients with their cases, what do you do for fun?
When I am not helping clients with their cases, I love exploring the outdoors with my family. We go hiking in the spring and summer to pick wild berries in the mountains. Our summers are filled with kayaking, camping and fishing trips all across Washington state. We continue hiking throughout the fall and switch to snow activities in the winter. I love traveling as well and can’t wait until we can travel internationally again.
