March 5, 2025

Grace Pak ’17 on Building a Legal Career, the Power of Networking, and Why Every Lawyer Needs a Creative Outlet

Grace Pak ’17 is a lawyer, advocate, and emerging leader whose passion for public policy and community engagement has propelled her to influential roles at the intersection of law and public policy. Currently serving as Associate Policy Counsel at the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA), Grace is deeply committed to creating meaningful change—whether advising attorneys general nationwide, supporting diversity in the profession, or championing mentorship for the next generation of attorneys. She is also Treasurer for the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles (APABA) and the incoming President of the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance. We asked Grace to share insights from her career journey, Southwestern experience, and passion for giving back.

Who was your most memorable professor at Southwestern?

Professor Dennis Yokoyama and his Civil Procedures lectures. Professor Yokoyama is one of the best, funniest and memorable professors. He is sincerely invested in each and every law student; you can just tell that he wants to set his students up for success. His teaching methodology is so catchy and unique that it actually sticks. You can never forget Prof. Yokoyama’s “homie rule” (iykyk)!

What's the best advice you'd offer current law students?

When I was in law school, my contracts professor quoted from the 1973 movie, The Paper Chase, where the legendary quote from a Harvard contracts professor says: “Look to your left, look to your right. One of you won’t be here next year.” This was to demonstrate the cut-throat environment of law school, symbolizing the age-old struggles of law students burning the midnight oil to master the law. Then my contract professor who went to Harvard law goes on to say, “I’d like to tell you differently. Look to your left, look to your right. These are your support system. These are your networks. These are your referrals for that next case. Build relationships and support each other.”

Inspired by the wisdom of a Harvard contracts professor, here’s my advice: Build your relationships and network. Your law career starts now. This journey is not meant to be taken alone. The journey is enriched by the support system you have here: professors, classmates, mentors—so lean on them and they will too! Academia matters but your character and relationship matters equally, if not more. I encourage you to join student committees and bar associations.

What's your best advice for attorneys just starting their careers?

The world is your oyster. Now go out there, make all the mistakes (while it’s still forgiving), learn from them, and make your legacy! The only limitation is the one you set up in your own mind. We are given the privilege of having achieved a higher education. Helping those around us and giving back to the community is not only meaningful to those seeking advice, but it is as meaningful and if not more rewarding knowing that you made a difference.

You're currently Associate Counsel for the Democratic Attorneys General Association. Can you share more about your role and your career journey?

As the Policy Associate Counsel for the Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA), I track and research leading policy issues, such as DEI/affirmative action, immigration, education, criminal justice reform—to name a few. I serve as the liaison and think tank for Democratic attorneys general across the country on policy issues at the national and state level. Currently, I lead the Reproductive Justice working group and Labor and Workers’ Rights working group where I host quarterly meetings for attorneys general, chiefs of staff, advocacy groups, and thought leaders to workshop and discuss critical issues that are important to protecting these rights. I prepare briefing memorandums, comment letters for attorneys general to submit to federal agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board.

Prior to joining DAGA, I practiced family law, in-vitro fertilization and family building, estate planning and probate, and employment law focusing on class action lawsuits. I’d never thought I would be working for elected officials and am where I am today, if it weren’t for networking and joining bar associations. It’s the connections that we make that can help land us the next chapter in our legal careers.

That said, the beauty of having a J.D. is that we utilize this privilege to practice the law, utilize it shape public policy, and use it to grow your legal career.

Is there something you still hope to accomplish in your legal career?

Short answer, yes and stay tuned!

If you weren't a lawyer, what career would you pursue?

Fashion. Fashion. Fashion. I love fashion and was inspired to go to law school after watching Legally Blonde. If not the law, I envision myself being a fashion designer or a purchasing buyer for a Bloomingdales.

What's your favorite thing to do outside of practicing law?

Of course, there are needs for outlets, and I enjoy designing and sewing causal wear to professional outfits.

You’re Treasurer on the APABA Board of Governors. How long have you been involved, and why is APABA important to you?

I’ve been involved with the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) since law school. I was the Law School Representative since 2014, became board of governors after graduation in 2017, and will become president in 2027. APABA is very special and near and dear to my heart because I’ve met the best mentors, friends and colleagues, and bar associations like APABA helped shape who I am today as an attorney, and this community has been with me through my legal journey and I want to give back.

And as upcoming President of the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance in 2025, I am dedicated to contribute back to our law school students, APA community, and the greater community at-large.

What's your favorite restaurant in Los Angeles?

Now that’s a tough question! There are so many good restaurants in LA – anywhere from hole-in-the-wall Asian restaurants that have over 100+ items on their menu, to-die-for taco trucks to fine dining Middle Eastern restaurants like Bavel. I do love supporting mom-and-pop shops like Grace Café in downtown. That said, my go-to restaurant is JOEY DTLA. Try their lobster ravioli, ribeye, and hummus & pita.