As a child growing up in a multicultural household, I was raised with a unique blend of traditions and values. My mother, who is Japanese and Chinese, and my father, who is African American, instilled in me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and respect for others. My upbringing was also shaped by moving abroad, but Atlanta will always be my first home, with Japan as my second. These diverse experiences influenced my worldview and continue to shape how I approach my work and relationships.
Like many children of my generation, it seemed like I only had two career options: doctor or lawyer. That decision seemed simple enough to my 12-year-old self, but one childhood incident sealed my fate. One afternoon, I was playing with a knife and a wooden ruler—doing something I shouldn’t have been doing—and accidentally cut myself. I immediately fainted, and my dad caught me just before I hit the floor. That moment made it clear: the medical field wasn’t for me. But what did it mean to be a lawyer? At that age, I didn’t know much beyond the title and the promise of financial stability.
As I grew older, I began to realize that the legal field was my calling. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Language and Literature at the University of Georgia, becoming fluent in Japanese, and then pursued my Juris Doctorate at the University of Alabama School of Law. There, I discovered my passion for service and justice. I worked in the Family Law Clinic and Elder Law Clinic, clerked for Judge L. Scott Coogler of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, and served on the National Board of the National Black Law Students Association. My dedication was recognized when I received the Dean’s Community Service and Pro Bono Awards.
After law school, I began my career in personal injury law, primarily working on auto-accident cases. I loved the work, but when my daughter was born, I sought a more family-oriented environment with a balanced schedule. I transitioned to working as a prosecutor in Gwinnett County and later Fulton County. Each role taught me something valuable, but deep down, I always dreamed of building something of my own.
When the time felt right, I started my own law firm, focusing on personal injury and contracts. While I was proud of what I accomplished, I quickly realized that running a firm wasn’t for me. The administrative demands were overwhelming, and I missed the sense of community that comes from working with a team. I also found myself questioning my purpose. I felt lost, unsure of who I wanted to be. That’s when I turned to my faith.
In August 2024, my life changed when the Holy Spirit entered my heart. I knew it was time to make a change, and I began searching for a new opportunity. That’s when I found The Fairell Firm. At the time, my only experience with family law was through my law school clinic and my own personal experiences with my parents’ divorce and a custody battle with my daughter’s father. Those experiences left me traumatized, and I never thought I’d venture into family law. But something about The Fairell Firm spoke to me—the work environment, the culture, and the mission. I decided to take a leap of faith.
From the moment I joined The Fairell Firm, I felt at home. I fell in love with the firm, the staff, the clients, and the area of law. Family law has not only allowed me to grow as an attorney but also as a mother and a friend. I now see this work as my ministry. I truly believe that as a woman of God, I am here to serve others to the best of my ability. Representing my clients is an honor, and I am committed to helping them through some of life’s most difficult moments.
I am excited for this new chapter in my life and grateful to be part of a firm that aligns with my values. I am proud to contribute to the Spirit of Excellence that defines our firm.
