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Miho Takeshita
December 26, 2001 marks the four-month anniversary of MARSHALL SUZUKILAW GROUP at its new office space at 150 Spear Street. As our former SUZUKI LAW GROUP staff was tightly packed together like sardines in a tin can at the modest 220 Montgomery Street space, we were all elated with the wonderful news of the move. Though we only had two months to plan this event, the transition was a complete success. The new office not only provides more physical space, but its location provides mental stimulation for our staff as well. Every morning, we are greeted by the sun's rays that gleam through the windows and provide the necessary warmth and energy that enables us to work efficiently throughout the day.
In retrospect, with the increase of Mr. Suzuki's staff from four people to fourteen people and the expansion of office space over three times the size as well, it is amazing what this law firm has accomplished in a matter of four years. Needless to say, it would not have been possible without the support of our clients. Along with the growth of MARSHALL SUZUKI LAW GROUP is the augmentation of services that we can now provide to our clients. The Estate Planning, Personal Injury, Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Immigration, Family Law departments are not only working diligently to maintain excellent client-attorney and client-legal assistant relationships, but also exploring new avenues to better meet the needs of our clients. Through my experiences working for Mr. Suzuki, I have become well aware of the need to protect the legal rights of the Japanese community living in America in all aspects of law. I am, therefore, passionate about seeking ways to better assist our clients and potential clients in 2002.
As a direct result of Mr. Suzuki's compassion to represent clients of the Japanese community throughout the Bay Area, I have devoted my Winter, Spring and Summer vacations throughout my college career to working at his law firm. Upon graduation, I returned to work at his firm full-time. It was while working at the law firm, that I realized the necessity for attorneys to be sensitive to the cultural backgrounds of their clients, as cultural barriers and other intimidation factors often prevent many Asians from taking legal action against violations of their fundamental rights. The attorneys at MARSHALL SUZUKI LAW GROUP have taught me the importance of providing a comfortable cultural environment for their clients in addition to providing professional legal assistance.
I have also learned that MARSHALL SUZUKI LAW GROUP is particularly unique regarding its standard practice because not all law firms are willing or able to provide this comfortable atmosphere for their clients. Several clients, during their initial consultations at our firm, have expressed their frustrations regarding the lack of cultural sensitivity of other law firms. These other firms claimed that our client's English language skills did not suffice and consequently, these firms were unwilling to represent them in their cases. Japanese immigrants who settle in the United States and do not speak English fluently are often subjected to vulnerability and hardships of discrimination. As a public advocate to the Japanese community, MARSHALL SUZUKI LAW GROUP staff utilizes their Japanese language skills and background knowledge of Japanese culture to represent them in their legal issues.
2002 is just around the corner and as usual, I have set a number of goals for myself. First and foremost, as MARSHALL SUZUKI LAW GROUP is committed to treating clients with integrity and respect for their needs, goals and objectives, I will continue to dedicate my time and energy to providing superior legal services to clients. Communication with our clients is key to a successful client-attorney and client-legal assistant relationship. I plan to continue close contact with clients by returning inquires via email and telephone call promptly. In addition, I plan to seek new ways to keep clients well informed about their cases and resolve their cases expeditiously when it is in their interest to do so.
Thank you for your support and please look forward to a wonderful 2002!
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