Written by Mark Manalo J.D. ’24
As a student who has always sought a distinctive academic path, my law school journey veered from the conventional. Santa Clara Law’s renowned high-ranked intellectual property programs and proximity to Silicon Valley’s law firms, high-tech start-ups, and corporations, conceals its lesser-explored yet equally impactful study abroad opportunity. Recognized with an A+ Grade by the National Jurist in 2022 and 2023, Santa Clara Law’s top-ranked study abroad program is the largest summer abroad program among American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools.
The question of “Why Go Abroad?” lingers for many law students, and, as I found, the answer surpasses mere academic pursuits. It provides an opportunity to earn budget-friendly credits, reignite one’s passion for the law after a demanding 1L year, and a chance to embark on an adventure before post-graduation constraints.
As a wide-eyed 1L grappling with the decision of how to spend my summer, mentors I found in the Santa Clara Law community became my guiding lights. The opportunity of satisfying my wanderlust while gaining valuable resume-worthy experiences for upcoming on-campus interviews (OCIs) during my 2L year proved too enticing to resist. Two birds, one stone.
Singapore: Business, Intellectual Property, and the Environment
The summer study abroad program in Singapore seamlessly blended academic exploration with vibrant cultural experiences. The program at Singapore Management University provided an immersive learning experience, intertwining business and intellectual property law concepts with environmental law themes. Lectures were led by esteemed professors including business law professor Jack Teo from the National University of Singapore, Santa Clara Law’s Intellectual Property Professor Tyler Ochoa—an expert in copyright law and rights of publicity—and finally Santa Clara Law’s environmental law professor Tseming Yang.
This face-to-face time with Professor Ochoa allowed me to build a relationship with him, and when we got back on campus in the fall I had the pleasure of being called upon on the first day of lecture in IP Survey because of his familiarity with me. We also took site visits to the Supreme Court, Parliament, and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre, providing practical insights. Beyond academia, Singapore not only offered culinary delights such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chili Crab, Satay Street, and Dim Sum from Food Stalls featured in “Crazy Rich Asians.” Weekends were enhanced by visits to iconic sites like Marina Bay Sands, the Garden of the Gods, Sentosa Beach, and even a trip to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. The experience soared to new heights with the electrifying UFC 275 at Singapore Indoor Stadium and a memorable round at Marina Bay Golf Course, where I had the privilege of meeting UFC Heavyweight legend Daniel Cormier.
Seoul: Kim, Choi, and Lim Externship
In Seoul, my main point of contact was Shane Yoosuk Hong, a Santa Clara Law alumni working as a Foreign Attorney at Kim & Chang. Kim & Chang is Korea’s premier law firm with a market leading position in all practice areas. Shane connected us with accomplished attorneys at a dinner at the Seoul Club, including Hana Joohyun Kim, Principal Counsel at the Walt Disney Company (Korea), and Jungmin Lee, Senior Legal Advisor at Dell Technologies. Our engagement extended beyond the professional realm as Hana, also a Santa Clara Law Alumni, generously took us wakeboarding on the Han River in the Gangnam District on the Fourth of July.
During my time at Kim, Choi, and Lim, I had the honor of receiving instruction from Judge Hong Woo Park, a distinguished legal professional with 34 years of experience. His wealth of knowledge encompassed various legal matters, and our sessions were dedicated to exploring the nuances of both the Korean Civil Law System and the American Common Law System. Simultaneously, my responsibilities extended to conducting legal research, drafting legal memorandums, and actively participating in discussions furthering my comprehension of the Korean legal system. Notably, I undertook a comprehensive analysis of a Securities Purchase Agreement, delving into its representations, warranties, disclosures, and definitions, in turn giving me valuable insights into high-tech corporate and intellectual property law.
Associate Jin He Kim played a pivotal role in enhancing my experience at Kim, Choi, and Lim, organizing daily lunches with various attorneys and providing valuable insights into Korean legal culture. Exploring Korean cuisine, I enjoyed Korean BBQ, Kimchi, Korean Fried Chicken, Bibimbap, and Tteokbokki, further enriching my cultural immersion. Beyond work, the experience extended to cultural and recreational activities, including attending a baseball game between LG Twins and Kia Tigers at Jamsil Sports Complex, attending a match at League of Legends Park, visiting Jeju Island, immersing in the vibrant nightlife of Itaewon and Gangnam, and strolling through iconic Myeong Dong. Additionally, attending the Boryeong Mud Festival added a layer of enjoyment and cultural understanding to my global legal education.
My journey at Santa Clara Law has been characterized by a deliberate choice to tread the less-traveled path. I hope to inspire fellow students to contemplate the transformative potential of global experiences within the framework of their legal education. As a current 3L in the JD/MBA program, I am dedicated to completing my academic journey with a high-tech law certificate, specializing in Corporate Law, and adding a Food Entrepreneurship concentration from the Center for Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Leavey Business School.
Coined by the emerging Australian professional Golf superstar with Korean roots, Min Woo Lee, the saying “Let Him Cook” serves as a whimsical tribute to my culinary adventures abroad while also symbolizing the fusion of academic exploration and personal growth. This phrase takes on a profound significance when your endeavors involve navigating legal systems in Singapore, the world street food capital, and Seoul, Korea, renowned for its diverse and rich food scene.
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