Personal Statement
I have always been a determined person and always tried my best to accomplish my goals. Despite the fact that achieving goals brings satisfaction, my achievements have always made me aim even higher. Ever since I was young, I have always yearned to study at the Boston University. When I was to begin my undergraduate education, I applied to this institution and my application was accepted. However, due to financial constrains at that time, my family could not afford to facilitate my education at the university. I had to resort to other options, but promised myself that I would work very hard to ensure that someday I earn a certificate from Boston University.
During that time, the available option was to join the Navy. In 1982, I joined the U.S. Navy Veteran, where I attended field medical service school at camp Lejuene, N.C., and completed in 1990. While working my way through school, I could not join Boston University for my degree education. I applied for a chance at the University of the State of New York, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in sociology. During my education and training, I served as an intern with the Counsel to Governor Mario Cuomo in Capitol Building in 1992. In the same year, at the Moot court competitions, I won multiple Best Oralist Awards under the President Jessup International Moot Court Board.
During all this time, I still held on to my dream of joining Boston University. I had ensured that I struggle very hard in my education to meet the standards required by the university administration. I have been confident in every step that I take in my career development.
When I received the invitation to attend this interview, which was only five day ahead. I prepared very well to ensure that I gave it my all. I had never been to any other interview; I consulted from my parents and friends who were already in employment positions on the things to expect at the interview and the answers to give to the panel. I had applied as an associate and eventually got the opportunity. I was on board at the beginning of March 1993.
At Krenzer and Galliher, I was charged with the responsibility of overseeing and managing a cross-functional team of attorneys, paralegals and secretaries in all phases of litigation matters from intake to resolution. I am a self-motivated individual and I streamline my individual goals with organizational goals to reduce conflict of interest. I exhibited leadership and prioritizing abilities in performing a broad range of legal and firm management activities, which included developing marketing campaigns, allocating annual budgets and assessing financial initiatives. Additionally, I recruited, trained, and supervised associates and paralegals in all aspects of litigation and tracked individual staff member progress to ensure compliance with policies and procedures. I also ensure that I abode by these policies and procedures. I also drafted and submitted briefs in support of appeals.
During my internship with the Counsel to Governor Mario, I had learned and developed on strong case management and negotiation skills which helped me in the later organization to design litigation strategies, defend/construct depositions as well as resolve cases through settlement, mediation, arbitration and trials. Consequently, these gave me outstanding recognition within the organization, which at times motivated me through some of their strategies such as tokens and honors. I remained in Krenzer and Galliher until 2006 when I became an associate at Lipsitz, Green Cambria and Scime, where I served for one year.
While at Lipsitz, I demonstrated strong legal acumen in handling legal issues for high profile men’s magazine and high profile clients, as well as in-house issues for magazine and casino. This was quite a new experience and it came with challenges. However, I have always anticipated challenges equally prepared for the same. I have always ensured to employ all the possible techniques in handling the setbacks that I face. Here I researched, analyzed, and litigated employment issues, drafted motions, evaluated contracts and attended arbitration and court appearances, and prepared witnesses for deposition and trial. I left this organization in 2007 when a bigger opportunity presented itself.
When I first joined Skechers, it was a local organization operating only within the United States. During this time, I was charged with responsibilities, which were similar to those that I had performed in the former organizations. However, Skechers is fast moving into the global market and facing different issues from the former. We face several international business issues that require knowledge and skills that I have currently not learned. I am interested in getting involved and taking the lead on the international organizational transactions and negotiations that my company is involved in them in order to maintain my practice and service with the organization.
Even though moving into international markets has posed a challenge to me, especially considering the fact that I lack some knowledge in the international law, the organization has realized that I am a determined person who is able to manage multiple projects while working under pressure in fast-paced environments like Skechers. I have in the past benefited from the motivational strategies such as honors, certification, and compensation among others for my good work in maximizing productivity, efficiency, and profitability. I am currently licensed in California, New York and a pending license in Massachusetts.
As I earlier mentioned, I am a determined person I would always want to keep up with innovations and advancements. My organization has presented a challenge that has called for adjustments. I have also been determined to study at Boston University, which I have always known to offer the best in Executive LLM program in International Business Law, which I intend to study. I have always studied in institutions that my family could afford, not the institutions of my dream. I failed to join on my first application as a young learner because of financial constrains within my family. I have saved enough money to sponsor my education at Boston University and I am confident that if the admission board could grant me an opportunity, I would be available and capable.
I have never been a failure in my education and professional experience. I have always been on the forefront of the organizations I have served, gaining several considerations, honors and appointments. With this attribute, I am confident that I would produce the best of the expectations of a Boston University student: always delivering assignments accurately and on time. Secondly, I have always tried balancing work with other activities such as community service, studies, and extra curricula activities. These have always worked well with me, which has given me the confidence that I could study as I work, which I am confident the Boston University legalizes.
I am aware of the fact that some candidates for this program are younger than I am and have less experience in the International Business Law. Nevertheless, the challenges I have received in my working work experience have served as a guide to show me the things I need in order to accomplish my goals in life. I am also confident I can compete as other candidates. If my application meets your consideration, I promise to carry the banner of Boston University and demonstrate desirable attributes by all the students and administration.
Thank you for your consideration.
