"Got a Minute?" with LL.M. student Jonathan Jo

Welcome to the second season of UW Law’s “Got a Minute?” series. Like last year, we’ll find students throughout William H. Gates Hall and ask them 20 questions about their law school experience, a bit about themselves and occasionally drop in a pop quiz or two.

This week, we’re featuring Jonathan Jo, a Sustainable International Development LL.M. student.

UW Law: Are you originally from Seattle, and if not, where?

Jonathan Jo (JJ): No, I'm originally from the Philippines, in Manila.

UW Law: What's one interesting fact about where you’re from?

JJ: People think it's just one city, but it’s a metropolitan area composed of 17 cities. We call it Metro Manila.

UW Law: Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?

JJ: I got my undergrad and J.D. degrees from Ateneo de Manila University.

UW Law: Did you take time off between receiving your J.D. degree and beginning the LL.M. program?

JJ: Yeah. I graduated in 2013. I worked first in a private law firm when I passed the bar in 2014, then I worked at an energy company. I worked abroad for a while also, and now I'm currently employed for the government.

UW Law: What would you say is one thing that every LL.M. student should do while in law school?

JJ: I would say make friends because building connections is important. So, not just studying, but learning from other cultures, which is a good way to learn.

UW Law: What's one interesting thing you've learned recently in a class?

JJ: I learned recently how the Canadian government has a duty towards its indigenous people, which is different compared to the U.S. And though both countries came from the British, they played out differently in history and how they treated the indigenous peoples in their countries.

UW Law: What's one thing that every visitor to Seattle should go see or do?

JJ: If you're a first timer, I would say the Space Needle — and Kerry Park or Gas Works, if you want a good view of the city.

UW Law: How many justices made up the first Supreme Court?

JJ: Seven?

UW Law: Oddly enough, it was six. Do you have any secret talents?

JJ: I used to do kung fu when I was younger.

UW Law: What area of law would you like to pursue after you receive your LL.M.?

JJ: I'm doing an indigenous rights track here, so I think I'm going to stay doing that.

UW Law: In 30 seconds, list as many UW Law professors as you can. Go!

JJ: Mills, Nguyen, Eberhard, Lenga-Long, Ramasastry, Giovarelli, Gannett, Brown, Raigrodski, Knudsen, Bosch, Page, Zang, Cimini, Williams.

UW Law: 15! That’s a new record! Good job. What achievement or accomplishment are you most proud of?

JJ: Before I came here, I led a project back home where we revised a set of rules that allowed more access to justice for indigenous peoples.

UW Law: Do you have any fun plans for spring break?

JJ: Yeah, actually. I’ve made plans to go to Alberta and British Columbia. I’ll be visiting Banff and Jasper.

UW Law: Which law school is the oldest in the United States?

JJ: Somewhere in Delaware?

UW Law: Good guess, but no. William and Mary. What's been your favorite class so far, and why?

JJ: I took an American Indian law class last quarter, so I guess that would be one of my favorite ones because I learned a lot from that class. And Professor Mills is great.

UW Law: If you weren't pursuing a law degree, what would you be doing instead?

JJ: I would either be a wildlife photographer or a traveling vet around the world.

UW Law: What's been your favorite memory from law school so far?

JJ: When we had a Thanksgiving potluck and the students brought their dishes from their own countries, and we shared a meal. I brought a roast pig and I had to carve it in front of everyone.

UW Law: Can you name a lawyer who inspires you and why?

JJ: I would say Professor Ramasastry, Professor Mills and Professor Eberhard. Professor Ramasastry because she teaches in a way that's easy to understand and is relevant to the world today. Professor Mills because he puts value on critical thinking in class and he’s very nice and approachable. And Professor Eberhard for his passion for the work that he does. He’s been teaching indigenous law for, I think, 40 years or more.

UW Law: Is there anyone you would like to give a shoutout to?

JJ: My mom, who's back in the Philippines, and my sister who's in Singapore.

UW Law: What's one interesting thing about you that people may not know?

JJ: I climbed the tallest mountain in [Maritime] Southeast Asia, which is in Malaysia, and is called Mount Kinabalu.