Dewey Pegno & Kramarsky / Q&A with Associate Christine Kim

Christine joined Dewey Pegno & Kramarsky in October 2022 from Cahill Gordon & Reindel. She received her J.D. from Cornell Law School, where she was an Articles Editor for the Cornell International Law Journal and President of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, and she earned her B.A. in English from the University of Virginia.

Below, Christine talks about her career before law school and why contract interpretation is “like poetry” to her. She also tells us about her vintage vinyl collection, love of crossword puzzles, and her new skill of creating hand-tufted rugs.

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?

Don’t shy away from asking questions or requesting clarification about an assignment. Open communication between you and your team will lead to great work product.

What made you want to be a lawyer?

I was an English major in college, and I thought that the reading, writing, and research skills I cultivated in my classes would serve me well if I pursued a legal career. One of my favorite English professors pointed out that the close reading we performed for lines of poetry or prose is similar to contract interpretation, which I’ve found to be fairly accurate.

What was your first job?

The summer after my freshman year in college I worked at an educational summer camp for elementary and middle school students. Interacting with the kids was the best part of my job, and they kept me up to date on current trends like Minecraft. I also enjoyed getting to brush up on subjects I wasn’t taking in college.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career to date?

Since joining the firm I’ve had an opportunity to work quite closely with partners, clients, and co-counsel, all of whom have helped me grow as an attorney.

What's something our clients would never guess about you?

I recently took a tufting class and made a small rug that I keep in my kitchen.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

All’s Well by Mona Awad is the first book I’ve read in a while that I finished in one sitting. I was fascinated by Awad’s use of magical realism and biting humor to deal with serious topics, like inadequacies in the healthcare system and our attitude towards disability.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Working with clients from a variety of industries. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about technology, financial instruments, and processes I don’t encounter in my day-to-day life. It definitely keeps things interesting!

What’s something you’re proud of?

I was terrified of biking in the city not too long ago, but I’ve Citibiked around enough at this point to be comfortable on most streets.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

I’m not a serious coffee or tea drinker, but I do enjoy the occasional oat milk or chai latte.

Can you speak more than one language?

I’m fluent in Korean and I can understand conversational French and Spanish.

Do you have any talents or hobbies?

I have a record player at home and collect vinyl. I also like to do the New Yorker and New York Times crosswords whenever I get a chance.

What’s your favorite season?

Nothing beats summer in the city, especially now that we’ve normalized outdoor dining.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Breakfast at a local café, bike to an art museum in the afternoon, and end the day enjoying live music with friends.