The DC Bar Foundation is fortunate to have dedicated and passionate leadership members who support our work to expand access to justice in the District. Today, we feature Chris Sakauye, Associate at Dykema and member of the Foundation’s Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council.
Where did you grow up?
San Francisco Bay Area
What brought you to DC?
Law School
What was your first job in DC, and what did you learn?
Judicial Intern, Office of Hearings, Department of Transportation. I learned so much about the intricacies of the FAA and the strict requirements we have for the air traffic controllers we trust to keep everything running. Most importantly, though, I got to see the focus and attention to detail judges exercise in making decisions that can have huge impacts on real people’s lives. It made me see the value of having a passionate and tireless judiciary.
Daily Habit
Reading at least three articles while I’m getting ready for work. It is a great way to get your brain revved up for the day, and you already have something to talk to people about by the time you get into the office.
You get one extra hour of free time per day. How do you use it?
Watching any new Netflix show with my wife. We’re both extremely dedicated to our careers and could always use more time together.
What was the last restaurant you ate at?
Immigrant Food! Can’t recommend it enough!
Guilty Pleasure
Key Lime Pie
One Item from your Bucket List
Travel to Japan and see the farm my great-grandmother grew up on.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to make people optimistic.
What would you title your autobiography?
An error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.
What is your favorite museum in DC?
Planet Word is my favorite new museum in DC. There is so much interesting history to the language we use every day, and the interactive exhibits are so engaging. Plus, it’s free!
Most rewarding element of your work
Knowing I contributed to my team.
If I hadn’t become a lawyer, I would be a...
Chef.
Legal aid is important to me because...
nobody should ever have to face the justice system alone.
Your dream for our legal system is...
a system that applies to each individual equally, no matter their race, religion, sex, or age.
A little-known fact about your organization
Dykema has had a long tradition of commitment to pro bono legal service. Our pro bono representation of Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith in the famous Keith case involving illegal government surveillance of unpopular groups during the 1960s has been recognized as a significant legal milestone.