Discovery with Valerie Garcia Hong

If you were in my office, you’d … see a dog-eared Bluebook. I’m a stickler for citations. 

When I was a newbie lawyer I … was often confused as the court reporter. I still get asked if I am the court reporter, but now, 10 years later, it’s a compliment.

The lawyer I most admire is … retired judge Lillian Lim. She was the first Filipina-American judge appointed to the bench in the United States. She has been a wonderful mentor for me.

The quality I most like in a lawyer is … good judgment.

My pre-trial routine is … dry-clean all my suits and get my shoes shined.

When I started, I wish I knew … Actually, no matter how many years I’ve practiced, I realize how much I still don’t know. I learn something new from every case I work on.

If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d be … a co-host with Anthony Bourdain on Parts Unknown.

When I win a case, I celebrate by … thanking all the people who helped me. No one wins alone.

The SCOTUS justice I’d most like to meet is … the Notorious RBG, because she addresses difficult legal issues in a palatable way that can’t be overlooked as liberal, hyperbolic mumbo jumbo.

The SCOTUS decision I’d most like to overturn is … Citizens United v. FEC.

A different practice area that intrigues me is … civil rights law.

I can’t believe more people haven’t read … Kurt Vonnegut’s short story “Harrison Bergeron.”

My fictional hero is … Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games.

My real life hero is … my mom, an immigrant from the Philippines, who worked full time, always prepared a home-cooked meal and raised three girls to be strong women.

I can’t go a day without … checking Facebook. 

On weekends I … spend time with my 3-year-old and 1-year-old because time seems to move faster when you’re a working mom.

The talent I wish I had is … to sit at the piano and play any song by Coldplay.

On my best day I … do a great job for my clients, get to the gym, cook dinner for my husband
and two girls, and watch Dateline.

On my worst day I … get through some emails, order Domino’s and call it a night.

The movie line I quote most often is … “You can’t handle the truth!” – Jack Nicholson, A Few Good Men.

The book I just don’t get is … The Catcher in the Rye.

The last TV show I binge-watched was … Breaking Bad, when my first daughter was 1 week old. We were both up in the wee hours of the night. Despite Walter White’s corrupt moral compass, I was rooting for him.