BY JOHN SNYDER
OF NORTHERN VALLEY PRESS
HARRINGTON PARK, N.J.—A local family is celebrating the news that the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) has selected Dong-Joo Lee, a United States Navy Judge Advocate General Corps lieutenant raised here, as one of 18 attorneys—and the youngest—to receive its 2017 Best Lawyers Under 40 Award.
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The award recognizes talented individuals in the Asian Pacific American legal community under 40 who have achieved prominence and distinction in their fields—be it the practice of law, academia, business, civic and charitable affairs, the judiciary, or politics—and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to Asian Pacific American civic or community affairs.
The award will be presented Nov. 2 during the 2017 NAPABA Convention in Washington, D.C.
When the news reached Northern Valley Press, we were already in touch with Lee for a profile story, as he was in South Korea for a joint military exercise called Ulchi Freedom Guardian in support of special operations.
More importantly, it was his first time to South Korea since early childhood, and his remarks speak to diligence, community, and teamwork, all lessons he said he learned through family, coaches, friends, and teammates as he took root in the Northern Valley.
Lee, whose older brother is a major in the Army National Guard, was naturalized during college. Now living in Washington, D.C., and married to an intensive-care nurse, he tells us he was excited to return to South Korea, where his father was a proud soldier, as an American sailor advising on rules of engagement and other operational matters.
Dong was brought to our attention by his dad, Ken Lee of Harrington Park, who supposed we might be interested in his son’s story. He was absolutely correct.
Here’s a lightly edited version of our conversation with Dong-Joo Lee:
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“My dad is just being a dad. I’m actually not doing anything special, just doing my job. I’m just one of literally thousands of people who are here.
“I support the real war fighters—including Navy SEALs, Green Berets, U.N. special forces, and ROK special forces—and it’s amazing to see how experienced and talented all these folks are.
“It’s just an honor to be selected for this job and to get an opportunity to be here right now with all that is happening.
“It’s obviously more meaningful to come back to my parents’ home country to help with the defense efforts. I haven’t been back in nearly 20 years, and it’s all the more exciting to come back as a U.S. Naval officer.
“Growing up in the HP/NVOT area, I always felt a sense of community. Back then, I was one of few from an immigrant family in the area, but never really felt like an outsider.
“Because my family appreciated the community so much, my parents always pushed me and my brother to give back and seek a life of public service.
“I served as a junior EMT for Harrington Park as a high school student. Now my older brother is a major in the Army National Guard and I’m a Navy lieutenant.
“My father, who had a military background as a noncommissioned officer in the Republic of Korea Army, had something to do with it as well.
“My coaches influenced me too. I played basketball for Andy Walker in HP school, I was on the O-line for NVOT football under coaches Brian Dunn and Jim McGuire, and I wrestled at NVOT under James Santana, now the superintendent of schools.
“I was never, ever the star, but always enjoyed being part of a team and playing a supportive role. The team- or mission-first mindset is something I carry to this day.
“Of course, I owe a lot to my wife, Dyan, who fully supports my commitment to public service and lets me do what I do for a living.
“Dyan and I were introduced by a mutual friend from church. At first, it was difficult as I was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and it was long distance. But we managed and got married. She is an intensive care nurse in Virginia. We live in Washington, D.C.
“I graduated from NVOT in 2003; was student council vice president and in varsity football, wrestling, and track. Then I went to Boston College for undergrad, earning a BA (double major) in political science and communications.
“Then I worked two years as a paralegal at the Bronx district attorney’s office. From there I went to Brooklyn Law School for my JD and to CUNY for an MA in policy in a dual degree program.
“I commissioned in the Navy in 2012 via the officer program. I went to officer school and Naval Justice School, the Navy’s law school, in 2013.
“Becoming naturalized was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. Being able to choose and commit to a country that provided so much for me and my family meant so much.
“I immigrated to the States when I was 4, so all I know is the United States and American culture. Even though I am Korean by ethnicity, I am a proud American through and through. I live and breathe football and love pizza.
“With that said, it is very cool to be in Korea, the place of my birth and the home of my parents, who sacrificed so much to give me an opportunity to achieve the American dream.
“I don’t remember much of Korea, but I do remember hearing sirens at night because of the curfew that the country placed, in case of North Korean invasion. I remember feeling startled whenever these drills occurred.
“Now Korea is so developed and advanced that it doesn’t feel too different from New York City.
“The people here are very welcoming and considerate, which I appreciate completely.
“You can say I was always the underdog growing up. I came to the States not knowing the language or anything else. I had to learn a new language and a new culture.
“Many people doubted me and didn’t think I would be where I am today: a naval officer and an attorney. It was rough at first, but people gave me a chance and accepted me for who I am. I’m not only American, I’m also a Korean-American. I eat kimchi but also enjoy pasta.
“Sports taught me to focus on bigger things than just myself. I love being able to contribute to a team and big-picture missions. Being on the O-line in football taught me to try my hardest even without actual recognition.
“People don’t have to worry about me. I feel safe. The partnership and alliance between the United States and Korea is unlike anything else.
“Obviously, you can never be too sure but seeing so many troops from both sides working so hard makes me feel confident that everything’s going to be OK.”