A Korean adoptee has been elected as the new president of the Korean Community Lawyers Association (KCLA). Alisa Kim Szablowski, who began her one-year term as KCLA’s new president on November 7, is the trailblazer. Despite her petite stature and gentle demeanor, Szablowski exudes determination. She currently practices as a trial attorney at Gladius Law Firm in Santa Monica. Her expertise has been widely recognized, earning her the "Top 100 Rising Stars in Southern California" in 2019 and inclusion in the "Southern California Super Lawyers List" in 2020.

Szablowski’s life story is anything but ordinary. Adopted at the age of five months by Polish-American parents, she grew up in Wisconsin. She graduated from the prestigious Barnard College in New York and earned her law degree from UCLA School of Law before settling in Los Angeles. Before fully embracing her identity as a member of the Korean community, she admitted to feeling like "just someone different," neither fully Korean nor American. Her journey to uncover her roots inspired her to dedicate her talents to the Korean community, and she has now embarked on a new challenge as president of the Korean lawyers’ association. Below is a Q&A session with Szablowski.

- How did you become involved with KCLA?
About three years ago, I began participating in KCLA activities. When I moved to LA after living in New York and San Diego, I felt ready to explore my identity. I shared my thoughts with a Chinese-American judge I knew, who was closely connected with KCLA. They introduced me to the organization, and that’s how my journey began.

- What sparked your realization of Korean identity?
I was adopted to Wisconsin at five months old and grew up there, never thinking of myself as Korean. I simply felt "different" from others. Then one day, I drank barley tea at a Korean restaurant, and it gave me a strange, comforting feeling. It was familiar and warm, as was eating seolleongtang (ox bone soup). When I checked my adoption documents, I found out I had been fed barley tea before my adoption. These small experiences accumulated over time, and at some point, I realized I was ready to embrace my roots.

- How did you perceive the Korean community in LA?
Since moving to LA, I’ve met so many wonderful Koreans who are kind, generous, and genuinely interested in me. Thanks to them, I felt naturally integrated into the Korean community. Before this, I didn’t feel connected to Korea. Now, I see myself as an obvious member of this vibrant community, linked by many meaningful connections.

- What are your plans as KCLA president?
Founded in 2006, KCLA provides free legal consultations to Koreans and acts as a bridge between the mainstream legal profession and the Korean community. Every two years, we visit Korea with judges from the LA area to help them understand Korean culture and raise awareness about the legal needs of the Korean community. Additionally, KCLA hosts an annual "Judges Night," fostering connections and strengthening cooperation with the mainstream community. During my term, I aim to expand our activities beyond Koreatown by collaborating with other community bar associations and enhancing ties with the broader legal and social communities.

- What message do you have for the Korean community?
One of the most remarkable aspects of studying Korea’s history has been learning about the incredible resilience shown by Koreans through countless wars and colonial rule. I believe this resilience runs through me as well. Though I left Korea as an infant, I still consider Korea my home. With this foundation, I want to continue contributing to the Korean community. Through KCLA, I feel I’m not only deepening my understanding of my roots but also embarking on a meaningful journey to learn more about Korea.

By: Hyekyung Hwang

<Hwang, Eui-kyung>