Kimpo Ngoi Kimpo Ngoi is a first-year student at Berkeley Law (Boalt Hall). He received his undergraduate degree in UCLA in 2007, majoring in political science. Kimpo is currently involved with APALSA as a first year representative. (Interview by David Lee and Tracy Leong) Can you tell us about your family background? My father grew up in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, while my mom grew up on the border of Vietnam and Cambodia. Both of them were imprisoned in concentration camps the day Pol Pot took over, and both were released the day the Vietnamese invaded. After getting married, my father decided that Cambodia was no place for him to raise a family; the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge Revolution left the country politically unstable and economically bleak. Thus, my parents got on a small boat with some 13 other people, and made their way down to Thailand hoping for refuge.

How did you grow up after that?
Thailand actually granted my parents a place in a refugee camp, and my mother gave birth to me a few months later. We were there for 4 1/2 years until we located my grandparents, who were living in New Mexico at the time. We then lived in the Philippines for another 6 months, and then finally made our way over to the States.

You lived in a refugee camp? Can you tell us more about that experience?
Frankly, I don't remember too much about the refugee camp. Most of my childhood memories are from the Philippines. What I can tell you are two things: (1) I spent most of my time walking to my neighbors' homes talking to them in Vietnamese (about what, I don't know); and (2) I had my first experience with alcohol in that camp at the ripe age of 20 months when my father allowed my neighbors to feed me wine.

You experienced a summer abroad; how exactly did you end up going abroad?  What was that like?
My summer abroad occurred right before law school, and it only lasted a month. It was enjoyable. I went to Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan for the first time. Interesting countries, interesting food, and definitely colorful people. I actually got to meet some family for the first time and that was neat. However, I'm going to make it a point to travel to surrounding countries the next time I go over, and limit my stay in each area to 5 days. And to also have a travel buddy.

How is your 1L year coming along?
My 1L year is coming along splendidly. I love the Bay Area, people here are agreeable, and the education I'm receiving is awesome. It definitely helped that I came in expecting the worst, haha. Expectations make a big difference.

What do you like most about 1L year at Boalt?
What I like most would probably be the friendships I've made already. I met awesome people during the first week and they've really made Boalt feel like a second home.

What do you dislike most about your 1L year at Boalt?
The only thing I probably dislike is the school's aesthetics. It needs a lot of reconstructive surgery. I know, very superficial of me, but I do come from L.A.

You went to UCLA for undergrad. Are you one of "those people" that stay true to the Bruins?
Yes, I choose to maintain my Bruin citizenship. However, I do so only as a matter of respect. I wouldn't say my undergraduate experience was perfect, but I can't betray the school that shaped me into the person I am today. Besides, the Bruin mascot is way more attractive than the Oskie.

What are your impressions of APALSA?
Can I plead the Fifth? I kid. APALSA's great. In addition to the social aspect, I think it functions as an amazing resource. The 2Ls and 3Ls are very kind and generous with their time, and the organization puts on amazing academic events that illustrate the initiative that students should have in helping each other.

The word on the street is that you’re involved with CARC; can you explain what that is?
 I got involved with CARC, the California Asylum Representation Clinic, after attending an info session. Participants receive clients who are fleeing their country due to persecution, and seeking asylum in the States. People get to interview their clients, write Declarations telling their story, research country conditions and write reports, etc... It's an experience that really provides perspective. We get so caught up in our classes that we forget that there are people out there who have real problems that aren't easily dispensed. I would recommend it to anyone with any inclination to help another.

What kind of law do you want to practice? What do you hope to do next summer?
I'm interested in trademark. The idea of trying to enforce a brand and limit improper usage sounds fascinating. I'll have to wait and see how I feel after my first Intro to IP class. I look forward to just working next summer. A firm job will give me great experience in a fast-paced environment, but I imagine public interest work would do the same.  Perhaps something with the ACLU?  I look forward to the developments that are coming with the appeal against Proposition 8.

APALSA would like to thank Kimpo for participating in the Featured Member of the Month interview.