Meet Katherine Hope Chew | Executive Director-LA Law Library

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine Hope Chew and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine Hope, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

There is a quotation in the LA Law Library’s entrance lobby: “This Library is dedicated to all those who labor in the faith that ours is a government of laws and not men.” I love this welcoming message because it really speaks to what I hope to convey as the Executive Director–that laws should not be so complicated and out of reach for the average person that they have no avenue to exercise their basic civil rights.

The LA Law Library, second only to the Library of Congress, has the largest collection of legal resources in the United States. While many believe a law library is a place where only lawyers and judges study complicated legal issues, it is something far different. As a public library, it plays a vital role in access to justice. I am fortunate to be the Executive Director of a welcoming place for anyone with a legal problem who is feeling overwhelmed and at a loss in knowing where to find help. Regardless of social status, economic resources, education level, literacy capabilities, language barrier, ethnic background, race, or gender identity, anyone can walk through our doors and know we will do everything possible help them find answers and navigate a legal system that can be overwelming, confusing, and intimidating. The LA Law Library serves as a safe harbor for non-lawyers, many who cannot afford an attorney, who have to represent themselves, or who may not qualify for legal aid. Having been a trial attorney in the private sector and public sectors, as well as a legal aid attorney, I am acutely aware that there is a large population of every day people who fall within the “justice gap”, and have nowhere to go for help other than the Law Library. To many people, the very nature of a welcoming public Library often serves as a less intimidating atmosphere than acourthouse. Self-help centers in the courthouses offer assistance in a defined set of legal matters. But when a person has a much more complex legal issue, or needs help with a topic not addressed by self-help centers, they are usually referred to the LA Law Library.  That’s because we can fill the gap by offering resources in any and all legal problem beyond what the court or legal aid organizations can offer. We won’t turn anyone away if they need help. And because we are open on Saturdays, we really become a safe haven for so many hardworking people who are trying to work full time, raise a family, and grapple with a troubling legal problem at the same time.

The LA Law Library offers over 600 workshops and classes free of charge and also can connect patrons struggling to find social services to meet their immediate needs. The Library also helps bridge the digital divide–while the world starts to depend more and more on technology, there are many with limited resources that continue to get left behind and lack either technological literacy or the resources to even own a computer with sufficient bandwith in their homes. So without going on too much (sorry but I am passionate about this!) I suppose I can say that the LA Law Library is definitely not a sleepy place with dusty books, but rather a vibrant, community center that plays a big role in access to justice!

What should our readers know about your business?
My career path has been a winding one and far from being a traditional journey from law school to law firm partnership. I did not expect all the twists and turns, and looking back, some of them were viewed as setbacks when in reality they were opportunities for me to learn more about myself and develop skills I never knew I’d need in my current role. I think the lesson learned is that it is important to remember that every perceived detour in life, whether it is planned or comes to you as a surprise and not by choice, could very well be the next thing that is going to make you thrive in the future. When I got out of law school, I was ready to join a law firm as that was all I knew what someone does with a law degree. The problem was that I had lots of student loans to pay off, so I took the first job available in litigation while I had always wanted to be in public interest law. The hours and stress of litigation started to wear on me, and I often got depressed that my career path was going in the completely wrong direction. But looking back they were important years for me to develop some important legal skills that eventually opened doors to the area of law I wanted to be in. I was laid off a few times and at the time did not realize those were the times that would give me a front row seat on how it feels to struggle with uncertainty and fear that you just may not be able to pay your bills –a lesson on empathy–and what I need to draw on daily in my current role. I had one editing job at a horrible proprietary college that I hated, but looking back, it taught me how to adjust my writing style from legalese to a style that was much more easy to understand for a layperson, a skill that I use every day in teaching self-help litigants in my classes at the Law Library. I think I would want those who may be experience the same kind of setbacks or surprises to keep your heart open to what comes next. Just always remember that being in the present is going to be how you shape the future for yourself. You’ve always got to try to look at your current circumstances through a lense of curiousity with a hopeful spirit. I just know that when I look back in the rear view mirror, I am often surprised at how so many experiences seem to make perfect sense now, when at the time they happened I spent way too much energy fretting over how things might end. Its important to not hold on too tight to your perception on how your life should unfold, and to just try to enjoy the ride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
www.palosverdes.com Point Vicente Lighthouse
31550 Palos Verdes Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 · ~34.4 mi
(310) 541-0334

To soak in the sun and fresh ocean air in the Southbay of Los Angeles, check out the Point Vicente Lighthouse, a gem of the southwestern tip of the Palos Verdes peninsula. There is a walking trail along the ocean cliff side and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or whales during your walk! Great place to spend with your dog!

Home Page

Park Bench Cafe
17732 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

For another dog friendly outing, and not too far out of the county, visit the Park Bench Cafe in nearby Huntington Beach Central Park. It’s an outdoor cafe paradise for dog lovers and their furry buddies with a great menu for both humans and canines. A local favorite, you’ll have to get there early to snag a table, but worth the wait. If the line is long, you can spend the wait walking in the park along the duck filled pond!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

To my mother: Who left all that was familiar to her in China to come to the U.S. to study as a young student, eager for adventure, willing to take a risk, and never failing to inspire me to be kind, to know my worth, to work hard and never give up, and once I get to where I want to be, to give back because so much has been given to me

To my father-who did the hard work of working on his knees, laying tile and hardwood floors to take care of my brother, sister, and I, and who taught be the value of never taking things so seriously that you forget the joy of laughter

To my brother and sister, who never hesitated to support me when I had to take the bar exam!

To my husband, my best friend, who always reminds me to focus on all the good work that can be done, even when I don’t feel like I am making progress!

Website: www.lalawlibrary.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacountylibrary/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-hope-chew-9a865118

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LALAWLIBRARY

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LACountyLibrary/

Image Credits
Photos by Deborah Yvonne Chew Photos provided by Los Angeles County Law Library (LA Law Library)