Byung J. "B.J." Pak
Partner at Schiff Hardin; District 102 state representative

As an immigrant who spoke almost no English, Pak's path to success was an uphill climb. At age 36, he's now a partner at Schiff Hardin in white-collar defense and corporate compliance and a freshman state representative, who earned some acclaim as well as some notoriety for his actions on immigration-related bills. » Read more

» Age: 36
» Undergraduate: Stetson University, accounting
» Law school: University of Illinois
» As a kid I wanted to be: A music producer. I loved the music of the '80s and early '90s.
» Best advice: "Don't give anyone an opportunity where they could question your integrity." —Joseph Masters, professor of accounting at Stetson
» Best gift: God and my wife have blessed me with two beautiful daughters; they amaze me every day.
» Dream adventure: I always imagine what it would be like to be in the CIA similar to the stories contained in the Tom Clancy novels. Being involved in covert operations in a hostile territory would be a thrilling adventure—except for the possibility of being captured and renditioned.
» Last vacation: My wife Sandra and I took my two young daughters to Disney World [in May] but have doubts whether that qualifies as a vacation.
» Last book: "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin
» One the Rise means: Someone who shows potential and the dedication to do great things in the future. On the other hand, it also means not yet arrived.