Kuo-Yu (James) Pao is an Associate Attorney at Behar | Gibbs | Savage | Paulson LLP, where he represents clients in matters involving significant financial exposure. His practice is informed by a diverse background spanning litigation, government service, and business advisory work.
Before becoming an attorney, James worked as a paralegal at an immigration law firm, developing a strong foundation in client advocacy and regulatory compliance. During law school, he gained experience with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit and served as a Certified Law Clerk with the California Department of Justice Civil Law Division, Licensing Section. He also supported underserved communities through Pepperdine’s Legal Aid Clinic at Union Rescue Mission and advised startups through the Geoffrey H. Palmer Startup Law Clinic.
James earned his Juris Doctor and Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Studies–International Business, with a minor in Psychology, from the University of California, San Diego.
He also completed an Academic Certificate in Entrepreneurship and the Law from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, along with multiple associate degrees and certificates in business administration, paralegal studies, liberal arts, and project management from De Anza College.