A Fort Lee resident for the past decade, Paul K. Yoon is the second Korean-American to be elected as council member in the Borough of Fort Lee.
Local Government Career
Yoon started his career in government when he served as special assistant to Washington D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams where he assisted with the advancement of legislation and policies in partnership with the federal government, local and state governments and agencies and other organizations. He is a graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and New York Law School.
Career
An experienced trial attorney in the areas of commercial litigation and criminal defense, Yoon is a partner at Florio Perrucci Steinhardt and Fader, and throughout his career, he has represented international and domestic clients in commercial litigation and criminal defense matters. His past experience includes serving as assistant prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and he began his career as a law clerk to the Honorable Joseph P. Donohue of the Superior Court in New Jersey. He has been recognized by Super Lawyer magazine as a “Rising Star” and has been designated a CUP Catalyst Change Agent - Law by the Council of Urban Professionals which recognizes the accomplishments of leaders who simultaneously make a significant impact on their community. Yoon previously received the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and has served on the Criminal Practice Committee for the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Community Organizations
As an active member of numerous community service organizations, Yoon has served on the board of directors for the Center for Hope and Safety, Korean American Family Service Center, and the Korean American League for Civic Action. He was also the past president of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey and the Korean American Association of Fort Lee. As a liaison to the Film Commission, he is excited to be on the team that is bringing the town’s Barrymore Film Center to life, which he believes will be an anchor for Fort Lee’s history as America’s first Film town.
Community Involvement
Yoon believes in a smarter government that has buy-in and input from residents. People should always come before politics, and that concerns on the local level, such potholes and property taxes, are just as important as big picture issues. The young Councilman also sees growth in the community as being pivotal for the town’s success and sites projects such as The Modern apartment development as a plus for the community.
Korean-American Community Involvement
As a Korean-American, one of Yoon’s objectives is to bring the Korean-American community more into the mainstream. He believes it is better for business, for the economy and for the Korean-American community when people get involved. Although there may be a language barrier with the first generation of Korean-Americans, the second and third generation needs to work towards more integration which will bring about a more common bond in the community.
Personal Life
Yoon believes that family should be one’s top priority and strives to be a good father and husband. He has been married to his wife, Judy, since 2006, has a two young sons, Colin and Julian.