by NEIL OJHA (Follow @neilojha on twitter) “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall. Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day” Among many lawyers involved with Nepalese community, Dilli Raj Bhatta has a very distinct identity when it comes to the bottom line: getting the job done. Well known for his directness in dealing with people, Bhatta is a perfectionist and people who go to The Bhatta Law Firm based in New York seek him when the task is one of “seriousness” and the result is to be obtained no matter what within the deadline. Bhatta who grew up among the woods of far western region of Nepal spent his adulthood with hippies to high profile professionals of San Francisco and Los Angeles area thus bringing a diverse culture and experience with him. This separates him from all other Nepalese lawyers whose education and culture is mainly based in Nepal and are unable to relate with Nepalese Americans who grow up out here in the street most of the time without parents/elders guiding them. This distinct experience that shapes every youth is an asset that helps Bhatta relate with people of different ages, cultures and ethnicity alike. Bhatta represents the group of young Nepalese in United States who despite all the obstacles of being an immigrant from a poor nation have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of their dreams and are getting nearer everyday. Bhatta prides himself in being able to pursue his American dream in this land of opportunities and encourages many young folks everyday to do that same. He finds happiness in helping his clients achieve their dreams whether it be obtaining Green Card, American Citizenship or winning the cases that involve gain or loss of millions of dollars. Bhatta is a well known personality even in Nepal as his interviews are covered in Nepali medias whenever he is there whether it be to reconnect with his family and relative or helping community as an NRN or simply being part of different causes involving the benefit of Nepal and Nepalese people. An INTERVIEW: 1.Sir,tell us little bit about yourself. I am a managing partner of the Bhatta Law Firm since it’s inception. All I do these days is work–look for the best way so that our clients can get the result and justice they need. But, whenever I find time, I try to read, learn from my friends who are working for the government or with big law firms in New York.  2. You were working with a big law firm in west coast, how did you get involved with Nepalese community in New York? Before working for the Myers Law Firm San Francisco, I worked for the San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris who is now California Attorney General. Furthermore, I had worked for a legal marketing company called Legal Fish prior to starting the Myers Law Firm. Of course, I also worked for non-law related jobs which made me eligible for the big law firm.  Myers Law Firm was named top 5th law firm in Northern California a few times in a row when I was working there. I call it a huge opportunity to learn and explore from the top notch attorney in the state who is highly qualified and skilled. What my boss did in the firm is exactly how I would like to proceed and adapt at the Bhatta Law Firm. Slowly, we are getting there.  I am a part of Nepal and Nepali community in the US. So, I will always be connected with it no matter what I do and where I be.  3. How do you like it? I like it very much. Practicing law and helping thousands of people is a rewarding job. I feel happy when I believe that my clients have been served well and get the desired result. It is also important to see that justice is being served. Our clients consists from Africa, Latina American, Estern Europe, South Asian and Asia. I enjoy going to courts and getting the job done.  4. Do you have suggestions for young Nepalese-Americans growing up here for a great future ahead? The first thing is to be yourself. Do the right things for you, for the US, and for your community. You will end up being a good person.  5. You have accomplished so much at such a young age. What’s your long term plan? I have been doing my job of helping and advising diverse clients of the firm. Representing international clientele, doing research, crafting arguments  is what I do. Sometime, people come to me with problems, I show them all possible ways out and advise them. They get the result and become happy with us. That is my accomplishment.  Short-term goal will lead to a long term goal, I believe. Serving clients and advising them properly will be my long term goal though it may expand to a higher or different level.  6. You have been living in Queens, NY for a while. How do you like it? What’s the best thing about Queens? Queens is a part of NYC where many people choose to reside because of its diversity and uniqueness. I like living in Queens where many of my friends and family members reside. But, I also go to Manhattan frequently for our city office, meet clients, and friends. 7. What kind of positive developments would you like to see in Nepal in next 2-5 years? I would like to see Political, Economical and Social changes in Nepal soon which can be achieved by putting personal greed aside for national interest and future of the country. It is certainly doable in 5 years if a handful of responsible people try this. I am hopeful it will happen one day.  8. Who inspires you the most? Some of my friends are administrative judges, and some of them are working for the government, or big law firms in the city. When I spend time with them, which I do sometime, we exchange ideas and knowledge. Their simplicity and down to earth nature inspires me to be a better human and enjoy the things I have.  9. What made you interested in the legal field? It is way of getting connected with people and serve them. If you see the US history, you will find many politicians have had legal education before beginning their political careers. It gives me an opportunity to read, research, write, and serve our clients. A skilled attorney knows how to make things simple so that your clients and the judge understand your point and what is right and what is wrong. Legal practice allows me to do so.  10. What makes you come alive? What makes you really happy about what you have done? I am happy for the opportunities and the blessings I have received. Hard work definitely pays off. If you continue to follow your path, you will be rewarded with the result even if you fail temporarily. I focus on long term goals which is what drives me constantly. I become happy when our clients or people around us become happy and feel accomplished because of our efforts.  11. What do you think about the current situation in Nepal? We all know the news from Nepal does not come positive and hopeful these days. Leaders have to leave personal interests behind and trust each other for the better future of the country. Nepalese deserve better leaders and better situation than this.  12. What is the best way for somebody who arrives here as a student obtain permanent residency and American Citizenship? There are multiple ways to stay legal in the US and obtain a green card and then acquire citizenship. USA is founded by immigrants and it continues to welcome aliens to keep such trend. Thus, if anyone is interested about how to acquire a Green Card and Citizenship or have any legal questions, he/she should make an appointment with our office. One of our attorneys can advise properly.  13.What is your vision for your organization? We have done a lot already–from Wall Street to Main Street. We started off Wall Street Office and have an extension in Jackson Heights. Our plan is to conduct corporate and commercial matters from Wall Street Office, and Immigration, Family and other matters from Jackson Heights Office. The firm, as an organization, is rapidly growing nationally and internationally. We hope to continue this pace of growth in the future as per the need of our diverse clientele.    14.What are 5 things you suggest Nepalese Americans do to contribute for the well being of Nepal? a.Do not promote or support a wrong leader b.Do express your honest opinion, if it’s true, to discourage wrong leaders and policies c.Get involved with your heritage and culture  d.Write your opinion or experience about Nepal e.Be proud of who you are 15. How do you think the world can be made a better place for future generations? Knowledge alone can be dangerous without conscience. We need to use our conscience before implementing any plans or doing something destructive. Technology has already changed a lot and will continue to do so in the future. But, I hope that such technological developments refrain from destruction of humanity and nature.   16.Do you think Nepalese government is doing what it should do for the welfare of the people? I think that it can do better. They need to focus on what people want and need, not what they and their parties want.  17.What do you suggest other people who have similar passion to help people but haven’t gotten to doing it? I believe in hard-work and consistency. If you stay at the course, I am sure you will complete the journey.  18. What do you think CONSISTS of a successful man? Honesty, hard-work, learning and consistency will lead to the path of success. First of all, you have to be honest with yourself. You also have to be honest to others so that people can trust you and starting to depend on your skill and knowledge. Likewise, one needs to be focussed and strive for knowledge.  19.Tell us few special moments that make you cry or make you smile from within. When I am doing research on complicated issues or crafting my arguments, it frustrates me when I get interrupted frequently. I do multi-tasking all the time, but researching requires a great deal of concentration and consistency. I don’t remember when I last cried. But I do smile quite frequently when I am able to help or assist others.  20. Tell us little bit about your journey that made you an attorney? Like I said, staying at the course of legal education and accumulating work experience is what led me to be a lawyer. Reading, researching, solving problems, advising clients is what I do as an attorney. We have a good team at the firm consisting of highly skilled and competent members. I want to work at a higher level when this team continues to grow sharper and steady. We have a long way to go but we have already planned out what our next step is going to be and how we are going proceed for the long term.  21. Do you think what you are doing is your real calling in life? I don’t know if this is the real calling. But, I am certain that we are good at what we do and continue learn and experience to be better at our practice.  22.How do you manage your personal life while running such a huge organization? I am not alone on this. The team consists of other attorneys and Of Counsels who are highly competent and skilled. Our team members know how to help our clients and what they need. We are prompt in responding their requests and calls. We have been handing it very well despite the hectic schedule we have at hand.  When I find time, I read, go skiing, take a long walk in a park.  23. What are the major responsibilities in your line of work? We have to be highly knowledgeable and skillful about what we practice. It requires constant reading and researching. We also have to know the law and the court practice. That is when my experience from my last law firm comes in. Our main gaol is to provide the best legal service possible to our clients.  24. How are you handling the increasing number of asylum applicants with worsening situation of Nepal? The recent US government statics show that Nepal is number 5th among asylum seeking nationals. The political instability and situation in Nepal have increased the number of asylum seekers. Attorneys and staffs of the Bhatta Law Firm have represented many clients in all immigration matters including family petition, asylum, H1, Labor Certification, Filing Green Cards, Citizenships, work-visas and so on. Beside immigration law, the firm also practices Intellectual Property Law, Business Transaction and Litigation, Trademarks, Personal Injuries, Real Estate Closing.  25. What is your ultimate goal? Personally, I want to continue to be better at my practice and a good attorney. Professionally, the Bhatta Law Firm team tells me that together we are capable of doing a lot and soon the organization will be bigger representing diverse clientele nationally and internationally. And, I trust them.  26. How do you want to be remembered (after you are gone from this world)? I am working now. When I find time to think about it, I will let you know.  27. Tell us few favorite books you have read or you are reading for some of our avid readers. I still like “Crime and Punishment” of Dostoevsky. I also like “Kite Runner” of Khaled Hosseini.  28. Your message to Nepalese Americans. Explore, learn, take risks, and use your conscience along with your knowledge. Be proud of who you are but respectful to others.   (For more information about Dilli Raj Bhatta and the Bhatta Law Firm, VISIT http://www.bhattalaw.com/)