Karen Sun, 38

Photo: Andrew Nawrocki

Stetson Avenue at Randolph Street

Your outfit is as bright as your name. Oh, I really like this dress! I got it from a small boutique in China two months ago when I was visiting my family. My parents are retired and still living in Shanghai, where I grew up.

How did you end up in Chicago? I came here to study law, and I got a job. I’m actually an in-house attorney for the city. I mostly do personal injury defense litigation.

What sort of cases do you litigate? If people are injured on the sidewalk or involved in an accident with a city employee and they file a lawsuit, I am sent to defend the city. So far, I think I’m doing good. [Laughs]

Okay, say I’m walking down the street. I trip and break my arm. Can I sue the city for megabucks? It depends on how you fell. If it was caused by some poor condition of the sidewalk or the street, you might have a case. But if it was caused by your own negligence, you can’t hold the city liable.

Damn! There was a recent case in which a pedestrian was crossing the street and was actually hit by a truck that blew a red light. The guy who was hit sued the city. He tried to say we didn’t put enough truck warnings at that intersection or something—any reason to sue.

How’s working for Mayor Emanuel? The big boss! [Laughs] I haven’t had the chance to talk to him yet.

Does he intimidate you? I’ve heard everyone who worked for him while he was in Washington in Congress and in the White House loved him, so I’m not worried.