Make sure you build career networks that are deep – and wide
I recognize my ability to teach, mentor and impact the lives of other women in the legal industry. Whether they are junior attorneys working on a deal with me at Herrick, or those I mentor through professional organizations, my advice to the next generation is to start networking as early as possible in your career and even while in school. Your network should be as wide and broad as possible and include peers who are your age as well as veterans in your industry who can act as mentors. You never know where your next deal, client or job opportunity may come from, so keep and maintain those valuable relationships. Some of the best advice I ever received was to keep building my circle and maintain those relationships. I wish I had this advice when I was in college and earlier in my career. Your next deal could come from your college classmate, neighbor, a parent on a PTA board or even someone sitting next to you on a plane.
During my career, I found it helpful to recognize one’s strengths and weaknesses and understand that there are different ways to market and bring in business. What works really well for someone else may not work for you and that is alright. Not everyone will be getting business deals on the golf course or by going out for drinks. There are different ways to connect with a potential client and getting to know that person and their business needs is key.
In an important extension of my legal practice, I am currently on the board of the Asian Real Estate Professionals Association and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (NY Chapter); New York County Lawyers Association, Asian Practice Committee; and Commercial Observer’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I previously served on the Asian Bar Association of New York, Asian Practice Committee. These organizations not only create a community but an opportunity to mentor younger real estate professionals and students. We often conduct seminars and conferences where we not only discuss trends in the real estate industry, but also provide professional guidance and advice to the next generation of real estate developers and lawyers. Embracing my identity, I strive to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable legal field.
