In Asia’s male-dominated legal industry, female leaders are increasingly breaking down barriers, bringing unique perspectives and prioritising empathy, active listening, and collaboration. To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate these trailblazers, who are redefining what it means to be a successful lawyer and leader.
Can you share your personal experiences on the benefits of adopting an empathetic leadership approach in your law firm? What specific practices have you implemented to promote empathy-driven decision-making, and what results have you seen so far?
Sze-Hui Goh, managing partner, GT Law: Empathetic leadership is not about being soft – but being able to relate to the needs, emotions and perspectives of others.
Our success is down to a team of outstanding lawyers and staff, 80 percent of whom are women. I believe such inclusivity and gender diversity make us unique because we are able to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. I take time to know our colleagues personally and understand the challenges they face. Our choice of hybrid working is a deliberate one, giving the flexibility some may need but working physically in an office also has significant benefits as we are alive to emotional shifts and stress levels. As a result, colleagues respect each other and thrive in our collaborative work culture.
I invest in and prioritise formal check-ins and give straightforward, constructive feedback to team members twice a year.
Colleagues make a point of eating together in the office at least twice a week. The conversations cover office issues and everything and anything that may be going on in our lives. I recommend these exchanges in an informal setting where I usually gather the most valuable and honest feedback. It helps everyone appreciate their unique strengths.
Sometimes, not everything works out quite the way you hope, and tough conversations need to be had. Implementing them with empathy ensures relationships are maintained. Even when colleagues move on, support and friendships remain.
Susheela Rivers, managing partner, DLA Piper Hong Kong: I have always adopted an empathetic approach in my leadership and decision-making, and that seems quite a natural thing to do. Empathy fosters a culture of understanding, trust, and collaboration, which are essential in a high-pressure environment like a law firm.
Listening is essential and I genuinely take the time to actively listen to my colleagues and clients to better understand their needs, concerns, and motivations so I can take action accordingly. It is not always easy but when one is aware of the need to do so, it becomes a mindful act.
At DLA Piper, I've implemented several strategies to promote empathy throughout our organisation. We maintain open communication channels through regular check-ins and feedback sessions where team members can voice their thoughts and feelings—I encourage everyone to "find your voice and use it." We've established specific committees to gather feedback and improve our working methods.
We invest significantly in training and development, offering sessions focused on active listening, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution to equip our people with essential skills for navigating difficult situations. DLA Piper offers flexible and remote working options, which has been crucial for work-life balance. It's about making the right choices, not just having choices.
Our commitment to wellness includes comprehensive programs offering mental health support, mindfulness sessions, nutrition education, and physical fitness activities like chair yoga. These empathy-focused initiatives have yielded significant improvements in employee satisfaction and retention, increased morale and productivity, and strengthened both our client relationships and industry reputation.
Fang Xue, partner in charge, Singapore office, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher: Empathy is an important skill to a team leader, which is particularly true in a law firm where high-pressure environments demand both legal expertise and emotional intelligence. In my experience, fostering empathy within a team enhances engagement, collaboration, and client service.
One key strategy I adopt is to facilitate open communications. Encouraging team members to share feedback and voice concerns creates a supportive work environment. Regular check-ins and active listening ensure challenges are addressed early, making people feel valued and heard.
It is equally important to integrate empathy into client interactions. By truly understanding clients’ concerns beyond legal issues, we build trust and provide tailored solutions. This approach strengthens client relationships and improves overall satisfaction.
