14 ASIAN LEGAL BUSINESS – AUGUST 2024 WWW.LEGALBUSINESSONLINE.COM which greatly enhance a firm’s overall performance and innovation. In addition, female leaders who are highly visible in their positions serve as influential role models and mentors.” Mayuree Sapsutthiporn, partner and head of the China practice at Thai law firm Kudun & Partners says, “As the first female partner and the only female equity partner at KAP, I strive to instil a strong sense of KAP culture that balances fairness, performance-driven practices, and strong empathy. Leveraging my strengths in compromising and active listening, I work to understand and bridge the various factions within the firm. Building trust is crucial, so I spend time with each faction, ensuring they see that the changes I am implementing are meant to support and benefit them.” Setsuko Yufu, senior partner at Japanese law firm Atsumi & Sakai, says, “Nowadays, people are well aware that the involvement of women leaders allows for different perspectives on issues and diversified eyes effectively yield more creative decisions. However, unfortunately, people have not yet achieved proficiency in fostering women leaders during the ordinary course of business.” IMPACT OF SOCIETAL AND CULTURAL NORMS ON CAREER PROGRESSION Hien Truc Nguyen, partner and director at top Vietnamese law firm VILAF says, “Traditional roles often place women as primary caregivers, creating challenges in balancing family and professional responsibilities. This can limit career advancement opportunities due to the perceived need for women to prioritise family over work. Additionally, cultural norms sometimes undervalue women’s contributions in the workplace, leading to fewer leadership opportunities and slower career progression. Despite these challenges, many Vietnamese women are breaking these barriers, supported by progressive policies and a growing emphasis on gender equality.” Blossom Hing, Singapore-based director at Drew & Napier adds, “It is not uncommon for the number of females to exceed the number of male applicants to law school and also when they enter into the legal profession. So at a junior level, there is often parity or even more men than women who enter the profession. But as young lawyers progress in their careers, the number of women lawyers who hold senior positions tends to decrease in comparison to their male counterparts. It is therefore important for senior female lawyers to constantly lean in to be role models for the younger generations.” Du-Baladad at BDB Law echoes the sentiment and adds, “As in many jurisdictions, the legal profession in the Philippines has historically been predominantly male, shaped by societal expectations and traditional gender roles that the legal profession is reserved for men. Thanks to the many strong female lawyers with strong resolve to remove those gender biases, BROUGHT TO YOU BY VILAF A conversation with Ms. Nguyen Truc Hien How do you balance the demands of a highprofile legal career with your personal life? Balancing the demands of a high-profile legal career with personal life requires careful planning and prioritization. I focus on maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal time, setting aside time for family and personal pursuits. Delegating tasks effectively and leveraging technology for efficiency also helps manage workload. Additionally, I prioritize self-care and make time for activities that rejuvenate me, recognizing that maintaining well-being is crucial for sustained professional success. By staying organized and mindful of my priorities, I can achieve a fulfilling balance between my career and personal life. What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the legal profession, especially in Asia? For young women aspiring to enter the legal profession in Asia, aim for academic and professional excellence to distinguish yourself in a competitive field. Seek out mentors for guidance and commit to lifelong learning to stay current with legal and technological and inclusion to shape the future of the profession. By combining these strategies, you can effectively balance a demanding legal career with personal growth and make a significant impact in the field. How has mentorship played a role in your career, both as a mentee and a mentor? Mentorship has been pivotal in my career, both as a mentee and a mentor. During the early stages of legal development in Vietnam, mentorship was crucial for navigating the complexities of the evolving legal landscape. Experienced mentors provided invaluable guidance and insights that shaped my professional growth and confidence. In today’s technologically advanced era, mentorship is no less important. While technology offers tools and resources, it cannot replace the value of shaping logical thinking and sharing real-world experiences in solving legal issues. As a mentor, I strive to support young lawyers, especially women, by offering advice, sharing experiences, and providing growth opportunities. This reciprocal relationship enriches my career, fostering continuous learning and mutual development. advancements. Develop a comprehensive understanding of business and financial aspects, as these are crucial for providing effective legal advice. Build a strong network by attending industry events and joining legal associations to create valuable connections. Embrace resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks, and actively advocate for diversity Ms. Nguyen Truc Hien Partner E: hien@vilaf.com.vn VILAF 4th Floor mPlaza Saigon 39 Le Duan Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam W: www.vilaf.com.vn
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