In this episode of the China Business Law Podcast, we're joined by Amy Chen, co-founder and president of the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County. Amy shares her personal journey into law, highlighting her experiences from working in Hong Kong during the early nineties to joining Alibaba during its startup days, and eventually moving back to the US to work in tech companies. Amy discusses the motivations behind founding the association, the challenges faced by Chinese American lawyers, and the organization's mission to advance professional development, expand community influence, and celebrate cultural heritage. Additionally, she touches on the importance of addressing US-China tensions and promoting cross-cultural exchanges. Lastly, Amy offers valuable advice for young lawyers entering the corporate world, emphasizing the significance of building relationships, being well-read, and deliberate career planning.
Welcome to another insightful episode of the China Business Law Podcast. Today, we are thrilled to have Amy Chen, a prominent legal professional and co-founder of the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA). In this interview, Amy shares her extraordinary journey in the legal realm and her vision for empowering Chinese American contributions within the legal community.
Amy Chen is not just any lawyer; she is a trailblazer in advocating for Chinese American voices within the legal industry. As the president of CALA, she is passionate about creating platforms that connect Chinese American legal professionals and fostering growth within this community. Her legal career spans from major law firms in Hong Kong to influential in-house roles in tech companies.
Amy’s legal journey started with an interest in business and China during her college years, which led to an inspiring stint at a law firm in Hong Kong. This experience cemented her decision to pursue law, fueled by both professional aspirations and family legacy—particularly her grandfather's groundbreaking achievements as a lawyer in Europe. Amy studied law at Columbia and began her career at Simpson Thacher before transitioning to pivotal roles in technology firms, including Alibaba during its formative years.
The idea for CALA originated over lunch with a fellow lawyer, where they identified a need for a platform dedicated to addressing Chinese American legal challenges in Orange County. Starting with drafting bylaws, the association quickly evolved with a mission to develop, empower, and elevate the contributions of its members to the legal and civic landscape.
Amy's career has seen significant shifts due to changing US-China relations, pushing her towards advocacy and community-focused efforts. She highlights barriers faced by Chinese American lawyers, such as underrepresentation in the upper echelons of the legal field and societal biases. CALA aspires to tackle these issues through professional development programs, legal education, and community engagement.
For aspiring lawyers, Amy offers invaluable advice: approach the legal profession with eyes wide open. It's a demanding field that requires a commitment to learning and a skill set that includes relationship-building and staying informed about global and industry-specific trends. Crucially, she stresses the importance of cultivating a network and finding mentors.
While still in its infancy, CALA has ambitious plans to delve into advocacy, especially around pressing issues such as immigration and civil rights. The organization is also forging partnerships with other legal bodies and community groups to enhance its impact and outreach.
Under Amy’s leadership, CALA is on the path towards significant contributions to the legal community and beyond. For those interested in joining or learning more, Amy and CALA welcome engagement through their website at calaoc.org. Together, they are redefining the narrative and presence of Chinese American professionals in law and civic spaces.
Thank you to Amy Chen for sharing her journey and insights. Her story is a powerful reminder of how dedication and community can drive impactful change. If you're interested in learning more about CALA's work or want to get involved, reach out through their website.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Amy Chen's Journey into Law
03:22 Transition to In-House and Tech Industry
04:24 Return to the US and Continued China Focus
09:21 Founding the Chinese American Lawyers Association
16:42 Asian American Representation in Law Firms
17:08 Professional Development Initiatives
18:29 Community Engagement and Civic Involvement
18:41 Addressing Societal Bias and Discrimination
21:32 Cultural Values and Corporate America
25:08 Advocacy and Legal Parameters
26:59 Collaboration with Other Organizations
29:10 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers
33:04 Conclusion and Contact Information