Linda Wong of Wong Fleming Linda Wong of Wong Fleming

Linda Wong is founder and CEO of Wong Fleming, and chairs three practice groups at the firm, which grew to more than 40 attorneys, in part via merger, over the years. Wong, based in Princeton, "has managed this amazing success while at the same time maintaining a very active litigation and trial practice," a colleague said. She has been active in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, among other groups.

What are your proudest professional achievements over the last couple of years?

I am particularly proud of building a minority- and women-owned national law firm that provides the highest of legal services to Fortune 500 companies. I am also proud of the very talented attorneys and other professional staff who are committed to doing such a great job and truly work in a collaborative effort, helping each other and ensuring that the business needs of our clients and the firm are met. I am also grateful for the relationships I have made along the way around the country and also internationally, including other bar members and clients who have provided support and friendship.

What has been your experience with diversity in the profession, and how does it factor in to your day-to-day work as an attorney?

I have met so many wonderfully talented and compassionate attorneys and other professionals who really want to make a difference and also should be given an opportunity by the people hiring legal talent. Many of us have had to make an extra effort to gain the confidence and acceptance of corporations, members of the bar and the judiciary, and I feel a real camaraderie with other diverse attorneys in our efforts to persevere and demonstrate our excellence.

What can organizations employing lawyers do to better address diversity?

Corporations should open their doors to diverse talent and ensure that their commitment is reflected in their actual spend of the employees they hire and their outside counsel retention. Organizations should also make diverse attorneys feel welcome to their organization by including them in its important work and expressing support for diversity by their actions. There should also be a commitment to supporting minority- and women-owned law firms as well as diverse partners in large law firms.

Name a mentor, or someone you admire, and why.

Laurie Robinson Haden established the Corporate Counsel Women of Color organization 15 years ago and it has grown to over 4,000 members. The CCWC conference is amazing because 95% of the attendees are women of color who are in-house counsel and it is really an uplifting experience to see so many talented and diverse attorneys who have been so empowered by their responsibilities and having achieved so much after their hard work. Laurie has done an incredible job of nurturing and growing this organization and its events, and has helped Wong Fleming, a minority- and woman-owned law firm, meaningfully participate along with the large law firms and Fortune 500 corporations providing sponsorship.

What is your best advice for someone looking to make an impact in the legal profession?

Be strategic and take time to become proficient in the law. Understand the objectives of your client and law practice. Be compassionate and empathetic to others and respect all persons regardless of their positions in life.