Named the World's Leading Intellectual Property Lawyer by Chambers & Partners, Spring Chang has advised and represented numerous world's leading firms in a wide array of business sectors such as electronics, consumer, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, apparel, and jewelry. Today's interview brings Spring's personal story as a female lawyer and her efforts on promoting diversity at Chang Tsi & Partners.

1. As someone who has founded their own firm, what does law firm leadership look like to you?

Spring: Leadership for me means I need to work hard as a role model to set a good example to the others in the firm. It also means full range of abilities from client care, marketing, and management work of the firm as well as broad expertise in the IP field. Since the IP laws and practices keep changing in China and all over the world, it also means the strong ability to learn and improve so as not to be left behind. In essence, it means lots of effort and hard-working. 

2. What advice do you have for someone considering a career in trademark law?

Spring: As my boss told me 30 years ago, “you have to be physically and mentally strong enough to join this industry.” I think what she said is very true.  Looking back the past 30 years of my career, I would say you need to embrace the challenges and you should never give up. This is because as a lawyer, others’ trouble is your daily work. On the other hand, your work is also about strong ability of researching, analysing, coordinating and team working. If you are not good at those needs, it is not a good idea to work as a trademark lawyer. Last but not least, never stop learning. That is the key for a trademark lawyer as you need to advise the clients by using your expertise which is your basic daily work. 

3. How is diversity & inclusion promoted at Chang Tsi & Partners and why is it important to the firm?

Spring: As the Employer of Choice awarded by Asia Legal Business and LEGALBAND, Chang Tsi & Partners and the management team thereof pledge to create a diverse and inclusive working environment where every employee feel included and valued. Diversity and inclusion are the priority issue for our harmonious culture and the differences among us undoubtedly contribute to our creativity. As a female lawyer and a minority ethnic, I clearly know the difficulties entering the legal industry. Statistically, over half of our partners are women and over two third of employees are women. In addition, many of our colleagues are minorities or people with disabilities. From the day we established the firm, we have ensured that everyone is treated equally, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity or any other status. It is important because that is why we can work together as a strong team, whatever who we are and where are we from.