From Passion, Purpose to Profession

To me, it is a calling to be a legal professional on family law.  

In the summer of 2012, I joined Withers Worldwide as an associate, and in the 2018 summer I was made a partner of the firm. Frankly, I would not imagine this professional achievement when I launched my legal career in 2009. Looking back, I couldn’t be more grateful to become part of the Withers’ family as well as their family law team in Hong Kong. Although two years’ time as a partner isn’t long, when I reflected on various events that I participated in, clients who I supported and my involvement in the business planning and office management of the firm, it has indeed been a challenging yet enriching journey.

My role as an Associate

I had my law education in The University of Hong Kong. Since school years, I had already set my sight on becoming a family lawyer to help families in need. I was interested in people and relationships. I was determined not to pursue a career in corporate law or any area of law which I don’t have a genuine interest in. After graduation, I followed my passion and purpose, entering a boutique law firm as a trainee in family law. 

Since joining Withers in 2012 as an associate, with the firm’s open, welcoming and team-based atmosphere, I could integrate quickly. I had much opportunity to learn from various experienced lawyers and senior associates in the family law team. In particular, I would never forget working as a protégé of a senior partner. She supervised and mentored me in many aspects. I worked alongside her and was deeply inspired by her committed, can-do approach - putting client’s interests as the first priority, never would she focus on churning money but provide the legal solution that best serves clients’ needs. I could feel such dedication, professionalism makes a huge difference and clients would genuinely appreciate our service.

My role as a Partner

In July 2018, I became the youngest person at Withers Hong Kong who was made partner. It was the most exciting moment I have ever experienced in my legal career, and I could not be happier being recognised in this way by a firm which I have grown to feel a strong sense of belonging and pride for. I certainly felt very excited for the opportunities lying ahead. At the same time, my sense of responsibility has heightened.

I must admit, as a lady who wears a ‘baby face’, having a partner title does help me clear some doubts which were often seen on some clients, prospects and new contacts’ faces when they first met me. Many of them wondered if I was a fresh graduate even though my graduation was over a decade ago! That said, once I started giving advice and sharing my opinions with them, the trust and respect from them are immediate. 

Becoming a partner of the firm means that I moved from a staff role to an expert role who is tasked with building and sustaining the firm’s business. I can no longer approach cases like tasks. For each and every client case I handle, I indulge myself into the clients’ position, strive my very best to understand them and the situation, devise strategies and provide the best possible solutions to them which can both protect their interests and preserve the peace in their families as far as possible. Sometimes we bring the cases to court, and sometimes I would encourage clients to settle the divorce or issues by non-adversarial options like mediation. 

In addition to client servicing, as a partner, I have a mission to build the business and strengthen the firm’s reputation in the family law practice locally and regionally. Gladly, Withers gives me the trust and autonomy to strategize and explore various approaches to build my own approach as a family lawyer. Every day, I feel empowered and confident to connect with the existing and potential clients authentically.   

My role as a Leader 

Team management is part of the ‘partner package’. It is a good add-on for me as I enjoy working with people. Hence, I commit to maintaining a good working relationship among my team. It is about striking a balance. Like what Jim Rohn, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, has said -- 

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”

I always remind myself not to be an intimidating leader. I disagree with the top-down approach imposing ideas to the team and feeding my juniors with instructions without giving them space to think and be creative. In parallel, I set clear standards for us to work together. Without sacrificing quality and performance, I remain as flexible and approachable as possible. I believe respect is earned not commanded. I aspire to be a role model for my team, especially the junior associates, not only in terms of handling client cases but the overall approach as a legal professional and as a person who cares about others and the society.  

I like positioning myself as a learner despite I hold a leadership role. We can never be the “know-it-all” person, can we? I really appreciate the team-based approach and lean structure in Withers. We are always encouraged to help each other. Everyone is always resourceful and open to support. No one has too big an ego asking for help. Our people-centric culture indeed is unique at Withers and is what makes me feel motivated and proud!

My role as a Family Lawyer 

Time passes very quickly. Although two years have passed since I was made partner, it is still the beginning of my journey to learn and develop myself as a leader and as a professional family lawyer. I wish I can influence others in a positive way, to my clients, to my peers and juniors, and to my intermediaries.  

“Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.”

Being a partner of a global legal firm empowers me to be more vocal, gives me a bigger platform to share my thoughts and express my views. I hold my personal values very dearly. To me, it is a calling to be a legal professional on family law.  

Going forward, I will continue my efforts, in both my professional and personal capacities, building stronger connections with the community, nurturing long-lasting, genuine relationships with my clients, impacting the people I touch upon in life, and protecting the vulnerable and less-fortunate ones. 

About the Author:

Jocelyn Tsao is a family lawyer practicing in Hong Kong. She is a partner of Withers Worldwide advising expatriates and local couples or unmarried partners on all issues arising from divorce including child custody, child abuse, domestic violence, relocation, pre and post-nuptial agreements, deed of separation and financial proceedings ancillary to the divorce such as spousal maintenance, division of property and other assets. For any queries related to family law or divorce cases, please contact Jocelyn at [email protected].