Alison Chen Profiled by Houston Business Journal as One of Its “Women Who Mean Business”
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(Houston) – Akin Gump tax partner Alison Chen has been profiled by the Houston Business Journal as one of its 2019 Women Who Mean Business.
In a Q&A column published in the HBJ, Ms. Chen discussed several issues relating to her life and career. They included:
- An important influence in her life: Ms. Chen noted that the most important and earliest influencer in her life was a boss while in college. “She was the first person outside of my family to see my potential based on my work ethic, drive and talent,” said Ms. Chen. In addition to sharing valuable life lessons, her boss “was always there for me for personal and professional advice. But most importantly, she believed in me — which is an amazing feeling to experience as a young girl, and it helped me feel confident at work.”
- The ways in which she sees the industry changing: “To be the best outside counsel, we must be able to understand our clients’ business and industry, to think from our clients’ perspectives and also help them manage the bottom line. Being a good technical lawyer in today’s environment is simply not enough.”
- Advice for up-and-coming female leaders: “Don’t leave and don’t give up. There are many options and career paths, and to be successful in any role, you have to show up and keep going.”
The Business Journal says the criteria for being named to this list included career achievement, contribution to company and city success, community involvement and leadership.
Earlier this year, Ms. Chen was recognized as a Diversity and Inclusion Champion by Texas Lawyer as part of its 2019 Professional Excellence Awards (learn more here). She was also honored with the Private Practice Achievement Award by her alma mater, the University of Houston Law Center.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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