‘There’s still that bamboo ceiling out there,’ says BigLaw managing partner

Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network

We “can’t change the world in one day”, says Squire Patton Boggs Perth managing partner Tony Chong. However, he can and is doing what he can to promote diverse workplaces and reduce discrimination in the broader community. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Mr Chong — one of the first non-white managing partners of a BigLaw firm in Australia — about his journey in law (including a background in accounting), whether he aspired to the leadership position he is now in, the value of being involved in community work and not-for-profit organisations, and how best lawyers can roll up their sleeves for such work. Mr Chong also details his focus on diversity at Squire Patton Boggs, what he has observed over the years with regard to the bamboo ceiling, the presence of unconscious bias, what guidance he has for other law firm leaders around Australia, whether he is optimistic about the capacity for meaningful change in Australia’s legal profession, and what is motivating him to be a better leader. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [e-mail] for more insights!