Duane Morris has appointed Nguyen Thi Lang as chair of the firm’s Vietnam office, the first woman head of an international law firm in the country.
“It is exciting to see that women are assuming more leadership positions at law firms,” Nguyen told Asia Business Law Journal. “Women have unique challenges in terms of balancing work and family responsibilities, and it is very strategic and helpful to have a firm culture that recognises this and provides meaningful support options.”
Nguyen said she was optimistic that the trend towards gender parity would continue in Vietnam’s legal industry.
“Overall, we will continue on a growth trajectory in the region and contribute to the success of Duane Morris in Asia,” she said. “In Vietnam, we hope to expand our work supporting the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement. These are exciting times for Duane Morris in Vietnam, and I am proud to be part of that.”
Matthew Taylor, chairman and CEO of Duane Morris in Philadelphia, said: “We are proud that she is the first chairwoman in Vietnam of an international law firm, and her stellar credentials and background will provide our client base with an additional firm resource and leader in-country.”
Nguyen joined the firm in 2019 as a partner, after spending seven years with local firm Frasers Law Company as a partner in Ho Chi Minh City. She will continue to oversee Duane Morris’ Ho Chi Minh City office, and work with partner Oliver Massmann in Hanoi, who also serves as a director.
Duane Morris opened offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in 2007.
