How I Made Office Managing Partner: 'Lead More Through Example Than Through Direction,' Says Geoffrey Lin in Law.com

“As Ropes’ Shanghai office leader, at a high level, I aim to support and encourage all of the members of the office, to foster the office’s growth and, to be an ambassador for Shanghai in engaging with other offices and parts of the firm,” life sciences and intellectual property transactions partner Geoffrey Lin told Law.com.

In a Q&A published on Nov. 9 for Law.com’s “How I Made It,” series, Geoffrey discussed his career, his responsibilities as managing partner of the firm’s Shanghai office, and other reflections on leadership.

“Be humble. Listen. Challenge yourself and those around you. [L]ead more through example than through direction,” said Geoffrey. “I personally strive to set the culture of the office by being an example of it.” Geoffrey adds the importance of this as the leader of an international office of a large firm: “that on the ground, on a day-to-day basis, I am demonstrating the culture of Ropes & Gray: mutual respect, teamwork and collegiality, professional excellence, among others.”

Established in 2011, Ropes & Gray’s Shanghai office and internationally recognized China life sciences practice offers integrated and comprehensive counsel to leading investment funds and global pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies on doing business in one of the world's fastest-growing and most challenging markets.