Esther H. Lim

Esther leverages a rare blend of extensive legal practice, proven management experience, and varied global perspectives to fuel inclusive excellence. With more than two decades of patent practice, she has been recognized as a leader in intellectual property (IP) law, including by Chambers Global and Managing Intellectual Property (MIP). Esther served as the founding managing partner of Finnegan’s Shanghai office, where she contributed to building and growing a cross-cultural team and further expanding the firm’s global footprint. 

As the 47th president of the District of Columbia Bar (D.C. Bar)—the first immigrant and first Korean American to hold the position—Esther worked closely with the Board of Governors to serve over 100,000 members and oversee the Bar’s $40 million operation. 

During her longstanding leadership in bar associations, Esther established enduring initiatives such as the Women’s Forum, Practicing Attorneys’ Resources, and the Pro Bono Task Force. Since 2003, she has taught as an adjunct professor at Howard University School of Law, and mentored students and attorneys. For two decades, Esther chaired the annual conference of the Institute for Intellectual Property and Social Justice (IIPSJ). 

Esther is widely recognized for her leadership and contributions to the legal profession, including the “Pioneer Award” by the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of DC, 2017, the “Star of the Bar” award by the Women’s Bar Association, 2023, and the “Trailblazer Award” by the D.C. Bar, 2025.