Finnegan Partner Esther Lim Becomes the Firm’s First Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC—Finnegan is pleased to announce that Esther Lim will serve as the firm’s first partner and chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO). Furthering the firm’s commitment to promote an inclusive and welcoming organization, Esther will coordinate thought leadership, strategic direction, and the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives across the firm. She will work closely with the partner-in-charge of diversity, equity, and inclusion; firm leadership; and executive teams across recruiting, professional development, marketing, and business development to recruit, retain, and promote diverse talent and to advance DEI goals in client services and external collaborations.

A longtime partner with over 25 years of patent litigation and counseling experience at Finnegan, Esther possesses a rare combination of legal expertise, cultural fluency, and a proven track record of leadership in advancing DEI.

“At Finnegan, we don’t just value diversity, we live it every day in thought, approach, and solutions. DEI is part our DNA,” said Finnegan’s managing partner, Anand Sharma. “In the last two years, as our nation grappled with racial and social awakening and witnessed disturbingly disparate impact of the pandemic on marginalized communities, corporations and law firms recognized the need to redouble their commitment to social justice and equity. We join that commitment by creating this important CDIO position to move the needle towards inclusion.”

“I’m humbled and honored to assume this meaningful role at a firm that has been my professional home since I was a junior lawyer,” said Esther. “I was lucky to start my career at a firm with a culture of inclusion and collegiality. Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives. As a profession, we have a long way to go to reach diversity that is reflective of our nation and to achieve equity that historically underrepresented communities deserve. I’m committed to continuing a journey towards diversity and equity along with committed leaders and dedicated colleagues at Finnegan.”

Throughout Esther’s tenure at Finnegan, she has actively fostered the development of young attorneys and students, particularly those with diverse backgrounds, by mentoring and providing growth opportunities. Esther has garnered high visibility and wide respect for her work to advance DEI through innovative initiatives and successful programs. Over 20 years ago, as the president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of DC (APABA-DC), Esther created the Women’s Forum and the Practicing Attorneys’ Resources to provide resources, mentoring, and practice support for women and diverse attorneys. Since 2003, Esther has taught at Howard University School of Law, where she helped launch and continues to co-chair the annual IP and Social Justice conference. During her tenure as the president of the D.C. Bar with 110,000 members, Esther initiated the first Diversity and Inclusion Policy. She is frequently invited to speak on DEI issues locally and nationally.

Contacts:

Anand K. Sharma, Managing Partner

anand.sharma@finnegan.com

Mark D. Sweet, Chair

mark.sweet@finnegan.com

About Finnegan

Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP is one of the largest IP law firms in the world. From offices in Atlanta, Boston, London, Munich, Palo Alto, Reston, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, and Washington, DC, the firm practices all aspects of patent, trademark, and copyright law, including counseling, prosecution, licensing, and litigation. Finnegan also represents clients on IP issues related to advertising, trade secret law, European patents and trade marks, international trade, portfolio management, the Internet, e-commerce, government contracts, antitrust, and unfair competition. For additional information on the firm, please visit www.finnegan.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.