Jean Shimotake
Partner, White & Case LLP
Education: J.D. Law, M.S. Biomedical Engineering, B.A. Chemistry
What I’m Reading: Momofuku a cookbook by David Chang and Peter Meehan
My Philosophy: Work hard, play hard
Interests: Cooking, travel
Company Headquarters: New York, New York
Website: www.whitecase.com
Primary Business: International law firm
Annual Revenue: $1.3 billion
How do you think Asian Americans have evolved in terms of industry/field diversity?
Now, there are more Asian American partners due in part to a larger pool of Asian American associates from which to promote than when I first started. More Asian Americans are going to law school and finding law as a career.
“There will be roadblocks and naysayers who will say you are not up to the challenge. Have confidence in yourself.”
Are there any groups, social or business, that have been particularly helpful to you?
My University Alumni Association and White & Case’s Diversity Initiative and Women’s Initiative are great sources of support and networking opportunities. In particular, the speakers in our Diversity Speaker Series are always motivating and inspirational.
How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career/and or business relationships?
Being Asian American or diverse has made me sensitive and open to other cultures. I have a high comfort level with people from other cultures and they have the same with me. This has been helpful in my business relationships because our clients are from all around the world.
