CBA Record July-August 2026

LEADERSHIP in Practice

Leading with Authenticity and Integrity By Tae Kim

A s attorneys, people are always looking to us for answers. This naturally places us in a position to lead. As a young associate, I thought the best way I could lead was to know everything about every aspect of a case, even down to the Bates number for an obscure document. However, while this level of dedication and attention to detail impressed the partners I worked for, it did not work for me when it was my turn to lead cases, for several reasons. First, it was too much to handle. While it is vital to know your case, there is not enough time for one person to learn every minute detail on any complex matter. Nor is it an efficient use of time and client resources, when good junior associates are available and can bill at lower rates. As I was building my skills at a law firm, it also occurred to me that simply being a task master who hands out assignments is not leading. Therefore, I took a deep look at some of the lead ers I desired to emulate and found that they all had at least two things in common. First, they inspired: They inspired people to do better work, to be better teammates, to be better people, and to become leaders themselves. Second, they all seemed to be authentic people and authentic in how they led. This was my key leadership lesson. I had always compartmen talized who I was at work and who I was outside of work. But I realized that to become the leader I wanted to be, I had to bring my authentic self to work. This allowed me to be open with my

colleagues, which allowed them to be comfortable opening up to me. By being authentic, I was able to learn what motivated the people I worked with—whether it was meeting or exceeding their hours to get a bonus, getting opportunities to write briefs, or to argue in court. With this knowledge, I was able to do a better job building teams of people who were excited to work on cases. I also brought my authentic self to the Asian American Bar Association, which opened doors I never thought imaginable. I began as a member in 2022 and became President in July. I do not think I would be in this position if I hadn’t brought my true self to AABA. In sum, learn from leaders who inspire you. And whether you are placed in a leadership position or are elected to be one, being your authentic self will help you lead with integrity.

7DH < .LP LV D 3ULQFLSDO DW &KXKDN 7HFVRQ P.C., and President of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago.

42 July/August 2026