In a momentous recognition of legal leadership and excellence, Nancy Chung, a seasoned executive at global law firm Whitley & Clarke LLP, has been named “Office Managing Partner of the Year” by the New York Law Journal. The award celebrates Chung’s outstanding leadership, her ability to elevate firm culture, and her strategic brilliance in steering the firm’s operations through a period of transformation and growth.
Chung, who has been with Whitley & Clarke for more than 15 years, was promoted to Office Managing Partner in 2020, overseeing the firm’s flagship New York office. Since assuming this position, she has implemented innovative strategies that have enhanced client service, expanded diversity and inclusion initiatives, and improved operational efficiency—all while maintaining a remarkable track record in her own litigation practice.
Leadership That Redefines Norms
One of the key factors that contributed to Chung’s selection was her proactive and people-focused leadership style. At a time when law firms worldwide were grappling with hybrid work models and economic uncertainty, Chung led the office into a new era marked by adaptability and cohesion.
Her initiatives have included:
- Implementing hybrid work policies that maintain client satisfaction while accommodating employee well-being.
- Launching a mentorship program aimed at supporting junior attorneys and improving retention rates.
- Expanding pro bono efforts throughout the region, highlighting the office’s commitment to community engagement.
According to her colleagues, Chung brings a rare combination of empathy and strategic acumen to the table. “Nancy doesn’t just manage the office—she builds leaders,” said Joseph Ortega, a partner at Whitley & Clarke. “She has transformed our workplace culture while maintaining an uncompromising standard for legal excellence.”
Excellence Recognized by Peers
The New York Law Journal’s annual Professional Excellence Awards aim to honor the best and brightest across the legal profession. The Office Managing Partner of the Year distinction specifically honors those who have gone above and beyond traditional managerial roles. Recipients must demonstrate exemplary leadership, successful execution of strategic initiatives, and a lasting positive impact on their firms.
A spokesperson for the New York Law Journal noted, “Nancy Chung stood out among a competitive field of nominees. Her ability to lead through change with integrity, foresight, and compassion makes her a benchmark for leadership in the legal world.”
A Focus on Innovation and Inclusion
Chung’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion has also earned her accolades. Under her leadership, the New York office hired its most diverse class of associates in firm history. She also created focused workshops addressing unconscious bias and career advancement for underrepresented attorneys.
Innovation has been another cornerstone of her management philosophy. She collaborated with the firm’s technology team to introduce AI-assisted document review tools, reducing turnaround times and improving accuracy. Additionally, Chung championed a data-driven approach to track key performance metrics, helping the firm better serve its clients and improve internal workflows.
A Look Toward the Future
Despite the accolades, Chung remains future-focused. In her acceptance speech during the awards ceremony, she remarked, “This is not just a celebration of individual recognition. It’s a testament to what a team can achieve when united by purpose. Legal leadership is about more than profits and policies—it’s about people.”
She also hinted at upcoming major initiatives in sustainability, stating that Whitley & Clarke will soon launch a firm-wide program to reduce its environmental footprint, beginning with the New York office as a pilot location.
Community and Client Impact
Clients have also noticed the transformation. Several long-term corporate clients have extended and expanded their engagements with the firm, citing improved communication and strategic insight originating at the New York office under Chung’s leadership.
Beyond clients, her efforts have had a tangible impact on the local community. The office’s pro bono hours increased by 35% this year, and their partnerships with local nonprofits have grown more robust under her direction.
As Chung continues to break new ground, her recognition as Office Managing Partner of the Year marks not just a milestone in a prestigious legal career but also a signal of the evolving nature of leadership in the legal industry. With a strong emphasis on agility, inclusivity, and innovation, Nancy Chung is indeed a name to watch.
