BBA Spotlight Series: Get to Know Emerging Leaders in Boston Law – Louisa Kiu

This summer, we’re spotlighting emerging leaders in Boston law to highlight the work they do, their legal careers thus far, and their connection to the larger Boston legal community. We caught up with Sidley Austin LLP’s Louisa Kiu, to learn more about her growing investment funds practice, her advice to new lawyers in Boston, and more. Check out the full interview below:

Boston Bar Association: What inspired you to become a lawyer? And more specifically, what sparked your interest in investment funds?

Louisa Kiu: My identity as a first-generation Chinese American has played a significant role in shaping my professional trajectory. As a child, I helped my parents translate English to Chinese in their day-to-day lives, from calling utility companies to sort out bills to eventually helping them review contracts for their small restaurant. I enjoyed advocating for my parents, who in a way were my first clients!

In my work as an investment funds attorney, I am continually challenged by near constant developments in law and regulations and the unique needs of clients who are often on the cutting edge of their industry, and I thrive off the entrepreneurial aspect of a law practice. Working with clients to develop products and build their businesses is deeply rewarding to me.

BBA: What advice would you give to new lawyers or law students entering the profession?

Louisa: For new lawyers starting in law firms, treat your senior associates and partners as if they were your clients. How can you help “your clients” move things forward? It is also important to build a strong foundation from the start: tasks that may seem insignificant at first glance actually help build skills that make you a better lawyer in the long term. Be deliberate, diligent and (in many cases) slow down a bit; give that e-mail or document one more read.

BBA: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Louisa: I am proud to represent some of the world’s leading asset managers in the structuring and offering of complex and novel registered and private funds.

BBA: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Louisa: In many respects, each project, or client question, is a blank slate requiring a customized solution, and I enjoy collaborating with clients and Sidley colleagues to achieve a client’s goals. It is deeply fulfilling when the final product reflects the input and advice of Sidley.

BBA: What are some of the challenges you face in your job, and what strategies have you devised to best handle those challenges?

Louisa: Balancing conflicting client timelines should be an Olympic sport. Staying organized with detailed lists and staffing junior associates who are able to manage up are crucial to making sure each deal stays on track. I have also been known to send myself calendar invites and stick Post-it notes all over my desk to remind myself of deadlines for deliverables.

BBA: Why is it important to you to be involved in the broader legal community, like the BBA? How has this helped you in your career?

Louisa: I find that it is easy to be siloed into your corner of law, so being involved in legal organizations and networking groups are great for expanding your network and learning about developments in other practice areas that may be useful to you or your clients in the future. It is also fun to trade war stories with others who have been in the trenches!

BBA: You are the Boston counsel leader of SidleyWomen. What inspired you to be a part of that project?

Louisa: As a working mom with two young children, I am keenly aware of the challenges women lawyers face in the legal profession. I think it is important to have a space for women to meet and openly discuss the challenges, whether professional or personal, they are experiencing and the opportunities they are interested in, and gather some collective wisdom. I’ve had many excellent mentors from early in my career and I hope that I can be a role model to others.

BBA: What is your favorite Summer activity in Boston?

Louisa: We love walking along the Charles River with the kids – we get to see the trains (and try to get the drivers to honk their horns), stop at all the playgrounds and splashpads and then stop by KAVA Neo-Taverna in the South End for some delicious Greek food (especially the zucchini chips).