How I Made Partner: 'Don’t Be Scared to Be Ambitious,' Says Aya Eguchi of Morrison Foerster

Aya Eguchi was profiled in Law.com’s “How I Made It” series, discussing her path to partner in the technology transactions group and her advice for attorneys evaluating the partnership path.

“Carve your own path,” said Aya. “Don’t assume that you have to look or behave a certain way to make partner. When I started at Morrison Foerster, I didn’t think that I would be at a law firm for more than two or three years, but look at where I am now. Being a woman of color, I found there were times in my career when I looked around the room and felt that I didn’t fit the mold of what a law firm partner should look like. You might think, “I’m not going to make it; I can’t be like them or it’s not for me.” Don’t let those feelings stop you from pursuing your ambitions and raising your hand for new and challenging opportunities. Louise Stoupe, co-head of Tokyo litigation—who is a trailblazer and another role model—once said to me, “There is no set career path for us. You have to decide what you want and go for it.” I want to share those words with anyone who has felt the way I once did.”

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