Cultural Agility Workshop in Shanghai
In October 2025, I hosted a workshop in Shanghai, China, for the global law firm CMS in partnership with FELIZ Consulting. The session focused on how to develop cultural competence to work more effectively and inclusively in multicultural teams.
Cultural agility is the ability to understand, adapt to, and effectively navigate diverse cultural contexts. It’s a critical competency for lawyers, enabling them to build stronger client relationships, manage cross-border transactions more efficiently, and achieve greater overall success.
Why Cultural Agility Matters for Lawyers
1. Enhanced Client Connections
Cultural agility empowers lawyers to connect more authentically with clients from diverse backgrounds. By understanding cultural nuances, such as communication styles, values, and expectations, lawyers can build trust and rapport, fostering stronger, long-lasting client relationships. As clients span local, regional, and global markets, this skill ensures lawyers can tailor their approach to meet diverse client needs effectively.
2. Effective Cross-Border Transactions
In an era of globalization, lawyers frequently handle complex cross-border transactions involving parties from different cultural and legal systems. Cultural agility enables lawyers to navigate these complexities with confidence, anticipate potential misunderstandings, and facilitate smoother negotiations. By bridging cultural gaps, lawyers can align expectations, mitigate conflicts, and drive successful outcomes in international deals.
3. Driving Overall Success
Lawyers with cultural agility are better positioned to excel in diverse teams, adapt to global legal trends, and seize opportunities in new markets. This adaptability enhances their reputation, strengthens their firm’s competitive edge, and opens doors to high-value international clients. In the very competitive legal environment, cultural agility is a key differentiator for professional growth and firm success.
The workshop provided practical tools and strategies for cultivating cultural agility, including case studies, interactive discussions, and actionable insights tailored to the legal profession. Participants left empowered to apply these skills in their practice, ensuring they can navigate cultural complexities with confidence and deliver exceptional value to their clients.
For more insights on how cultural agility can transform your legal practice, contact us to explore tailored workshops and training programs: veronica@veronicallorcasmith.com
