Cece Xie, a former associate at prominent law firms Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Morrison & Foerster LLP, shared insights with Business Insider about her journey through the legal profession, illuminating the pressures and realizations that come with a career in Big Law.
Xie, an immigrant who excelled academically, was drawn to law as it was not requiring a specific undergraduate degree and the transparent salary structure in law firms.
In her career, Xie faced the challenges of Big Law’s demanding and unpredictable hours, coupled with strong personalities in the workplace.
She often found herself adapting to schedules that required constant availability, including late-night tasks and weekend availability. This intense environment, where she was expected to be an efficient administrator and facilitator, took a mental toll.
Big Law’s Issues
Despite her success, Xie realized that achieving her goals brought only fleeting happiness. She began to question the relentless pursuit of prestige and the never-ending cycle of setting and reaching new goals. This introspection led her to recognize a pattern of feeling unfulfilled and questioning the ultimate purpose of her achievements.
Xie’s journey of self-discovery included understanding her feelings of jealousy towards others, which she found to be a valuable tool in identifying her true passions and desires.
She discovered she envied creative individuals like graphic novelist Zoe Thorogood, rather than her peers climbing the corporate ladder in law. This realization was a turning point, guiding her to reevaluate her career path.
After nearly six years in the legal profession, Xie made the bold decision to leave her law career to pursue writing, focusing on a book about Big Law culture.
While she remains uncertain about her happiness, she finds more fulfillment in writing than in her previous role, indicating a shift towards a path more aligned with her personal aspirations and interests.
Xie’s story reflects broader trends in legal careers, where high salaries often come with demanding work environments and personal sacrifices. Her experience highlights the importance of aligning career choices with individual values and passions, rather than solely pursuing traditional measures of success.
