To Be or Not to Be: Career Path in U.S. or China?

“Should I go abroad to study?” “Should I consider returning to China?” These may be the questions lingering in the minds of many Chinese and American legal professionals in recent years.

Faced with visa uncertainties, career “ceilings,” and the tensions in U.S.-China political relations, an increasing number of legal professionals in the U.S. are asking themselves: “Should I stay or go back?”

On the flip side, with the downturn in China’s legal services market, salary cuts, layoffs, and the closure of foreign law firm offices, more legal professionals are considering studying in the U.S. as a way to change their environment—or even their career path.

Staying in the U.S. may mean greater professional recognition, a more liberal lifestyle, but also the pressures of visa status, cultural adaptation, and career advancement. Returning to China may offer a more familiar cultural context and a stable living environment, but it could also mean facing a more fiercely competitive legal market.

AABANY is delighted to co-host an online salon with Chinese American Lawyers Forum (CALF), CLECSS, and Inside the Lawyers Podcast. We have invited legal professionals with diverse backgrounds and rich bilateral U.S.-China career experiences to discuss “To Be or Not to Be: Career Path in U.S. or China?” They will share their insights and experiences, hoping to provide some guidance for those grappling with the same questions.

Featured Guests

Moderator: Lily: Host of the Inside the Lawyers Podcast

Panelists:

Hardy Zhou (Co-Moderator): Tax Attorney at Cooley’s New York office and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee. Hardy previously worked at Baker McKenzie Shanghai office for eight years and Ropes & Gray’s New York office. Holds an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU, an MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology, an Advanced LL.M. in International Tax from Leiden University, an LL.M. in Economic Law from China University of Political Science and Law, and an LL.B. from Sun Yat-sen University.

Lei Li: Partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm. Holds an LL.M. in Corporate Law from NYU, an LL.M. in Financial Law from the University College London, and an LL.B. from China University of Political Science and Law. Has practiced at top U.S. and Chinese law firms in New York and Beijing and served as General Counsel for a leading private equity fund.

Masha Ma: International Practitioner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed’s New York office. Holds an LL.M. from Harvard Law School, a Juris Master from Peking University, and an LL.B. from Minzu University of China. Previously worked at Fangda Partners’ Beijing office and the Greater China legal team of a top U.S. tech company.

Datong Wang: Attorney at Winston & Strawn’s New York office. Holds Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney, Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne, Master of Laws in Civil and Commercial Law from Peking University, and an LL.M. from Stanford Law School. Previously worked at Clifford Chance’s Hong Kong office for three years, King & Wood Mallesons’ Hong Kong office for nearly three years, and Haynes Boone’s New York office.

Jian Wu: Regional Managing Director (APAC) at Kobre & Kim, Co-Chair of American Bar Association’s China Committee, and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee. With graduation from NYU School of Law, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and China University of Political Science and Law, Mr. Wu has cross-border dispute resolution work experience in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and New York for many years.

Special Guest Speaker:

Portia Ku: Managing Partner of O’Melveny & Myers LLP’s Shanghai office. Recognized by IFLR1000 as a “Leading Lawyer” in Capital Markets and Private Equity (2017) and a “Highly Regarded Lawyer” (2018-2023), and named a “Top Woman Lawyer” by the Daily Journal. Holds an LL.M. from Yale Law School and has practiced in New York, Silicon Valley, Shanghai, and Hong Kong for many years.

Event Details

Agenda:

Panel Discussion: 9:00 – 10:30

Keynote Speech: 10:30 – 10:40

Q&A: 10:40 – 11:00

Discussion Topics:

U.S. Perspective: current status of law students in the U.S, visa solutions and career prospects, job search strategies, quality of life in America, and navigating relationships & social life.

China Perspective: current state of the legal job market, business development and client acquisition, market trends and challenges, readapting to life in China, and rebuilding professional networks.

Fee:

Free admission—all are welcome to join the discussion!

Registration:

Please register via this link.