Author(s):  Ashish Nanda, Monet Brewerton
Product Number:  HLS 09-27
Publication Date:  April 11, 2010
Length:  10 pgs
Cost per Copy:  $10.00

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Description:
This case explores the internal conflicts of William Fox, a middle-aged, English partner at a law firm in London. It follows William through his early years as the son of two schoolteachers, his experience as an underprivileged student at Cambridge University, and his first days as a trainee at the prestigious law firm Waterton Spiegel, LLP. He establishes a good reputation as an associate, marries a fellow associate with whom he soon has two children, and soon joins the firm’s newly established Hong Kong office. He returns to the London office after several years and makes partner, but he finds that the Waterton he left is quite different than the Waterton to which he returns: the firm has begun rewarding business generation above all else and hiring lateral partners whose personalities seem to conflict with the firm’s values. William begins to question his future at the firm and wonder if all of his personal sacrifices for his job were truly worthwhile.

Subjects Covered:
Professional Development
Work/Life Balance
Professional Services
Change management.

Setting:
Law Firm
Global

Industry:
Law