A conversation about goals, legal education in China, balance, and becoming an unexpected role model.

Ally Law: Why did you choose law as a profession?

Ning Zhu: When I started my career, there were not many lawyers in China, and many people did not even know that the law could be a career. For me, the reason was quite simple. I wanted to choose a job with a higher barrier to entry, because that meant less competition and more security. The lawyer’s exam in China was famous for being very difficult. People even described it as one of the most difficult exams in the country. So I thought: other jobs are competitive, and many people can get an ordinary job. But to become a lawyer, you need to study many rules and cases, and you need to pass the exam. I thought that was good for me, I wanted that challenge.

Ally Law: Was that choice influenced by your family or others close to you?

Ning: My parents were working-class people, and we had a large family with four children. I am the second child. I do not think my parents expected me to become a lawyer. My mother was very encouraging, though. She was very proud when I went to college, and she encouraged me to go to bigger cities. But choosing law, choosing law firms, and building this career were my own decisions.

Ally Law: You first chose law for practical reasons. When did it become something you genuinely enjoyed?

Ning: As I mentioned, initially I wanted a profession with a higher barrier to entry because I wanted to secure my career. But it turned out that I quite like being a lawyer. I like the working style. Lawyers need to be good communicators. They need to understand clients. They need clear thinking. And at the same time, they need to execute their ideas. Those things fit my personality naturally. I feel there is no better profession for me than being a lawyer.

Ally Law: How has the process of becoming a lawyer in China changed since you entered the profession?

Ning: The requirements have changed a lot in the last twenty or thirty years. When I took the exam, there was no compulsory requirement for a law degree. If you had a bachelor’s degree, you could take the exam. The exam was the most important part. Later, the policy became more restrictive, and legal education became more important. Now most lawyers are formally educated in law, and students who enter law school usually understand what kind of career they are preparing for.

Ally Law: Do young lawyers in China tend to focus on international practice, or is domestic work now the stronger path?

Ning: Career paths have to respond to reality. Before COVID, more students were interested in international classes, international trade, and international business. During COVID, people felt there were no longer as many active international transactions, so more students chose domestic law. Now I can see that changing again, as international work becomes more active.

Ally Law: Law is a demanding profession. What helps you stay balanced?

Ning: There are two things. The first is travel. I like travel, even business travel. Of course, in my current situation, there may be too much travel, but I still enjoy seeing different places. Even if you do not have time for sightseeing, you can still experience something different. That makes me feel relaxed.

The second thing is tennis. I have played tennis for about fifteen years, and I play once or twice every week. It releases my mind. I have a group of friends who have nothing to do with law. We simply enjoy the sport. The exercise and the social activity help me keep my mind clear.

Ally Law: You mentioned that some young female lawyers and students see you as a role model. What do you think about that?

Ning: This is something I feel proud of, but it also makes me reflect. I have become, in some ways, a special figure in the Chinese legal market. In law schools now, I believe around ninety percent of students are female and around ten percent are male. Sometimes young female students feel lost in their careers. They ask why they should choose such a challenging job as being a lawyer.

In recent years, I have received many complimentary comments from colleagues and students. Some have told me I am an idol or role model for them. Of course, that makes me very happy. But after hearing it many times, I also have to think more deeply about what it means. It is not easy to be a female lawyer. There are many challenges. Young lawyers must work hard, build client relationships, and keep up with changes in society and the market.

Ally Law: What concerns you about being seen as an example?

Ning: If someone truly likes this profession and enjoys what they sacrifice for it, then that is okay. But I do not want to be an example that people cannot easily replicate. I became a lawyer almost twenty-five years ago. At that time, the market was not as difficult as it is now. Today it is much more competitive. To become someone like me, young lawyers may have to sacrifice more. That is something I think about.

Ally Law: So the question is not just whether you succeeded, but whether the path behind you remains open for others.

Ning: Yes. I did not purposely set out to become a positive role model, but somehow I have become one. I am happy if young female students can see a possible career future through my example.

Ally Law: How does Ally Law fit into that experience?

Ning: One thing I like very much about Ally Law is that there are so many female partners like me. They have stories, experience, and successful careers, but they are still working hard. They care about their teams and about people. When we talk, it feels like talking with old friends. We have many things in common, and it is easy for us to understand each other. I think that is very good.

Ally Law: Looking back now, how would you describe the life you have built?

Ning: I feel very fortunate. I enjoy my work, my travel, my friendships, and my life. Of course, success requires hard work. But it is a very good place to be, to feel good about your work, your life, and your career.