March 2025: As part of our Firm-wide celebrations to mark International Women's Day and Women's History Month, we asked three of our partners to reflect on the key moments that have impacted their careers and what's shaping the legal landscape for lawyers today. Get to know Joanne Draper (Melbourne), Morgan Hollins (Houston) and Vivian Tsoi (Shanghai) now.

Can you share a pivotal moment that significantly shaped your career path?

Joanne Draper: I had left private practice for an in-house position because I believed it would provide a better balance while I raised my children. The opposite was true and fortunately I was welcomed back to the private practice firm from which I had resigned by a partner who was incredibly supportive of me and my desire to work part-time.

I am delighted to say that I continue to work with that partner at White & Case, more than 17 years after that pivotal moment.

Morgan Hollins: Moving to Houston. I moved for personal reasons, and it was probably the first major decision that was not tied to a school or career move. At the time, I don't think I appreciated how much it would affect my career path.

While I stayed in law and generally in the practice I began in, it took me awhile to find the right place for me. However, it was the right choice for me and I would do it again.

Vivian Tsoi: The most pivotal moment was when I agreed to take on a two year secondment to our Beijing office (I was in our Palo Alto office at the time). I had amazing experiences, where I really got to see how exciting it can be to help clients bridge not just deal gaps, but also cultural gaps around the world.

I stayed beyond that two year secondment, and this year will be my 20th year in China.  I still continue to be excited to have a front-row seat for so much that happens globally.

If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice when you were just starting your career, what would it be?

JD: Be more deliberate in your personal development and business planning. The most successful lawyers are those who look ahead and identify emerging opportunities.

MH: I would encourage myself to build relationships and get involved in more professional organizations at a younger age.

VT: Doubt yourself less.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the legal profession?

JD: One of the greatest challenges is the increasingly fast-paced environment in which law is practised. This creates opportunities to develop and trial new tools and techniques of working to create and maintain a sustainable career.

MH: AI and new technology are both a challenge and opportunity facing the legal profession. I think it will be interesting to see how the field strikes a balance between attorneys' knowledge and searchable know-how.

VT: I think AI will be both one of the most important tools but also one of the biggest challenges to the legal profession. As AI continues to develop, we need to understand how will we use it effectively while still training our people in all the relevant skills.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

JD: I hope people will remember me as a leader who cared about people, was fair in her decision-making and worked hard for the good of the Firm.

MH: I would like to be remembered as contributing substantially to the Firm's community, helping to foster and sustain a collegial, intellectual and friendly environment.

VT: I hope that I will be known as someone who cares about the Firm and who cares about our people.