Abstract

This case follows the career and life path 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. He establishes a good reputation as an associate, marries a fellow associate with whom he has two children, and joins the firm’s newly established Hong Kong office. He returns to the London office after several years and makes partner, but finds that the Waterton he had left is quite different than the Waterton to which he returns. William begins to question his future at the firm and wonder if all of his personal sacrifices for his career were truly worthwhile.

This case is the British version of the case, "Bill Foxworth".

Learning Objectives

This case allows participants to reflect on how to evaluate one’s career trajectory, the balance between commitments to work and personal life, and how the meaning of “success” might evolve over time.  

Subjects Covered

Professional Development, Work/Life Balance, Professional Services, Change Management

Setting

Geographic: United Kingdom

Industry: Law Firm

Event Year Begin: 2010