Vivia Chen

Vivia Chen

Vivia Chen is a senior columnist at The American Lawyer and the creator of The Careerist blog.

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February 16, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Goodbye to All That

This is the place where I found my voice. The only hitch is that I've been at Am Law for an obscene amount of time and I'm due for a change.

By Vivia Chen

5 minute read

February 10, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Why All the Fuss Over Coke's Diversity Plan?

How many times can we tell ourselves that this is different—that this is the game-changer we've been waiting for?

By Vivia Chen

4 minute read

February 05, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Trump's Lawyers Are Sloppy and Mediocre. So What?

Trump could trot out the QAnon shaman as his advocate, make "Green Eggs and Ham" the centerpiece of his defense, and it wouldn't change a damn thing.

By Vivia Chen

5 minute read

February 03, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Some Black Partners Aren't Waiting for the GC to Call

"The general counsel's office has been talking about change forever," Weil Gotshal's Jeff Malonson says. "It's not enough to build a relationship with the GC."

By Vivia Chen

4 minute read

February 01, 2021 | The American Lawyer

The Game of Trump: Jones Day Outplays Kirkland & Ellis

Timing is everything. No wonder Jones Day alums seem to be landing on their feet, while Kirkland's are scrambling.

By Vivia Chen

5 minute read

January 26, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Tea and Empathy at Big Law

How do you teach partners empathy and understanding when those traits aren't part of the definition of success in Big Law?

By Vivia Chen

4 minute read

January 20, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Trump Needs a Lawyer. Please Help.

Trump's legal pickings are slim to pathetic. They are either past their expiration date or loony—maybe both. Thus far, it's almost a Who's Who list of ardent Trump supporters who are no longer available to represent him when he needs them most.

By Vivia Chen

5 minute read

January 13, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Justice Roberts' Heart Must Be Breaking

Academically successful, serious and so eager to learn, Josh Hawley is the dream son. He might have been the conservative version of Pete Buttigieg.

By Vivia Chen

4 minute read

January 07, 2021 | The American Lawyer

Will Big Law Take Cruz and Hawley?

For two brilliant legal minds, Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley have tanked their careers.

By Vivia Chen

4 minute read

December 29, 2020 | The American Lawyer

The Careerist's Crystal Ball: 8 Predictions for 2021

From fashion to parenthood, Vivia Chen offers up her vision of what Big Law can expect in the year to come.

By Vivia Chen

4 minute read