Q&A with Su He
Su He is a member of Porter Wright's Labor & Employment Depart and Immigration Practice Group. Her diverse experience in both Chinese and American legal systems has allowed her to serve as co-counsel with U.S. attorneys for Chinese companies.
What part of your practice are you most passionate about?
What I love most about practicing law is the opportunity to learn something new every day. Beyond the legal aspect, I love diving into the business side—understanding how companies are run, how decisions are made, and how leaders navigate challenges. It’s incredibly fulfilling to work closely with businesses, not just advising on legal matters but also gaining insight into their operations and strategies. This constant learning keeps my work dynamic and allows me to bring a more comprehensive perspective to my clients.
By what standards do you measure success?
I measure success by two key standards: helping others and getting things done. To me, success means making a positive impact-whether it's guiding a client or helping a colleague grow. Equally important is the ability to follow through and deliver tangible results. Ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively is a critical part of how I define success. I always feel successful when I can help others and see meaningful results.
What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to an aspiring female professional?
- Focus on details, sharpen skills, and stay curious. In my practice, it is all about details - every question on every form matters. As an immigration lawyer, even the smallest mistake may significantly impact a person’s career or a family’s future. As a lawyer, our first priority must always be to handle each case meticulously and ensure high-quality work. Beyond that, clients trust our expertise when they sense we know more than what they ask. When we identify issues they hadn't considered or provide insights beyond the legal question at hand, that trust deepens. Continuing to learn, sharpening skills, and expanding knowledge beyond our practice area will build credibility and strengthens relationships.
- Invest time in helping others. Whether through community involvement, attending board duties, or putting together events .. supporting others and the community not only helps us develop the network and business but also broadens the understanding of different perspectives. This ability to "read" people and environments is an invaluable skill in our profession, where emotional intelligence is often just as important as technical expertise.
- Embrace shifting priorities rather than seeking perfect balance. There won’t always be a clear work-life balance, but there will be times when you need to prioritize one over the other. At different stages in life, these priorities shift. Enjoy each role you take on, and focus fully on the commitments you’ve made in that moment. I may not be able to join my kids for every dinner, but when I’m with them, I make sure to put down my phone. It’s also important to have the support of family and colleagues.
Overall, not every effort has immediate rewards, but no energy is wasted—whether we’re helping others or growing personally, every experience adds value.
Complete the sentence: “If I wasn’t an attorney, I would be a…”
Artist or an interior designer.
