Paying to work: Understanding the career choices and driving factors of young lawyers in China under negative income

Background Existing research has largely focused on the early-career challenges and career choices of young lawyers in Western countries, yet the reasons why young lawyers in China continue in the profession despite labor remuneration being insufficient to cover work-related costs remain unclear. Objective This study aims to investigate the factors that motivate young lawyers in China to remain in this profession despite labor remuneration that does not fully cover their work-related costs. Methods This study employed a inductive reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 28 young and senior lawyers in China. Results The findings indicate that young lawyers’ career choices are influenced not only by economic considerations but also by symbolic and lifestyle-oriented motivations. A favorable family financial background reduces dependence on immediate income, while the social prestige and professional identity associated with being a lawyer fulfill important psychological and symbolic needs. At the same time, limited case sources create greater discretionary time, enabling some young lawyers to maintain a more desirable work-life balance. Conclusions This study addresses a gap in international research concerning the career choice behavior of young lawyers in the Chinese context and provides insights for countries facing similar situations to optimize policies and systems for young lawyers’ career development.