Our People

I joined the firm as an intern in 2015, then later as a trainee in the Hong Kong office in 2017. During my traineeship, I was seconded to the London office for six months. I witnessed the global practice of the firm, which provided a platform for people to explore opportunities internationally from an early stage. In 2019, I qualified for the Hong Kong Capital Markets team, focusing on international bond offerings. In 2023, I was seconded to our Tokyo office and further experienced the firm's integration across practice areas and geographic networks.

What led you to specialise in your practice area and what keeps you passionate?

During my undergraduate studies, I majored in English Literature and creative writing. I have therefore always been interested in reading and writing, as well as literary criticism, which involves textual analysis and critical thinking. I decided to qualify into Capital Markets, because a large part of what is required of a Capital Markets lawyer is to tell a story about the company (via drafting offering circulars) in order to raise capital. This allows me to combine my passion for textual analysis and creative writing into my career.

How did your initial assumptions about being a lawyer change as your career progressed?

I initially thought I wanted to be a litigator, as it felt similar to a law school experience. My initial assumption was that being a lawyer was primarily a technical job. However, after becoming a transactional lawyer, I have come to appreciate that while a strong technical foundation is essential, it is just as important to understand law in the context of business, where you work with internal and external clients.

How would you describe the culture at the firm?

The firm's culture is high performing and very supportive. It provides an environment full of motivated and talented people who are not only great to work with but also look out for each other and in the process become lifetime mentors/friends.

The international secondment opportunities offered by the firm foster collaboration across its global network. As a result of which, people are just a message or a phone call away when we need support.

What key skills have you developed so far?

Having undertaken two international secondments, one of the most valuable skills I developed is to be able to work on transactions in different jurisdictions, involving clients from various backgrounds. This awareness helps me to become a more all rounded lawyer.

What aspect of the work brings you the greatest satisfaction?

I enjoy the global platform the firm provides, which allows us to always be at the forefront of the latest technical developments or complex cross-border transactions. The greatest satisfaction of my role is working with such a talented group of colleagues, which provides great mental stimulation.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Clifford Chance?

To develop commercial awareness early on to facilitate the transition from law school to a law firm.

What has been your most exciting project so far?

I recently worked on the liability management of Haitong Securities' outstanding bonds as part of the merger between Guotai Junan Securities and Haitong Securities. This transaction involves Capital Markets, M&A and Regulatory colleagues in the firm and is a great example to showcase the complex and cross practice matters that we work on.

What is the best career advice you have received?

To always be curious! When given a task as a junior, always try to understand the bigger picture, as that curiosity will lead you to develop the requisite technical foundation in the practice.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

I play tennis regularly outside of work, which helps me to remain active physically. The teams in the firm are understanding and supportive, so clear communication on workload allows us to look after one another.