HKU Alumni Legal Careers Project

For candidates aiming to join a Mainland Chinese law firm, I think fluency in Mandarin is essential—bilingual ability is a must. The range of applicants is large, so good academic performance is important. We also prefer candidates who have interned at Chinese law firms, because the culture, working environment, and expectations differ significantly from foreign firms. Having internship experience can make a real difference. The interview process and actual work experience can be quite different. Currently, the number of positions is limited, and the competition is intense. There are many applicants aiming even just for internships, not to mention the competition for trainee solicitors and solicitors. Therefore, excellent academic records, a reputable university background, language skills, and emotional intelligence are crucial. Diligence and flexibility are also vital. For example, willingness to work overtime, or to be reachable at flexible hours, is important. I find it hard to accept candidates who refuse to answer calls after office hours, or who are unavailable during weekends or trips. It’s not about requiring employees to work all the time, but about being responsive when needed—addressing urgent issues or providing updates. Not all young lawyers have this level of flexibility as they very much value work-life balance, and this balance is particularly important in the Beijing office—otherwise, employees might choose to leave. But in emergencies, if someone can’t be reached for three consecutive days, that’s unacceptable. So, flexibility is a key criterion. Additionally, interview performance is important, and HKU students usually possess better basic qualifications. Lastly, I advise against arrogance; candidates should not show that they turn to Chinese firms only because they couldn’t secure a position in international firms. We invest significant time in training our people, with the hope that they will stay long-term, we do not want to be merely a training ground.