Mr Joseph Tse
謝立斌先生
Joseph graduated from Hong Kong University with an LL.B. degree in 1982. After completing his P.C.LL., he went to University of London and obtained an LL.M. degree there in 1984. Rather uncommonly at the time, he started his legal career including his training (then called articled clerkship) with a London-based “City Firm” in Hong Kong. In the early ‘90s, he moved to Sydney and worked for a few years at the then largest law firm in Australia. In 1995, he joined Allen & Overy (now called A&O Shearman) in Hong Kong as a Partner, making him the first ever HKU law graduate to join the partnership of a Magic Circle Firm.
At Allen & Overy, Joseph specialised in international banking and finance. He became the firm’s Head of Banking and Finance in Asia in 2000 and subsequently its Senior Partner, Greater China in 2008. He was consistently ranked among 4-5 Tier 1 banking and finance lawyers in China and Hong Kong and was named in Who's Who Legal as a Global Leader in Banking and Finance. He has led numerous high profile and award- winning transactions, including highly structured and complex financings, major reorganisation of bank groups and acquisition of banks in different jurisdictions.
Joseph retired from Allen & Overy in 2015 and founded a fintech company to provide small loans online to small and micro-sized enterprises in Mainland China, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as AI, big data, blockchain and cloud computing. His company subsequently acquired another company in Shenzhen which provides data analytics products and services to banks and other financial institutions. The group now has about 350 employees in China.
"Develop an international outlook and mindset, and build a strong, practical understanding of both China and the broader world."
My advice to current law students, especially at HKU, is shaped by both the evolving student demographic and the broader global context. Today’s law school cohort is far more international than in my time, which I view as a tremendous opportunity. I strongly encourage local students, especially those who have never studied abroad, to take full advantage of this diversity. Engage with peers from different backgrounds, participate in exchange programmes, and consider residence in university halls to broaden your cultural and intellectual horizons. Hong Kong’s historical and ongoing value lies in its role as an intermediary—a bridge between China and the rest of the world. This unique position requires not only language proficiency but also a nuanced understanding of different business cultures. In my own career, my ability to connect with both Chinese clients and their international counterparts (and vice versa) was often the deciding factor in securing mandates and resolving complex transactions. For those who wish to work in Hong Kong or for international firms, this ability to bridge cultural and business divides is a critical asset. Another piece of practical advice is to deepen your understanding of China—not just linguistically, but also in terms of legal, economic, and socio-political context. Many students today are fluent in English but struggle with written Chinese. I urge them to improve their Chinese language skills and to stay informed about the developments in China and globally. Finally, cultivate a habit of reading quality news daily, particularly financial news, and develop the discipline to think critically about how world events might impact your future clients, employers, and the legal market as a whole. Business acumen is not something that can be taught overnight; it is built gradually through continual learning and exposure. Skim the headlines, read insightful editorials, and absorb commentaries that offer different perspectives. Over time, this will accumulate into a valuable store of knowledge and judgment, which will serve you well in interviews and throughout your career. If I were to summarise, I would emphasise two key points: develop an international outlook and mindset, and build a strong, practical understanding of both China and the broader world. These, I believe, are essential for any law student aspiring to succeed in Hong Kong’s unique legal and business environment.
Glossary
Key terms to aid your reading experience.
HKU Experience
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
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An undergraduate law degree in common law jurisdictions, currently offered in Hong Kong by the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong.
JD (Juris Doctor)
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A graduate-entry professional degree preparing individuals for law practice. In the U.S. and Philippines, it is the only qualifying law degree.
PCLL (Postgraduate Certificate in Laws)
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A mandatory professional qualification program in Hong Kong that prepares law graduates to become solicitors or barristers.
Hall of residence
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Living in a residential hall is an HKU tradition, fostering independence and close interaction among students from diverse backgrounds.
HKU Law Campuses
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Caine Road Campus (1969 - 1973)
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Knowles Building (1973 - 1989)
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K.K. Leung Building (1989 - 2012)
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Cheng Yu Tung Tower (2012 - present)
UK Postgraduate Education
United Kingdom Bar Exams (“London Bar Final”) (formerly in place)
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A now-obsolete two-part qualification exam for aspiring barristers wishing to practice in the UK or Hong Kong, held three times a year at three-month intervals. Graduates could take multiple exams simultaneously, often sitting them early after graduation or the next summer.
Training
Traineeship
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Aspiring solicitors who completed the PCLL must be employed under a two-year training contract with a law firm to qualify as solicitors. This period is also referred to as an “articleship” in some interviews.
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Non-law graduates were previously able to serve five years as a solicitor’s clerk to qualify as solicitors. The significance of this system subsequently waned due to the popularisation of legal education.
Pupillage
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Aspiring barristers who completed the PCLL must complete a one-year pupillage, assisting barristers with case research, drafting, court attendance, and other tasks to qualify as barristers.