Exploring new horizons

Cherry is currently an associate in the Banking and Finance team in the Hong Kong office.

My academic background

I pursued my tertiary education at the University of Hong Kong, where I obtained a double degree in business and law as well as a postgraduate certificate in laws.

Where my story with NRF began

When deciding which law firms to apply for, it is easy to be dazzled by their similar-sounding brochures. However, to truly understand a firm’s culture going beyond the brochures, it is crucial to get to know the firm’s people and gain first-hand exposure by having direct conversations with the firm's representatives in law fairs and embarking on vacation schemes.  My first-hand exposure with NRF began in 2019, when I joined the firm as a winter vacation student and spent four weeks with the Banking and Finance team.

During the vacation scheme, I shared a room with an associate and was assigned with real client work for ongoing banking deals. It was my first time closing live deals and working with clients and lawyers from other jurisdictions. I was tasked with liaising with local counsel, preparing conditions precedent reports, and conducting various legal research. It was also a big takeaway to observe how associates interacted with clients and other working parties. What struck me the most was the firm’s vibrant and collaborative culture. I witnessed how NRF’s associates worked together seamlessly and supported each other as one firm. This was this people-centric culture that ultimately drew me to commence my training contact here.

Taking the next step

True to my initial impressions, my training contract at NRF proved to be both fruitful and enjoyable. Trainees at NRF have the edge of getting involved in a wide range of practice areas spanning NRF’s full-service spectrum. The sufficient breadth and strength of practice areas allow aspiring trainees to try their hand at the highest level and make career-defining decisions.

During my two-year training contract with NRF, I completed seats in Banking and Finance, Chinese Corporate Finance and Dispute Resolution teams. Throughout each seat, I was consistently given ample guidance and support from seniors who always provided me with detailed instructions and feedback. They encouraged me to take ownership of tasks but were also readily on hand to answer questions and share their expertise. I have assisted on several court cases, played an active role in IPO transactions, and helped with closings of banking deals with tight timelines. I am grateful for the opportunities to take ownership of key workstreams in these matters and make contributions to the teams.

Beyond just the work itself, I was impressed by the warm and collegial environment within NRF. My seniors demonstrated a genuine concern for my professional development and overall well-being. They would take the time to understand my career aspirations and provide personal advice on my career development.

Advancing my career at NRF

After successfully completing my two-year training contract, I am delighted to have qualified into NRF’s Banking and Finance team. In this new role, I start taking the lead on a diverse range of banking transactions, while still benefiting from the close supervision and mentorship of the seniors in my team. The Banking and Finance team has a highly collaborative culture built on open communication. We regularly share updates on and takeaways from challenges we face in this ever-changing legal environment, and learn from each other to resolve complex legal and commercial issues. The sense of togetherness makes work more manageable and enjoyable.

Overall, NRF is a place where I feel respected, work as a team and can achieve my personal and professional goals.

Striking a work-life balance and coping with stress

The demanding and fast-paced nature of banking and finance work can be challenging at times. Fortunately, I have built genuine friendships with my batchmates and colleagues who have always supported me whenever I feel overwhelmed. Partners are receptive to us taking breaks to recharge, and my teammates are always happy to cover for one another when needed.

Additionally, I have learnt that staying organised and being proactive with deal management is key to managing stress. Good preparation allows me to maintain better control over my deals and ensure smooth closings with less last-minute scrambling. This, in turn, reduces the stress I face in my day-to-day work.