Exploring new horizons

Mark is currently an associate in the Chinese Corporate Finance team in the Hong Kong office.

Applying for my training contract

I was born, raised, and educated in Hong Kong. I obtained a Bachelor of Laws and the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws at the University of Hong Kong.

During my winter internship with NRF, I had the opportunity to work with the Dispute Resolution team, which provided invaluable insights into the firm’s operations and the legal profession at large. I was tasked with various assignments that allowed me to demonstrate my capabilities. Additionally, I participated in targeted workshops to enhance commercial competencies, such as presentation and networking skills, which are paramount in any professional environment.

Upon completion of my internship, I was invited to attend an exit interview for a training contract at NRF. My decision to pursue NRF is rooted in the firm’s supportive collegial culture. When I worked as an intern, I received unwavering support across all levels of the organisation, with everyone consistently demonstrating a willingness to mentor and share their expertise. Furthermore, NRF’s diverse portfolio of practice areas offers an ideal platform for gaining comprehensive experience and exposure across various legal domains before committing to a specific practice area for qualification.

Training in NRF

Throughout my traineeship, I had the privilege to be part of a cohesive team with incredible mutual support and mentorship. The firm’s culture of open communication fostered an environment where seeking guidance was not only encouraged but welcomed. The consistent and constructive feedback I received proved instrumental in my professional growth, enabling me to refine my skills and chart a clear career path.

What set this experience apart was the remarkable degree of trust invested in a fledgling trainee solicitor like myself. Despite being at the outset of my career, I was entrusted to be deeply involved in complex deals. My rotations in the Chinese Corporate Finance, Banking and Finance and Construction and Energy Disputes teams afforded me exposure to a diverse array of work, from the issuance of equity and debt securities listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to drafting legal advice for a dispute in relation to a major highway project. I was consistently offered the chance to engage directly with clients and different working parties. This level of involvement and responsibility has been immensely fulfilling and has significantly contributed to my professional satisfaction.

In addition to the day-to-day responsibilities of our roles, trainees also get the chance to organise major social events, such as the highly-anticipated annual Christmas Party and Spring Dinner for the office. These initiatives play a crucial part in our integration into the firm’s culture and community, enabling us to forge valuable connections while contributing to the firm’s social calendar.

Qualifying as a solicitor

My journey to becoming a transaction lawyer has been marked by unexpected turns. I have always envisioned a career as a disputes lawyer since I started law school. Little did I know that within two years, I completely changed my mind as I derived great satisfaction from liaising and collaborating with different working parties in a transaction and contributing to the successful closing of a transaction. Such realisation led me to qualify in the Chinese Corporate Finance team, a decision that has exposed me to a broad spectrum of work encompassing initial public offerings in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, mergers and acquisitions, listing rule compliance and debt securities issuance.

The comprehensive training I have received as a trainee solicitor has been instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition to my role as an associate. In this capacity, I am entrusted with overseeing the overall project management of a transaction and acting as a bridge between working parties and my seniors. The trust and autonomy afforded to trainees at NRF have been pivotal in developing my abilities to work independently, manage different workstreams and communicate effectively with different working parties.

Striking for a work-life balance

The legal profession, while intellectually rewarding and stimulating, has its own set of challenges, not least of which is the periods of stress inherent in high-stakes work. While a certain degree of stress can be a catalyst for enhanced performance, I also recognise and appreciate the importance of developing interests and personal pursuits outside of work.  During weekdays, I prioritise physical exercise, and such commitment to well-being also extends to my work habits. I have found that taking short breaks from work can significantly enhance productivity. When faced with challenging issues, I often find it beneficial to momentarily step away, perhaps catching up with a colleague over coffee. This approach frequently allows me to return to the task on hand with a fresh perspective.