International Clerkship Report

Kenny Chiu, August 2006

Sponsoring Office: Hong Kong
Receiving Office: London, England

Why International Clerkship?

It has always been my dream to work in a law firm that has a multinational perspective and a global connection. Bearing this objective in mind, it would appear not particularly difficult to pick the right firm when I was seeking a summer placement opportunity. However, almost all of the international law firms merely offer a local placement scheme, which means that I would only be expected to work at the office of my home jurisdiction. So how could I really have a chance to explore and benefit from the international presence of a firm?

Baker & McKenzie provided me the solution. By offering an International Clerkship programme,  Baker & McKenzie allow, and indeed encourage, their international clerks to get a flavour of how it is like to work in different offices around the globe. This is exactly what I am looking for. And this is only one of the many features which serve to differentiate Baker & McKenzie from any other international law firms.

I am proud to say that I have had the most rewarding and challenging 12 weeks ever under the International Clerkship programme.

Hong Kong

My International Clerkship started off with a 6-week placement at the Hong Kong office. During this 6 weeks' time I was rotated in three different practice groups, namely, the Commercial & Securities Group ("CSG"), the Intellectual Property Group ("IPG") and the Finance Practice Group ("FPG"). I am really grateful that I had been exposed to a large variety of work during my rotations, as this maximized my learning opportunities. I was primarily engaged in legal research during my stay in CSG, during which time I had also been given the opportunity to work for a senior partner. I was invited to a court hearing while I was sitting in IPG, and had taken up the responsibilities of reviewing and drafting various agreements during my seat in FPG. I am really glad that I had been entrusted with work from different trainee solicitors, associates, and even partners.

It is not just about work at Baker & McKenzie. All of us summer clerks were invited to a variety of social events organized by the Human Resources Department. We were invited for a seafood dinner at the early stage of our placement so that we could mingle with other summer clerks and trainee solicitors to get to know each other better. We were also invited to a bowling night during which we had had a great time playing bowling with associates and partners. There were indeed many occasions on which we could develop a direct contact with different levels of the firm. It is not difficult to imagine how dedicated each member of the staff is to the summer clerkship programme. The programme would never be as successful as it was without the greatest effort from them.  

London

It was indeed a very difficult decision for me when I was asked to pick an overseas office under the International Clerkship programme, since there are 70 choices available. I picked the London office at the end largely because of the fabulous reputation enjoyed by the English legal profession.   

I headed off to the London office after finishing my placement in Hong Kong. I was extremely excited about this opportunity for it was my first time to be in London!

During my 6-week placement there, I spent 3 weeks in the Corporate South Department in which I was given a chance to get involved in conference call meetings. I spent the rest of my placement in the Dispute Resolution Department, during which time I was responsible for researching English and European laws, as well as liaising with the Paris office on a client matter. I was lucky to be able to start my placement at the London office together with 16 other summer clerks, a few of whom were international clerks coming from different parts of the world, including Australia, Venezuela and the United States. They are all very friendly (and funny!) and helpful, and I am very glad to have made new friends from all over the world!

I was also invited to a series of social events after work. This included the corporate city quiz, which we were asked to tour around London in order to finish our designated tasks; the comedy store, which we were invited to a stand-up comedy; and a private film screening, which we were invited to a hotel for a movie of our choice! All these interesting social events - together with welcoming/farewell drinks, lunch at the Oxo Tower, Trainee Summer Party - had made my London trip nothing but a memorable one.

Similarities Between Hong Kong and London Offices

A common thread is that in both offices, there are people coming from all parts of the world, and with diverse background. Having said that, Baker & McKenzie have not overlooked the importance of local lawyers and the contributions they make in enabling the firm to blend local expertise with international perspectives. I am glad that I could have a glance at the firm's global network and the synergies it generates.

After the International Clerkship

I am very grateful for being awarded the International Clerkship, and I am just as grateful for those who had made my placement a fruitful and memorable one. In particular, I would like to thank all the staff members of the Human Resources Department, both Hong Kong and London, for organizing a series of social activities for us summer clerks. I would like to express my gratitude to all trainee solicitors, associates and partners who had been patient in providing guidance. I would also like to thank those who had helped me settle in London by spending their precious time with me touring around the city (and special thanks to Matthew who sorted out an Arsenal Champions League's ticket for me). I am really impressed by just how friendly and helpful people at Baker & McKenzie are.

I am very positive that Baker & McKenzie's International Clerkship programme is one which no law student could resist.