Jessie Lau

Jessie Lau

LLB (Hons) Law, 2010

About me

About my career

I was determined to study law at university and become a lawyer. As there are only three universities offering the LLB course in Hong Kong, the competition was fierce and I only got an offer to study hotel management after the release of JUPAS results (equivalent to UCAS). Therefore, I explored overseas legal study in the UK and Manchester was the first choice as my relatives had been residing in this city. Finally, I got the offer to study the legal foundation course with Manchester Metropolitan, followed by the LLB degree.

I found a job within the first week of returning to Hong Kong. I worked as a paralegal in a local law firm and gained exposure in general practice, which covers civil litigation, criminal litigation, probate, conveyancing, mediation and immigration law etc. While working full time as a paralegal, I took the conversion course and exams at HKU SPACE so that I would have the qualifications to take the legal practice course in Hong Kong.

After becoming a lawyer in 2017 and practising in private practice for three years, I managed to move in-house as legal counsel for an investment bank earlier this year. It has been a dramatic but very good change, in which I can apply my technical skills and knowledge in corporate finance and commercial law on the one hand, while enjoying a well-balanced, work-life schedule. Being an in-house legal counsel gives me exposure to a broad range of business law, and enable me to consider interests of different stakeholders from a commercial perspective.

The skills I gained at Manchester Met and which I’ve used most in my career so far must be the strategy to tackle exams, presentation skills and critical thinking capability. Life is full of examinations and assessments, ranging from conversion exams, legal practice course exams, even interviews, to training contracts and job interviews to move up the legal career ladder.

Since graduating I’ve received legal training as a trainee solicitor and was admitted as a solicitor of the HKSAR.

My top tip for students

Planning is the most important step and being hardworking is the best virtue for fresh graduates. Apart from studying, students should plan ahead by applying to do placements, vacation schemes or training programmes at law firms, in order to taste the life of a legal practitioner and make informed decisions about whether to choose this career path. Also, keeping abreast of the market news, commercial awareness, latest legal reform and developments would be beneficial to students and greatly maximize their opportunities in finding a graduate job.

I’m inspired by

My own experience that I would never dream of having the opportunity of international study and achieve my present position. Throughout these years, I managed to qualify as a professional lawyer thankful to solid degree knowledge and Manchester Met’s support. I hope to share my past experiences to fellow law students as a mentor.

Why I love Manchester Met

I loved the ambiance of study in the vibrant city of Manchester and my time as a student ambassador representing the Law School to prospective students.

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