Legal
Mentor: Mrs Angel Mak Daley (Barrister)
Ella Kwong & Athena Mok
We were very fortunate to have the amazing opportunity to shadow Mrs Angel Mak Daley, an experienced barrister, at Gary Soo’s Chambers from 7th to 17th August 2023.
Throughout this period, we experienced the daily routine of a barrister and actively participated in various case proceedings. Additionally, we were able to attend a criminal trial regarding a violation of the Buildings Ordinance at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts. This experience provided us with valuable insights into witness testimonies and highlighted the significance of paying attention to detail when practising law. Mrs. Daley underscored the importance of justice and fairness in a trial, emphasizing that it is crucial to prioritize justice rather than only focusing on winning a case.
​
The experience was highly rewarding, offering us unspoken lessons and morals. We express our gratitude to the school and Mrs. Daley for this invaluable learning opportunity.
​
​
​
Mentor: Hong Kong Dignity Institute (Legal)
Cheryl Chan, Ella Kwong, Cattleya Lai, Daisy Lee & Joyce Li
During our shadowing experience at the Hong Kong Dignity Institute (HKDI) from August 21st to 25th, we had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into their mission of restoring dignity to marginalised individuals of society. One of the key aspects of our experience involved conducting legal research on drug trafficking, which included analysing different court cases and identifying loopholes within current legislation.
Additionally, we had the privilege of reading letters spanning over a decade written by victims of drug mules in Father Wotherspoon’s Scheme. This provided us with a profound understanding of the devastating consequences of drug trafficking on individuals and their families. Furthermore, we learned about the issue of human trafficking and the efforts being made to combat it in Hong Kong.
The HKDI team was incredibly welcoming, fostering a happy and supportive environment throughout our time there. This experience has enriched our understanding of the complexities surrounding societal marginalisation and the importance of working towards restoring dignity to those affected.
​
​
​
​
Mentor: Ms. Kamina Lai (Barrister)
Clio Kong & Iris Wong
From 21st to 22nd August 2023, we were delighted to have the opportunity to shadow Ms. Kamina Lai. In these two days, we had the opportunity to witness an actual trial of unlawful assembly. Being able to observe an actual trial was indeed an eye-opening experience. Witnessing the presentation of evidence by the lawyers gave us a newfound appreciation for the legal system. This job shadowing opportunity allowed us to observe a lawyer in action closely; their dedication and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of their work. Even minor and detailed questions were asked during the trial and used as a tool to develop a persuasive argument. After the trial, we had a debriefing with Ms. Lai; we discussed how lawyers would do research for cases to be well-prepared. Also, we learned that research skills and presentation skills are especially important, not only to lawyers but also in our current stage and the future. Ms Lai also shared her own experiences with us and the legal profession’s stability. Lawyers play a crucial role in society and their services will always be in demand.
Overall, the whole job shadowing experience was indeed insightful and rewarding. Thanks to Ms. Lai, we were not only able to witness an actual trial, but also learned a lot of useful research and presentation skills and to be proactive.
​
​
​
Mentor: Mrs. Gabriela Kennedy
Christy Chiu
This job shadowing experience in Mayer Brown (31 Jul - 4 Aug) is very important to me as it not only serves as an introductory course to the law profession, but offers me the essential insight to consider pursuing law in university and as a career.
During my lunch chat with Mrs. Gabriela Kennedy, her realistic take on what makes one an “exceptional lawyer” is not purely based on their grasp of legal knowledge, instead it is the broadness of their global cultural and political insight. Besides, I also had the opportunity to conduct research in cybersecurity, personal data, technology and trademarks for the weekly news issue, where I found defensive trademarks particularly interesting as they only pertain to exceptionally well-known companies such as “Cummins”.
Through learning the territorial characteristics of trademarks and trademark squatters, I aspire to explore the field of intellectual property law in the future, such as to find ways to narrow the limitations in protecting creative work under the Hong Kong jurisdiction.
​
​
​
​
Mentor: Mr. John Marray (Barrister, Admiralty Chambers)
Daisy Lee
From August 14th to August 18th, I had the opportunity to shadow Mr. John Marray— an experienced barrister for almost forty years— during his work at Admiralty Chambers. During this time, I gained valuable insights into the role and responsibilities of an advocate and learned the significance of justice and fair trial in Hong Kong.
I was offered the fantastic opportunity of reading evidential documents related to various crimes, such as drug trafficking and intentional harm. The experience of reading depositions and going through interview tapes familiarised me with the various forms of evidence and their procedures. While I had known on a cognitive level the extent of preparation that barristers go through, I was truly impressed by the amount of meticulousness and attention to detail that barristers apply to a single case.
By going to a return hearing at the Eastern Magistrate’s Court, I had an opportunity to glimpse defendants up close. The decorum that goes into a court hearing reflects the gravity and high standards the legal profession rightfully holds itself to. The dedication to justice and professionalism displayed by those in the legal profession I encountered was truly inspiring.
​
​
​
Mentor: Ms. Vivian Chih (Barrister)
Ella Kwong
From 1-4 August 2023, I was given the incredible opportunity to shadow Ms. Chih. The process of mediation, as I witnessed it firsthand, was a captivating blend of fascination and intensity, far removed from the dramatic portrayals often seen on television. One of the most striking aspects of Ms. Chih's mediation approach was her ability to foster effective communication and actively seek resolutions. It was inspiring to witness her employ various techniques and strategies to encourage dialogue and understanding between the conflicting parties. By placing importance on fairness, equality, and the pursuit of common ground, Ms. Chih demonstrated that prioritizing justice and truth lies at the heart of successful mediation. It is a fundamental principle that transcends individual biases and interests, emphasizing the importance of equality and unity. Ms. Chih's dedication to this principle showcased the power of mediation to bridge divides and foster harmonious resolutions. This experience has instilled in me a deep interest in mediation, and I am eager to explore this field further at university and potentially in my future career.
​
​
​
Mentor: Ms. Karen Leung (Permanent Magistrate)
Cheryl Chan and Destiny Lin
From the 14th to the 15th of August, we had the privilege of shadowing Ms. Karen Leung, a respected permanent magistrate at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court.
​
During this rewarding time, we observed various court hearings, including a notable loitering case where the defendant rejected legal representation. This opportunity allowed us to gain diverse perspectives on the different nature of cases and consider the application of various legal principles, such as the ‘mens rea’ and ‘actus reus’, to determine guilt.
​
Ms. Leung, an alumna of SPCS, also shared her experiences at the school and offered valuable career advice for our personal and professional growth in the legal field. Overall, it was a rewarding and enriching experience.
​
​
Mentor: Ms. Denise Chan (Solicitor)
Natalie Wong
I had the privilege of spending a week at Harneys Westwood & Riegels, a prominent global offshore law firm. Throughout my time there, I had the valuable guidance of Ms. Denise Chan, a Senior Legal Manager in the transactional department. This experience provided me with firsthand exposure to the daily responsibilities of working as a solicitor.
​
One of the highlights was acquiring extensive knowledge regarding the different types of legal documents involved in business deals, including sales and purchase agreements and the register of members. This exposure allowed me to deepen my understanding of the intricacies of these documents.
​
Furthermore, interacting with my mentor, Ms. Chan, and other colleagues at Harneys provided me with valuable insights into the firm's corporate culture. The environment was characterized by a welcoming and positive atmosphere, encouraging open communication and professionalism among its members.
​
Overall, this experience granted me a glimpse into the work of solicitors and the profound impact they have on individuals' lives. It significantly contributed to my understanding of the legal field, and I am sincerely grateful to both the school and Ms. Chan for this invaluable opportunity.
​
