This summer, I had a unique opportunity to do an internship at Deacons, Hong Kong's oldest and largest domestic law firm, founded in 1851. At Deacons, there are more than 200 lawyers, including over 50 partners, making it a significant player in the Hong Kong’s legal field. For two weeks, from July 29 to Aug. 9, I worked in the firm’s commercial litigation department under the supervision of Justin Yuen, a partner at the law firm. I was fully satisfied with the internship, and am eager to share my journey; how I secured this opportunity, my experiences, and the lessons I learned.

How I Got this Chance and Why I Chose to Take It

An internship at Deacons is a rare and prestigious opportunity, especially for law students in South Korea. until 2020 a fellowship program existed between the Ministry of Justice and the Law Society of Hong Kong, which allowed Korean students to do internships in Hong Kong, but it was suspended for years due to COVID-19. I was fortunate to be in my second year of law school when the program resumed. This was a perfect time for me to undertake an overseas internship, fulfilling our program’s requirement of a two-week internship before graduation.

Due to the limited number of available positions, 14 South Korean law students were selected through a competitive process. My previous international extracurricular experiences aligned well with the program's focus on global legal practices. My decision to apply was driven by my desire to build a career in international law, while Hong Kong, a global financial and legal hub, seemed like the perfect place to start.

My First Impressions of Hong Kong and How They Changed

Before this internship, my knowledge of Hong Kong was limited. This unfamiliarity with the culture, language, and even the food initially made me anxious. However, upon arriving in Hong Kong, although the city's bustling environment overwhelmed me, I quickly got used to it. I visited the Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor escalator, and familiarized myself with the location of Deacons in the Landmark Alexandra House in Hong Kong’s Central District. A Hong Konger friend I met years ago in Switzerland kindly showed me around the city and introduced local foods such as wonton noodles and waffles. By the end of the first few days, I had begun to appreciate the city’s the vibrancy and charm.

During the internship term, I explored some other regions of Hong Kong on weekends. I visited Repulse Bay, a serene area with some of the most expensive real estate in the world, Causeway Bay, known for shopping, and Victoria Park. The peaceful breeze of Repulse Bay, with its blue waters and scenic views, reminded me of Jeju Island in Korea, where I often surf. I also took a day trip to Macau, where I found some European architecture dating back to its days as a Portuguese colony, and also enjoyed the famous Portuguese egg tarts.

My Internship at Deacons

The first day of the internship was a whirlwind of introductions and orientations. I joined other Korean interns on a tour of the Court of Final Appeal and arbitration centers, where we learned about the court’s history and facilities. I found the contrast between Hong Kong's common law system and Korea's civil law system interesting. Hong Kong's legal practices, influenced by British law, include unique features like the use of wigs in criminal courts, which is an unfamiliar sight for Koreans.

At Deacons, I was assigned to the commercial litigation department, where I researched Hong Kong’s commercial and family laws. This was challenging due to the differences between Hong Kong’s system and South Korea’s. I also observed court hearings and gained insight into the roles of barristers and solicitors in Hong Kong. Unlike Korea, where a single title of "lawyer" exists for defense attorneys, Hong Kong's legal system distinguishes barristers, who represent clients in court, and solicitors, who handle legal work outside of court. Watching dynamic debates in court, something less common in Korea due to its high volume of cases, was particularly surprising.

The final day of my internship concluded with a memorable farewell party hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong. I was honored to give a speech on behalf of the student interns, where I shared my experiences at Deacons and how much I had learned during my time there. Later in the evening, the atmosphere became lively as interns and lawyers came together to sing and dance to "Gangnam Style." It was a joyful and unexpected way to end the night, making the farewell even more special.

Kind Care and Support from Lawyers in Hong Kong

The warmth and kindness of the lawyers at Deacons made a lasting impression on me. Two lawyers, Sherlynn and Hazel, even accompanied me to my hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, allowing me to experience the Star Ferry connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. My supervisor, Justin, treated us to delicious dim sum and other traditional Chinese dishes, over which we had a lively discussion about the differences between Korean and Hong Kong legal practices.

My internship at Deacons was a remarkable opportunity to learn about the common law system and to gain firsthand experience in Hong Kong’s legal environment. It was also a chance to build lasting connections with local lawyers and fellow Korean interns. I look forward to the day when I can return to Hong Kong, not just as an intern but as a colleague of those I met during this incredible journey.

By Lee So-hyun, Second Year, Law School