NYU School of Law

NYU Asia Law Society would like to thank its generous sponsors.


Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP
Paul P. Chen, partner, introduced Dewey & LeBoeuf and the growth strategy of its newly opened Hong Kong office. Afterwards, Mr. Chen and his associates guided us through an exciting and challenging M&A case study, which gave us an intriguing taste of the lawyer's life. In the Q&A session that followed, Dewey & LeBoeuf lawyers provided us with their perspectives on working as a lawyer in Hong Kong.

Davis Polk & Wardwell
We mingled with partners and associates from Davis Polk & Wardwell over wine and hors d'oeuvres at the elegant China Club. Taking in the marvelous view of downtown Hong Kong, we asked them all sorts of questions regarding their firm, life in Hong Kong, as well as their perspectives on China's legal and economic development.

Linklaters
Patrick Sheil, partner, provided us with an in-depth and comprehensive introduction to Linklaters, including its transformation from a domestic UK firm into a global leader and an overview of its China practice. Afterwards, we were treated to drinks and snacks, and had the opportunity to interact with partners and associates based in the Hong Kong office.

Milbank Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP
Milbank Tweed, Hadley & McCloy treated us to a sumptuous lunch at the elegant China Club, where we chatted with Hong Kong-based partners and associates. During lunch, Anthony Root, head of Milbank's corporate practice in Asia, introduced the firm and its Asia offices, while Y.J. Kim, partner, talked about the firm's different practice areas and his experience as a lawyer in Asia, including his time as Milbank's managing partner in Tokyo. We also had the honor of meeting David C. Siegfried, a retired Milbank partner, who helped found their China practice and introduced Milbank's history in China.

Morrison & Foerster LLP
Marcia Ellis, partner, discussed the 2006 M&A Regulations, trends in their implementation, and their important impact on doing business in China, particularly in the field of private equity. Using the M&A Regulations as a starting point, we explored numerous aspects of what it's like to practice law in a market as dynamic and challenging as China's. Afterwards, we were treated to snacks and drinks, and had the opportunity to interact with associates based in their Hong Kong office.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
David Halperin, partner, introduced Orrick's China practice and provided informed insight into many issues of concern for students desiring to work in Asia. Andrew Dale, of counsel, and Donna Healy, associate, also provided their perspectives on career tips for young lawyers and working in Hong Kong based on their personal experiences. Afterwards, we were treated to wine and cheese, and had the opportunity to interact with associates based in the Hong Kong office.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Jeanette Chan, head of the China Practice Group and the Asia Communications and Technology Practice Group, introduced Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison's Hong Kong office and their Asia practice, focusing on Paul Weiss' strength in Private Equity and Telecommunications. As one of NYU professor Jerome A. Cohen's former students, Ms. Chan provided a fascinating discussion of her career path in law and addressed many of the concerns that law students have about working in Asia. We also had the opportunity to speak with David Lee, associate, who provided insights into everyday life at Paul Weiss' Hong Kong office.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Over a delicious buffet lunch, Alan G. Schiffman and Alec P. Tracy, partners, gave us an informative overview of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, its China practice and Hong Kong office. In the Q&A session with partners and associates that followed, we delved deeper into a number of issues, including the future development of China's legal market and career paths in law involving Asia.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges
David Meredith, partner, and Lindsay M. Germano, Associate, introduced Weil, Gotshal & Manges' China practice and their newly opened Hong Kong office. They also provided us with a comprehensive and informative overview of key issues in private equity and M&A in Asia. Of particular interest were Mr. Meredith's "war stories" from his many years practicing law throughout Asia.

China Labor Bulletin
Mr. Robin Munro spoke to our delegation about the Chinese labor rights litigation movement and CLB's contribution to the peaceful and beneficial resolution of Chinese labor disputes. Mr. Geoffrey Crothall gave us a detailed explanation of the CLB's research projects in Chinese workers' representation and collective contracts. During the discussion, we explored current labor conditions in China and how the international community can contribute to improve them.

Hong Kong Stock Exchange
In a visit arranged by Milbank, we had the opportunity to tour the HKEx and meet with Ms. Bonnie Chan, Senior Vice President of the HKEx Listing Division. We watched an introductory video about the history of the HKEx. The following Q&A discussion focused on Ms. Chan's inspiring career experience, in which she began as a lawyer in private practice, and worked as an investment banker and in-house counsel, before moving to the HKEx where she has taken on the role of regulator. Ms. Chan's career trajectory demonstrates the many paths available to lawyers with a strong educational background.

Hong Kong International Arbitration Center
Mr. Christopher To, Secretary General of HKIAC, welcomed us with a rich and vivid presentation followed by an intriguing Q&A session. Mr. To talked about the past, present, and future of arbitration in East Asian business transactions. A highlight of the talk was Mr. To's discussion of how unique qualities of the Asian culture have led to a strong demand for arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism.

Hong Kong University
The Board of the Law Association of Hong Kong University Student Union warmly welcomed our delegation with a tour of the student center, the law library and the founder's monument. The Board introduced us to the academic programs that HKU offers and the wide variety of extracurricular activities in which students actively participate. Our highly interactive Q&A session explored the differences between the US and Hong Kong law school experiences. Finally, the Board presented our delegation with a wonderful gift commemorating our visit.

Human Rights in China
Thanks to our wonderful host from the HRIC Hong Kong office, we had the opportunity to learn of the variety of projects HRIC is working on in China. We also gained a unique perspective on the Uyghur rights movement and the current unrest in Tibet.

NYU Asia Law Society would like to thank all of the law firms and other organizations that hosted us on our trip.