In this series, we follow along individuals who are paving a path in the Family Law community in Hong Kong.
Today, we are speaking with Lauren Ng, family law trainee at Oldham, Li & Nie. In this article, we delve into Lauren’s foray into the Family Law arena and what it takes to survive in what is a very personal, human-focused area of law.
Lauren, tell the Hong Kong Divorce community how you started out in your career. Where did you study and what did you study in order to get to be a “trainee” in the legal field?
I did my Bachelor of Laws degree at the Bristol University in UK. I then did my Postgraduate Certificate in Laws at Hong Kong University which is a programme all prospective lawyers have to take in order to qualify in Hong Kong.
Did you always know you wanted to be a lawyer?
When I was young I actually wanted to be a zoologist or do something related to animals but I quickly realized that this was not a feasible career in Hong Kong. It was only in secondary school when I started thinking about university that I began considering law as a career option.
What made you decide you wanted to create a path for yourself in family law in particular?
While I was at Bristol University, I took the Family Law elective and the International Child Law elective which was taught very passionately by Professor Judith Mason and this really got me interested in this area of the law.
As a trainee, can you tell me what a typical day looks like and the type of work that keeps you busy each day?
A typical day for me would involve drafting various documents such as letters to the opposing side or affidavits. I would also attend client meetings with a partner where my main role would be to take notes and draft follow up emails to the client.
As of the publication of this article, you are now titled “paralegal” – Can you tell us the progression of the trainee contract, how long it lasts for and the steps after that in order to become an associate solicitor?
All trainees have to complete a 2 year training contract before they can apply to be admitted in Hong Kong to become an associate solicitor. I am currently a paralegal as I am in the interim period where I have just completed my training contract but am waiting to be admitted.
What difference/contribution do you hope to make in the family law community in Hong Kong?
Divorce is always a difficult process and I hope that I am able to contribute by helping our clients to the best of my ability and to achieve the best possible outcome for them.
Do you have any advice for other aspiring family law solicitor hopefuls?
Just to always be open to the opportunities out there and be willing to put in the hard work!
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me Lauren. We wish you all the best of luck in your future and we know you’ll make a wonderful mark in the family law community in Hong Kong!
