September 2024: New faces, lots to learn and plenty of fun too! Read Hong Kong trainee Crystal Chau's account of her first week at White & Case.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome
Today marked the beginning of our Foundational Milestone Program and my first day at White & Case as a trainee solicitor. Before the official training began, I met up with fellow participants in our Firm Café. Our trainee cohort of four was joined by three first-year associates from Tokyo. It was both comforting to see some familiar faces, but also exciting to meet new colleagues from Tokyo.
Our morning kicked off with interactive panel sessions featuring associates, counsels, and partners. We had ample opportunities to ask questions and were grateful for the candid advice shared by everyone.
Next came the exciting part – collecting our computers and mobile devices. The afternoon workshops were incredibly helpful in honing our research skills and understanding how to record time.
As our first day wrapped up, we enjoyed an afternoon snack with James Hsiao, one of our local partners. What a refreshing end to Day 1!
Day 2: Building Foundations
Day 2 was a mix of business development workshops and sessions introducing us to different practice groups. We learned about the technology the Firm uses to streamline workflows and boost efficiency. This knowledge is invaluable for junior lawyers, who often juggle multiple projects simultaneously.
To get the full local culinary experience, Jennifer, our APAC Recruitment and Early Careers Manager, ordered some egg tarts and Hong Kong milk tea for everyone to enjoy while we attended various workshops.
In the evening, we had dinner with partners, associates, and our Learning & Development and Early Careers colleagues. The camaraderie was palpable as conversations flowed and we introduced our Japanese colleagues to some authentic Chinese food. We left with full stomachs and even fuller hearts.
Day 3: Making our Mark
Day 3 continued with workshops on our various practice groups. We delved into the practical aspects of different types of transactions and learned what to watch out for while working on these deals.
For lunch, we gathered in a conference room with current trainees and associates, chatting casually about everything from our backgrounds to our travel experiences.
In the afternoon, we heard from partners across the APAC region. It was enlightening to see how different offices collaborate seamlessly on various projects, overcoming cultural and time zone differences.
Mid-week, the office organized a Mid-autumn party. There was no shortage of mooncakes, snacks and drinks. This get-together allowed us to meet more people across the Firm.
Day 4: Adapting and Thriving
Day 4 started with news of an impending typhoon (Nagi) in Hong Kong. Despite the uncertain weather, our day was action-packed. We began with a workshop on technology hacks for junior lawyers, which proved to be incredibly useful. The rest of the day involved further training sessions, both high-level overviews of the lifecycle of matters and practical aspects.
The highlight of the day was a panel session with Corporate and Disputes partners discussing their "most exciting negotiations". I'm sure the memorable stories and analogies shared will stay with us for a long time.
As Day 4 progressed, Typhoon Nagi drew closer. The Hong Kong Observatory announced that Typhoon Signal No. 8 would be hoisted by dusk. Fortunately, our events concluded before the strong winds and rain began, allowing everyone to get home safely.
Day 5: A Promising Start
I started Day 5 feeling rested amidst the storm outside. Due to the typhoon, all morning sessions were held virtually, but our enthusiasm remained undiminished. By the afternoon, the typhoon signal was lifted, and we were back in the office. We learned about managing expectations and building our personal brand, not only as trusted juniors but also as advisors.
After our activities, we visited Sotheby's at Chater House and admired various art pieces. What a fantastic way to end the week!
This first week at White & Case has been nothing short of exhilarating. From engaging panel sessions and hands-on workshops to memorable meals and unexpected typhoons, every moment has been an adventure. The friendship we've fostered with colleagues from across the globe, especially our new friends from Tokyo, has created a strong sense of community.
I'm thrilled to be part of this dynamic Firm. Here's to more unforgettable experiences and making our mark at White & Case!
