I like to understand how things work in the world, and a career in law seemed a great way for me to satisfy that intellectual curiosity. So, for example, if I want to understand how a corporate acquisition really works, I would enjoy spending the time to deconstruct the actual legal instruments behind it, understand the meaning and purpose of each individual clause, and appreciate the seamless interaction among distinctive clauses that silently forms the backbone of a successful transaction.

And why Baker McKenzie? Well, I was always aware of the Firm’s international reach, but when I found out about its established roots in China, that really captured my imagination. Baker McKenzie has maintained a presence in China since the 1970s and is a true pioneer in the Greater China legal market. Before I joined, I saw it as a firm that excels at both a global and a local level, and since I joined that’s certainly proved to be the case.

It’s still early days for me, of course. I’ve only been here a few months and I’m still in my first seat. But already I’m aware how much I’ve grown. Every time I start to feel comfortable with a task I previously found daunting, or I’m able to apply a particular research technique I’ve learned and find the answers I’m looking for more efficiently than before – that’s when I realize how quickly I’m progressing, how I’m getting that little bit better every day.

When it comes to career development, a lawyer’s choice of specialism is clearly an important one. So for people like me, who are still unsure about the path they want to take, the best way to reach an informed decision is to experience as many different practice areas as possible. The fact that Baker McKenzie offers exposure to so many different practice areas – some of which are not readily available in other firms – makes this the perfect place to launch your career.