CityU SLW Professional Development and Public Service Programme

On 4 September 2025, Professor Scarlet Fung, Founder and Director of the PDPS Programme, delivered a seminar entitled “Finding Your Vocation Towards Your Dream From the First Year of Law School.” 220 students from various cohorts of the LLB, JD, and double degree programmes joined the event! 🤩
 
At the seminar, Professor Fung highlighted the importance of discovering one’s vocation and explored various legal career options. She also discussed the key qualities and skills sought by law firms beyond academic credentials, and introduced resources available to help students develop these skills and enhance their employability. 📈 

Our distinguished alumnus Mr. James Lau and current senior students Ms. Cindy Leung, and Mr. Jonathan Ho also shared their experiences and tips on how they have been developing essential skills and experiences for becoming competent legal practitioners since their junior years at the law school and finding a position at a suitable law firm eventually.✨

Students indicated that they have greatly benefited from the event. One student stated, “Professor Fung‘s insights on finding our vocation were thought-provoking, which made me reflect on my future pathway.” Another expressed that, “The event provided valuable insights on job searching, and the essential tips shared by the professor and guest speakers have greatly inspired me regarding my studies and future career.” 

Thank you for the hard work of the 3 team leaders and 11 PDPS team members and interns in organising this event. Stay tuned for more events like this in the future! 😉
 

The Young Barristers Committee (YBC) of the Hong Kong Bar Association led the second session on 3 September 2025, sharing candid stories, day‑to‑day work, and insights from early-career practice. Guest speakers included: Ms. Angel H.Y. Wong (Equity Chambers), Mr. Felix T.L. Tang (Courtyard Chambers and Chairperson of YBC), Mr. Ernie Tung (Chambers of Lawrence Lok SC), Ms. Ferrida Chan (Plowman Chambers and Vice Chairperson of YBC), Mr. Oscar Tam (Chambers of Lawrence Lok SC), Mr. Jonathan Chan (Pacific Chambers), Mr. Victor K. T. Lui (Bernacchi Chambers), Mr. Allen Judge (Albert Luk’s Chambers), and Ms. Ingrid Yip (City Chambers).

They outlined the core aspects of barristers’ work and explained the importance and how to secure mini-pupillages, pupillages and tenancies. The speakers were candid about the challenges: variable income, limited client work at the outset, and long, gruelling hours. Even so, they highlighted the fulfilment of pursuing justice, honing advocacy skills, and making a meaningful contribution to society. ⚖️🗣️

The event concluded with small-group discussions, where students received personalised guidance and tailored answers to their questions. One student stated, “Thank you for providing us with comprehensive information about the risks of choosing to become a barrister in the future. It will definitely contribute positively to our decision-making process. Also, the work-related experiences shared and the valuable advice to try both mini-pupillages and law firm internships before finalizing our career paths is very helpful for me!”

A heartfelt thanks to the 3 team leaders and 15 PDPS team members who made this event a success!

The Young Barristers Committee (YBC) of the Hong Kong Bar Association led the second session on 3 September 2025, sharing candid stories, day‑to‑day work, and insights from early-career practice. Guest speakers included: Ms. Angel H.Y. Wong (Equity Chambers), Mr. Felix T.L. Tang (Courtyard Chambers and Chairperson of YBC), Mr. Ernie Tung (Chambers of Lawrence Lok SC), Ms. Ferrida Chan (Plowman Chambers and Vice Chairperson of YBC), Mr. Oscar Tam (Chambers of Lawrence Lok SC), Mr. Jonathan Chan (Pacific Chambers), Mr. Victor K. T. Lui (Bernacchi Chambers), Mr. Allen Judge (Albert Luk’s Chambers), and Ms. Ingrid Yip (City Chambers).

They outlined the core aspects of barristers’ work and explained the importance and how to secure mini-pupillages, pupillages and tenancies. The speakers were candid about the challenges: variable income, limited client work at the outset, and long, gruelling hours. Even so, they highlighted the fulfilment of pursuing justice, honing advocacy skills, and making a meaningful contribution to society. ⚖️🗣️

The event concluded with small-group discussions, where students received personalised guidance and tailored answers to their questions. One student stated, “Thank you for providing us with comprehensive information about the risks of choosing to become a barrister in the future. It will definitely contribute positively to our decision-making process. Also, the work-related experiences shared and the valuable advice to try both mini-pupillages and law firm internships before finalizing our career paths is very helpful for me!”

A heartfelt thanks to the 3 team leaders and 15 PDPS team members who made this event a success!

The PDPS team launched its first seminar of this academic year on 3 September 2025 - “Stepping into the Legal Profession: Empowering Future Solicitors through Law Society Initiatives” by the Law Society of Hong Kong . Around 210 students attended the event. 🥳

We were honoured to have Law Society Council member Mr. Calvin Cheng (Partner, Yung, Yu Yuen and Co.), Ms. Hin Han Shum (Council Member and Chairlady of Young Solicitors’ Group), and Ms. Anita Li (Member of Young Solicitors’ Group) as our guest speakers for the seminar.

The speakers highlighted the role of the Law Society as the regulatory body for solicitors. They discussed diverse career pathways for solicitors, including private practice and in-house roles, differences across practice areas, and the choice between specializing or remaining a generalist. One student stated, “I am able to learn a lot with the insights on the day to day responsibilities of being a solicitor and the desirable soft skills that are favoured by employers”. Another student also expressed that “The guest speakers were very articulate and helpful in my thought process of whether to be a solicitor or barrister”. 🌟

Special thanks to the 3 team leaders and 13 PDPS team members involved in organizing this event.

Are you curious about the work and culture of local and international law firms, or looking for tips on applying for training contracts and internships? Join us on Saturday, 27 September 2025, for an alumni roundtable featuring five CityU law graduates from diverse backgrounds.

This seminar is especially valuable for PCLL students now applying for training contracts, as well as final-year LLB and JD students preparing to apply in Semester B. Other students interested in learning more about local firms—the most common type in Hong Kong—will also benefit.

Come hear our speakers’ stories, explore the many career paths that begin at local firms, and connect with supportive alumni in both the main session and small-group networking.

📆Event Details
* Date: 27 September 2025 (Saturday)
* Time: 1:00–4:00 pm
* Main Session: 1:00–3:30 pm
* Small Group Networking: 3:30–4:00 pm
* Venue: Li-6376, 6/F, Multi-Function Room, Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Academic Building, CityU

⭐️Speakers
* Prof. Scarlet Fung (Adjunct Professor, CityU)
* Ms. Lorraine Lee (Essar Insurance Services Ltd.)
* Mr. Morency Mak (Partner, Lu, Lai & Li)
* Mr. James Li (Associate, Yu Sun Yau Mak & Lawyers)
* Ms. Arial Ng (Associate, Bird & Bird)
* Ms. Katrina Fong (Trainee Solicitor, Robertsons)

📢Registration
* Main Session: Register here by 2:00 pm, 26 September 2025 (Friday)
* Small Group Networking: Email your name, programme & cohort, WhatsApp number, and email to [email protected] by 11:59 pm, 19 September 2025

📢 Calling all CityUHK law students! 🚨 Join us for a seminar with Ashurst, a top global law firm, on What is the Future of Law & Legal Tech? 🌟

💡 What’s it about?
Discover how legal tech is transforming the law world! The panellists will explore how emerging trends and legal technologies are reshaping the future of law—from transforming law firm operations to redefining professional development. The discussion will examine the evolving legal landscape, focusing on the impact and practical application of legal tech, and what these innovations mean for the future of the legal profession.

📅 When: 10 Sept 2025 (Wed), 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Main Session: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Small Group Session: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
• Where: Li-6376, Multi Function Room, CityUHK

📌 How to join:
• Main Session: Register by 12:00 PM, 9 Sept 2025 at Ashurst - Graduate Recruitment Talk (10 September 2025) https://forms.gle/b8EEXaPPpbWni8w47 or scan the QR code on the poster on the next slide!

🔥 Don’t miss this chance to connect with Ashurst, known for supporting CityUHK students! 🚀

Title: “Finding Your Vocation and Working Towards Your Dream From the First Year of Law School”– by Professor Scarlet Fung, Adjunct Professor & Director of PDPS
Date: 4 September 2025 (Next Thursday) 
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
•⁠ ⁠Main Session: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
•⁠ ⁠Small Group Session: 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, M3017

This seminar is organized specifically for LLB and JD freshmen as well as PCLL candidates who are preparing for training contract and pupillage applications. It is also beneficial for those who have not attended this seminar before.

During the seminar, Professor Scarlet Fung will discuss the importance of discovering one’s vocation and various legal career options. She will place emphasis on the key qualities and skills - beyond academic credentials - in a successful candidate that are sought by international and local law firms, as well as Pupil Masters.

This information will also be helpful for PCLL students in their job search endeavors. Professor Fung will highlight the importance of developing these skills from the first year of law school, and what resources are available to help students achieve that and thereby enhance their employability.

Professor Fung has also invited guest speakers who have received training contract offers from reputable international and local law firms or are residences at reputable chambers to share their experiences. This will certainly be a precious opportunity for you to network with these guests!

Title: “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Becoming a Barrister But Were Afraid to Ask”– by the Young Barristers’ Committee, Hong Kong Bar Association
Date: 3 September 2025 (Next Wednesday) 
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Main Session: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
- Small Group Session: 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Venue: LT-2 Mr and Mrs Sze Chi Ching Lecture Theatre, 4/F University Concourse, Yeung Kin Man Academic Building, CityU

Registration link to the Main Session of the event:
https://forms.gle/QtcJdWqApMYNd9s1A

Welcome LLB, JD & PCLL students! 🎉 Prof. Scarlet Fung, Founder and Director of the PDPS Programme, introduced the programme on Orientation Day, kicking off an exciting Semester A with 16 amazing events lined up for you! 🚀

Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp group! 📱 Scan the QR code in our About PDPS newsletter to get exclusive updates on internship and trainee opportunities, upcoming events, and more.

Welcoming our LLB & JD students! 🎉 Our Founder & Director, Prof. Scarlet Fung, proudly introduced the PDPS team at Orientation Day, kicking off an exciting Semester A with 16 amazing events lined up! 🚀

Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp group! 📱 Scan the QR code in our About PDPS newsletter to get exclusive updates on internships, upcoming events, and more.

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Department of Justice career talk focusing on Legal Traineeships for 2026 and 2027!

Detail of the events:
Date: 11 November 2024
Time: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Venue: CLASS Meeting Room (Li-6376)
6/F Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Academic Building
City University of Hong Kong

You will learn about the details of the Legal Trainee Scheme, including eligibility, training provided and application procedure from our speakers from DOJ.

Sign up for the talk now by scanning the QR code in the post now! (add that the deadline is 8 November)

The PDPS programme organised a seminar by Clyde & Co, a renowned international law firm on 23 September 2024. Guest speakers are Ms. Joyce Chan (Partner), Mr. Pryderi Diebschlag (Counsel), Ms. Janice Hsui (HR & Administration Manager), Ms. Mikki Lo (Senior HR Coordinator), Ms. Hilary Chan and Ms. Kate Tang (Trainee Solicitors).

We are grateful that Clyde & Co has consistently presented engaging and innovative topics during their annual seminars in collaboration with the PDPS Programme. From ‘Who Pays for a Typhoon?’ (the topic for last year) to ‘Who Pays If a Director Goes Rogue’ this year, they have offered yet another intriguing seminar to our students. This year, the speakers also shared compelling real-life case examples regarding insurance practice and directors’ breaches of fiduciary duties, allowing our students a glimpse into the broad scope of insurance law. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Aside from the enriching seminar session, students also had the opportunity to interact with the guests in the small group sessions. Overall, everyone had a wonderful time!