Chris Wong – Partner, Beijing
"What first attracted me to Freshfields? The firms’s commitment to China. While others were cautious about entering the country, the firm recognised the potential and opened its first China office in 1985. I recognised this potential too. That’s why I trained here and became a partner here. I’m a testament to the graduate programme’s success.
We give trainees the chance to work within the world’s most exciting jurisdiction. China’s legal framework is changing fast. And our people play a part in shaping the country’s future. For me, it was an opportunity too good to pass by.
We also have a team of exceptionally talented individuals. We work on prestigious projects and we’re expected to perform at the top of our game. But it’s the supportive atmosphere that makes it special. There’s a real buzz about the place. Having spent time in London, Hong Kong and Beijing, it’s great to see this same culture extend throughout the offices. Whatever our people’s backgrounds, everyone gets on really well.
Internationally, I feel plugged into the professional network. At Freshfields, we work with many clients from Europe, the Middle East, and the US. We take part in lots of training and personal development programmes, where people from different offices go to other countries and participate in team building exercises. It brings our people together. For the team in Beijing, this international flavour gives us a fantastic insight into how things are done in the rest of the world."
Chris Wong
Partner, Beijing
Kings College, University of London – Law
Joined: as a trainee in September 1994