Macy Tay – Associate, Hong Kong
"The secondment opportunities at Freshfields are excellent. During my training, I worked in London for six months. I also worked for three months in various seats, including dispute resolution, finance, and intellectual property. This helped me make an informed decision on what I wanted to do.
When my training finished, the firm sponsored me to spend a year in Beijing learning Mandarin. My friends were shocked and surprised to find that a law firm would be so supportive.
Working here means I’m always collaborating with colleagues and clients internationally. Our deals are multi-jurisdictional. Talking with our worldwide offices also gives me the chance to consider solutions from different perspectives.
It’s a privilege to work here. Everyone has such an incredible background, it’s almost overwhelming. Initially, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to step up to the plate. However, my concerns were unfounded. Freshfields has a welcoming open-door culture where your colleagues soon become your best friends.
Another plus for the Freshfields culture is its lack of bureaucracy. While the partners know what you’re doing and support you in your work, they don’t manage and monitor you all the time. They give you a lot of responsibility. They trust you to get on with the job to the best of your ability. That’s so refreshing. The social life here is great too. There’s always something going on, from Christmas parties to movie nights."
Macy Tay
Associate, Hong Kong
Melbourne University – Law and Commerce
Joined: as a trainee in August 2002