Michelle Yip – Associate, Hong Kong
"Freshfields is a great place to start your career because of the emphasis everyone places on training and development.
I never feel embarrassed to ask questions. It’s the best way to learn. Everyone’s so approachable. We also receive regular formal training. There’s always a seminar or training programme to attend covering the topical issues of the day.
Everyone is encouraged to take a three-month secondment in Beijing or Shanghai. China is the place to be right now as there are so many deals going on. My recent secondment in Shanghai has given me the chance to find out how Chinese businesses work and to get to know people from other offices.
I’m really looking forward to my secondment in London. And with so many offices and practice groups round the world, there are opportunities everywhere.
Before I joined Freshfields, I’d been interviewed at other law firms. What attracted me to Freshfields were the people, work and culture. The work here is great; we’re involved in many headline grabbing deals, which is very exciting for a trainee like me. But while the work can be quite challenging sometimes, it’s a pleasure to work with people I really like. Colleagues recognise your hard work. No one’s overlooked and partners are quick to reward a job well done.
The social side is excellent. We go for drinks every Friday and there always seems to be a party in the diary. The firm does a lot for the community, which allows me to take part in lots of charity events and pro bono work. Being involved in this type of work is very satisfying to me."
Michelle Yip
Associate, Hong Kong
University College, University of London – Psychology;
Nottingham Law School – Graduate Diploma in Law
Seats: Finance, Dispute Resolution, Corporate, secondment to Shanghai and Intellectual Property/Information Technology
Joined: as a trainee in August 2006