Yuxin Lei

Yuxin Lei is a second‑year legal consultant in Freshfields’ Equity Capital Markets (ECM) team in Shanghai. She first joined the firm as an intern in August 2023 before transitioning into her legal consultant role in July 2024, following completion of her master’s degree.

From the outset, Yuxin was drawn to capital markets work for its combination of legal complexity, commercial judgement and public impact. ECM sits at the intersection of regulation, investor expectations and market timing, offering a front‑row seat to some of the most visible and high‑stakes transactions in the market.

“There is a public dimension to ECM work that I find compelling. Your documents become public record, and your advice shapes how companies present themselves to the market.”

Since joining the team, Yuxin has worked on a wide range of listings and public offerings, including dual listings and IPOs across different sectors. These matters have given her early exposure to live market conditions, regulatory engagement and the commercial realities that influence transaction outcomes.

“Working in ECM is fast‑paced and commercially intense. You need a deep understanding of both regulatory frameworks and market dynamics, and that’s exactly what drew me to this practice.”

One of the most challenging aspects of her role has been managing the intensity and unpredictability of live transactions. ECM timelines are often dictated by external market forces, meaning deals can accelerate or pause suddenly, requiring teams to remain responsive under tight time constraints.

Yuxin also highlights the technical rigor of ECM documentation as a defining challenge. Prospectuses require absolute precision, and junior lawyers are often responsible for specific sections while still mastering the underlying law. Over time, she has developed strategies to manage this pressure, including proactive communication, asking clarifying questions early and building routines that support resilience during intense periods.

For Yuxin, few moments compare to seeing a deal successfully reach the market after months of preparation. Watching a company’s shares begin trading, particularly when pricing and performance exceed expectations, brings a strong sense of collective achievement.

“When a company finally lists and trades well, there is a collective sense of accomplishment that is difficult to replicate in any other context.”

A particularly memorable experience for Yuxin was her first issuer‑side mandate, where she was closely involved in drafting the prospectus and liaizing with regulators. Supported by patient and committed senior colleagues, the project marked a turning point in her development and gave her confidence to take on increasing responsibility.

Beyond transactions, Yuxin values Freshfields’ investment in her professional growth. Formal training, feedback and mentorship have helped her progress from reviewing documents as an intern to running workstreams and supporting junior team members. She describes the progression as earned rather than automatic, making it especially meaningful.

Outside the office, Yuxin prioritizes staying active and maintaining balance. She is an avid badminton player, training regularly with friends and enjoying the discipline and structure the sport provides. She also plays the piano, using music as a way to unwind and reset after demanding periods at work.