Further studies in law after graduating from Lancaster University
Hiu Ying Lee (Mimi) from Hong Kong studied Advanced Level Foundation with us in Oxford before winning a place to study Law at Lancaster University.
After graduating this summer, she is now undertaking further study in London, with a view to pursuing a legal career back in her home country. We recently caught up with her to find out about her experience at Lancaster, and reminisce about her time with us at Kings!
Hi Mimi. What course are you currently taking and how does it relate to your Law degree?
I am currently studying at the University of Law, London. I am doing the LPC (Legal Practice Course) & MSc in Law, Business and Management. The LPC prepares me to become a trainee solicitor which involves acquiring legal writing, drafting, advocacy and interviewing skills. In addition to the legal programme, the MSc introduces me to different fundamental business-related knowledge in banking, debt securities, leadership and finance. Moreover, I believe that commercial awareness and business mind are essential and dispensable in life that is why I would like to broaden my horizons and not to limit myself in law by taking the course.
How did it feel when you graduated from Lancaster? Was it worth all the hard work?
It was very satisfying. It was all like a dream to me. I had never thought that 3 years would pass so quickly, it was really like a blink of an eye. When I was reflecting myself at the end of my third year, I was delighted to learn that I had accomplished all of the goals I set for myself in my first year. I had my first work experience, I have actively involved in various societies and the student union, and I fundraised for charities. I had an all-rounded university life at Lancaster.
It was a tough 3-year in balancing my academic studies and extra-curricular activities well at the same time, and I hope that I have made my family and friends proud!
What would you say was the highlight of your Law studies at university?
The Mooting Competition (2014) and the Negotiation Competition (2016).
For the Mooting Competition, participants had to speak in front of the County Judge as the role of either a senior or junior counsel. Regarding the Negotiation Competition, teams were negotiated in front of corporate solicitors from renowned law firms. Although my teammates and I did not get the last victory, we have gained many insights throughout. We were able to get valuable comments from professionals. Besides, these were all great networking opportunities.
It was a very precious experience overall, and I am very grateful to be able to participate in the events organised by the Law Society of Lancaster University.
And what would you say was the highlight of your university life in general?
My participation in the Lancaster University Dance Society where I have gained a lot of satisfaction and recognition.
I was the dance choreographer of Ballet and the secretary of the Society. The Competition Squad and I competed in various intra-university competition. We won a total of 4 Golds and 1 Bronze from the 2 pieces I choreographed. Likewise, the Committees and I had to organise the biggest event of the year, the annual performance of the Society, which involves over 100 members. I would never forget the sleepless nights in preparing all the events. Most importantly, I have made friends for life here who pursue similar dreams and aims as me.
What are your plans for after you have finished your current course? Is there an area of law that you’d like to specialise in?
I will move back to Hong Kong, and I would like to bring the cultures and knowledge I have acquired in the UK to the work field in Hong Kong.
I am particularly interested in mergers and acquisitions and also public affairs such as initial public offerings. An alternative to becoming a corporate solicitor, I am intended to become a chartered secretary in Hong Kong to maintain and promote corporate governance in a company, ensuring the company has complied with various regulations.
It is important to keep in mind that what you study at the University do not necessarily mean that you have to be working in the same field. Explore more find the most suitable path for yourself and do not restrain yourself. There is always more than one opportunity!
Are you pleased that you chose the subject that you did?
Studying law is not an easy subject. However, it is thrilling to know how the society operates from the legal perspective, especially the rationale behind each judgement. Studying law has also enabled and exposed me to various legal and commercial networking opportunities, and I am glad to have met and talked to so many professionals. Whether or not I will be a lawyer in the future, I am sure that the knowledge and lessons I learnt from the previous year doing law would be beneficial to me.
Are you still in touch with many friends from Kings?
Yes, I still meet friends from Kings regularly. At Kings, I have met friends from different parts of the world. Occasionally, I travel to France, Korea, China and Taiwan to visit friends. The feeling of having friends at various places on the globe is amazing because you get to experience the local life with the locals!
It may sound clingy, but the bonding between my friends from Kings and I are like diamonds, we have gone through a lot of important stages in life such as living alone from home at an entirely new environment for the first time and going to university. It is my pleasure to have known them, and I am incredibly thankful that they have supported me for so long.
What would you say to your teachers at Kings if you met them again now? How much do you feel your time at Kings Oxford prepared you for university life?
I would definitely share with them all my interesting stories at Lancaster, and of course, I would be thanking them for all the individual supports they spent on me during my time at Kings Oxford. They all have played a crucial role in preparation for my University. Their warm welcoming provided me with a very comfortable study environment, and they made my year at Kings ‘felt like home’.
To Adam (the course coordinator at Kings Oxford and geography teacher), thank you so much for advising and guiding me through the UCAS application. Thank you for explaining the corrections on my assignment line by line, and I really enjoyed your geography lessons!
To Anna (teacher in government & politics), thank you so much for comforting me with the UCAS results and providing me with alternative suggestions to the conventional route and thank you so much for sharing the exciting stories you experienced in the past.
To Melrose (who guided my personal statement), thank you for your time for checking my personal statement multiple times, making sure that it was ‘perfect’ and thank you for your advice on my UCAS choices.
To all my subject teachers, thank you for your patience in teaching and explaining the topics to all of us.
Lastly, I wish you all good health, happiness and success in the coming year and always. Also, hope that Kings will nurture more successful students in the future!
What advice would you give to other people from your country who are considering studying at Kings?
Please do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and study away from home by yourself because the world is more beautiful than you think it is. At Kings, teachers and staffs are very friendly. The student-teacher relationship is different from Hong Kong, teachers are more like friends, and instead of ‘lecturing’ students, they share their life experiences with us. Furthermore, if you ever need any help from Kings, they respond and provide support promptly. You will always be covered!
In addition, the mode of learning is different in the UK. Instead of acquisition (like in HK), participation is encouraged. Students are required to discuss and speak in class, and I think it really helps creativity and critical analysis skill by listening to more different perspectives. Regarding living, staying with a host family is an extraordinary and pleasant experience. There is a right balance of privacy and care. My host parents are very welcoming and willing to listen to my concerns, they comforted and accommodated me very well, but they would never ‘invade’ my private life.
I can assure you that studying at Kings will definitely be your ‘once in a lifetime’ experience!
What advice would you give to international students hoping to study Law at a UK university?
Be active and take part more. Do not be afraid to take the initiative and talk to professionals, and you never know what generous people would offer you and what would happen.
