Amy reports on her time spent in Hong Kong as a Pegasus Scholar:
As my first week in chambers in just over three months draws to a close, I have been reflecting on a wonderful time in Asia.
As some of my instructing solicitors will know, I was awarded a Pegasus Scholarship to Hong Kong by the Pegasus Trust of the Inner Temple. The scheme is intended to allow junior barristers of up to 5 years practice, the opportunity to travel abroad, live and work in other common law jurisdictions.
I was placed in the following 4 organisations:
- The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (‘HKIAC’);
- The High Court;
- Temple Chambers;
- Howse Williams Bowers (law firm).
The following experiences were personal highlights; watching the murder trial of British banker, Rurik Jutting, visiting the Supreme Court, HKIAC’s “Arbitration Week” and my time spent in the law firm advising a range of high profile blue-chip clients on personal injury and employment law.
I learnt a lot during my time in Hong Kong, most notably the importance of client care - in a system which does not have clerks - and the art of effective advocacy due to the non-specialist nature of life at the Bar in Hong Kong.
In my downtime, I hiked the beautiful trails of Hong Kong, enjoyed wonderful beaches and admired the iconic skyline from the plentiful rooftop bars.