From Science Student to Legal Expert: Practicing Professional Values

Full Article in Chinese

• Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, CityUHK
• Managing Partner, Liuhe Law Firm

Having the courage to break free from traditional frameworks, Michelle SHEN, who was a student with a science background, chose to leave Hangzhou for the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) School of Law. There, she completed both the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) programs, laying a solid legal foundation for later passing the bar exams in mainland China and New York. Today, she has risen to the position of managing partner at a law firm, exploring boundless possibilities in the legal profession. "Law is not just about dealing with documents; it also involves facing real people and emotions. This focus on humanity makes legal work meaningful and full of responsibility."

Reflecting on her journey from a science student to a legal professional, Michelle who was born and raised in Hangzhou, pointed out that law students in mainland China typically come from humanities backgrounds, but her interest in law gradually took root. "As a child, I was inspired by Hong Kong legal dramas and slowly developed a fascination with this profession. Moreover, Hangzhou has always been an open, inclusive city that encourages critical thinking. As a student from the second cohort in Zhejiang Province eligible to apply to some Hong Kong universities through the National College Entrance Examination, I seized the opportunity to study in Hong Kong—a city with a mature legal system that blends Eastern and Western cultures."

Looking back at the beginning of her legal journey, Michelle recalled noticing that CityUHK had a law school and, by chance, enrolled in the LLB program, embarking on her in the legal profession. "Entering such a diverse learning environment, I first came to understand the unique role of law in connecting markets and bridging regulatory differences. It helps make complex matters manageable and promotes sustainable development. Building on this, my determination to delve deeper into the field of law was solidified."

"CityUHK’s teaching emphasizes student participation and autonomy, and the programs are highly internationalized," she noted. She explained that the LLB program features a rigorous curriculum, where professors often employ open teaching methods alongside case studies to train students in translating abstract rules into actionable judgments. This helps them develop comprehensive legal thinking, better understand the value of the rule of law, and significantly enhances both legal reasoning and practical skills.

Entering the PCLL, Michelle described the intense one-year practical training as not only a critical transition from academic speculation to practical application but also an experience that deepened her understanding of the equal importance of professional competence and ethical conduct. It provided her with a solid legal foundation and cultivated the patience, attention to detail, and sense of responsibility essential for a lawyer.

Today, in addition to obtaining her practicing qualifications in Hong Kong, Michelle has long since passed the bar exams in mainland China and New York, transforming from a legal novice into a managing partner. She pointed out that the thinking and training models provided by CityUHK’s two programs played a key role in this process, enabling her to better analyze business logic and assess risks in her career. At the same time, this international and cross-system (common law and civil law) learning experience helped broaden her global perspective and deepen her understanding of law as a bridge connecting different systems and markets—especially valuable in her work in cross-border investment and financing.

"The legal profession is a field full of challenges, and we must maintain a mindset of lifelong learning," Michelle emphasized. While actively engaging in continuous learning, she also considers participation in industry associations as part of her work. On one hand, this allows her to contribute to the advancement of the legal industry and the cultivation of talent; on the other hand, it broadens her horizons and enhances her comprehensive abilities, helping her find a better position herself in cross industry and law system practice.

Michelle believes that outstanding lawyers must continuously learn, deepen their expertise in specific fields, possess stable and mature personalities, remain calm under pressure, excel in cross function and professional collaboration, and have broad international perspectives and business mindset. To this end, she actively connects with fellow alumni in Hangzhou, empowers one another, and collaborates to support the university’s development. She encourages aspiring law professionals: "Law is a long and challenging road that requires a long-term mindset. Treat confusion and pressure as opportunities to enhance your abilities. Face people and society with a strong sense of responsibility and empathy."

（Published at 24 December 2025）