Clearly, working in our Hong Kong office demands a huge commitment, a high level of intensity and – typically – a major geographical upheaval. In return, we do everything we can to provide our Asian lawyers with a mixture of financial rewards and ‘softer’ benefits so that your time with us is as professionally and emotionally fulfilling as possible. International and domestic colleagues have the chance to build social networks easily and quickly – and enjoy activities that fall outside of their normal cultural environment.
Dragon Boat Racing
The Dragon Boat festival is fundamental to the Hong Kong calendar. Once the teams have been selected (18 people plus a drummer and steer person), they embark on an intensive six-week training session. On the day, the team furiously paddle the boat, while the company junk sails alongside packed with cheering colleagues. Every year, the party on board has a theme and everyone dresses up, which is great fun.
Meals
Colleagues get taken out for meals since we like to sample food from different cultures. For instance, we recently went to a Szechwan restaurant where the chef was also a Chinese Opera singer. We also have an annual Spring dinner, which is a big event where the whole firm joins in. We’ve also had tea-drinking parties at the Tea Museum, and an Anzac lunch in recognition of the fact that there are over 50 New Zealanders and Australians in the office.
Junk
When you’re not at work, you’ll have every opportunity to make use of our 60ft motor cruiser, or ‘junk’, for a modest daily rental charge. It gives you the freedom to explore outlying islands, and really maximise your free time with shopping trips or meals out in bustling harbours. It has a speedboat on board and the deck hands can take people wakeboarding.
Linklaters’ culture provides professionals with a fabulous arena to develop their expertise, alongside a luxurious lifestyle of entertainment and adventure. Many deals are completed outside the Hong Kong nine-to-five (due to time differences) so we make a point of supporting each other when things get tough, and showing our recognition wherever possible.
If you’re ready to work in a fast-moving office; to get swept up in a entrepreneurial culture that mirrors the freshness of the Asian marketplace; to work with a fiercely determined, talented team that supports other offices across Asia - this could be the ideal opportunity. Especially since we also offer excellent additional benefits such as study leave where appropriate, a gym and medical health cover.