2005: Destination: China

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Tags: commerce, international, law, winter-2009

Jennifer Cheung with Justice Roslyn Atkinson of the Queensland Supreme Court in Beijing

Jennifer Cheung, BCom/LLB (hons)

Jennifer Cheung is one of the many UQ graduates who have chosen to advance their professional career by pursuing postgraduate studies overseas and experiencing the new challenges and opportunities that go with it.

But it is more than the attraction of studying internationally for Ms Cheung, who practices law in the Brisbane Corporate Advisory/Mergers & Acquisitions department of Australian law firm Clayton Utz.

It is a chance for her to connect with her Chinese heritage, and to pursue her interest in the commercial and legal environments of the People’s Republic of China, one of the most powerful countries in the world.

Taking a 12-month leave of absence from Clayton Utz, Ms Cheung was accepted into the Masters of Laws in Chinese Law program offered by the prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Attracted by the course structure and curriculum offered, Ms Cheung believes it has been an amazing experience to study and live in Beijing, allowing her to learn not only about Chinese law, but also about Chinese culture, history and metropolitan life in the nation’s capital.

“Beijing is a fantastic city.  I’m learning a lot about modern day China, both through the course and living here.  I’m also studying Mandarin and trying to travel within China as much as possible!” Ms Cheung said.

“My time at Tsinghua gives me the opportunity to learn about the unique Chinese history and legal system from respected Chinese professors.  I can also learn from my classmates, who are law students and qualified lawyers from many different countries.”

While having no short-term plans to work in China, Ms Cheung says that an understanding about Chinese law will be valuable knowledge for the general practice of corporate law, particularly given the amount of foreign investment and transactions involving Chinese enterprises.

“In the long term, armed with more knowledge and practical experience, I hope to identify possible business opportunities and niche areas relating to Chinese law on which to focus and explore,” she said.

She also attributes UQ for helping her build the necessary skills in pursuing a legal career.

“I have great memories of UQ. During my studies of Commerce and Law I gained the knowledge and skills that enabled me to make a smooth transition from student life to full-time work in a top tier law firm,” Ms Cheung said.

By Matthew Bassos

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