Globalisation in Action: Two British Students' Accounts of Legal Internships in China

Two students, Nichol in Shanghai and Kirsten in Beijing, spent the summer interning at major Chinese law firms.

Here, they answer key questions about their experiences, what they learned, and how working in China shaped their understanding of global legal careers.

Where did you end up working in China?

Nichol (Shanghai)

I interned as an International Legal Intern at Jade & Fountain PRC Lawyers (J&F), a leading full‑service Chinese firm headquartered in Shanghai with offices in Beijing, Hefei and Chicago.

J&F advises on foreign direct investment, M&A, corporate finance, capital markets, venture capital, private equity, real estate, dispute resolution, IP, international trade and employment.

Kirsten (Beijing)

I worked at Jingsh Law Firm, the largest law firm in the world by lawyer count, with 54 offices, 15,000 clients and 3,500 lawyers.

I joined the Intellectual Property team at the Beijing headquarters, gaining exposure to securities, capital markets, corporate business, real estate, foreign acquisitions and media law.

What did you do, and what skills did you develop?

Nichol

My French & History degree unexpectedly became relevant.

My supervisor was Canadian, so I worked with Canadian federal law, drafting and translating legal documents for Québec. I also conducted comparative legal research across multiple jurisdictions, attended seminars on offshore taxation, and joined webinars such as False Claims in US Healthcare Litigation.

These experiences showed me how global regulatory bodies shape legal practice and how essential international experience is in a globalised profession.

Kirsten

My work included reviewing Articles of Association, researching the Belt and Road Initiative’s impact in Dubai, analysing Chinese investment patterns in countries such as Georgia, Canada, Russia, Spain and Ukraine, and studying foreign‑ownership rules in the UAE.

 I also set personal goals, improving confidence, IT skills, leadership and cultural awareness, all of which developed through working at Jingsh and collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds.

What differences did you notice between China and the UK, legally and culturally?

Nichol

Culturally, hierarchy matters. I was more reserved when sharing opinions with senior staff, and midday desk naps were completely normal. Weekly Mandarin classes helped with daily interactions, and locals appreciated even small efforts like saying please and thank you.

Legally, I became interested in China’s approach to intellectual property. At a King & Wood Mallesons seminar, I learned that China’s biggest IP issue is late or incorrect trademark filing, a critical mistake in a first‑to‑file jurisdiction.

Filing a Chinese‑language trademark is also essential for brand protection and market reach. Experiencing these differences first‑hand made globalisation feel real rather than theoretical.

Kirsten

China’s legal system differs significantly from the UK’s.

Traditional Chinese law historically prioritised state concerns and incorporated Confucian values, including a reluctance toward litigation. China adopted the German civil code rather than the UK’s common‑law model, reflecting its bureaucratic traditions and vast administrative scale.

Modern Chinese law blends socialist foundations with civil‑law influences, gradually moving away from ideological requirements. Seeing this hybrid system in practice challenged assumptions about legal uniformity across borders.

How do you feel now that you have this experience abroad? What advice would you give?

Nichol

With China’s economy continuing to grow, UK–China cooperation will only deepen. Interning in Shanghai, China’s financial centre, has made my portfolio more distinctive and forward‑thinking. The personal and professional benefits are immeasurable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have gained legal experience not only in the UK but also in China.

Kirsten

In a post‑Brexit landscape, adaptability and global awareness matter more than ever. Interning in China shows employers you can handle challenges, discomfort and cultural differences.

Beyond legal knowledge, the experience builds global networks, cultural agility and sector‑specific insight. And the travel opportunities, from Tiananmen Square to camping on the Great Wall, make the experience unforgettable. Anyone offered the chance to work abroad should seize it.

Interested in doing the same?

Students can explore opportunities through CRCC Asia, a leading provider of internships across Asia.