Trainee Solicitor and Law School alumna, Lei Yang (MA 2022) shares her journey from studying in the UK to working at a top law firm in Beijing. Discover her key insights on legal career pathways, qualification routes, and how her time at Bristol helped shape her success.
Why did I choose to study postgraduate law at Bristol?
I did some research about Bristol before making my decision and it showed that Bristol is one of the safest cities in the UK. This was one of the major factors that influenced my decision, as when travelling abroad alone to study, safety is always the primary consideration.
People in Bristol are very kind. When I went out, there were often strangers who greeted me warmly, or engaged in casual conversation, which made me feel at home.
The University of Bristol has a good reputation at my old school (East China University of Political Science and Law). Many of my friends did their master’s degree the University of Bristol and I received a lot of positive feedback from them.
What I enjoyed most about studying the MA Law programme
The professors who taught me are highly professional and dedicated, and the exams were of a certain level of difficulty, which encouraged me to prepare thoroughly.
The grading criteria was also very rigorous, which not only ensured that the grades reflected a higher level of achievement, but also equipped me with stronger learning and logical thinking abilities—skills that will benefit me for a lifetime.
The office hours allowed me to reach out to professors with any questions after class and engage in discussions. This is the kind of learning model I believe postgraduate studies should offer—active thinking and exploration, rather than just passive listening.
My classmates were all very eager to learn, and everyone actively participated in class discussions, which gave me the confidence to express my own views more openly.
How my programme helped me prepare for my future goals
Before studying at the University of Bristol, I was firmly convinced that I would become a lawyer, which is why I chose the MA Law programme. This programme helps develop the academic knowledge and skills that lawyers need, with our first class focused on ‘How to Be a Lawyer’.
The entire course structure, including the teaching style and approach, is centred around developing a lawyer’s mindset.”
From this perspective, the course has been immensely helpful in shaping my path towards becoming a lawyer.
Were there specific internships you needed to take to get to your current role?
For recent graduates, it is acceptable to enter a law firm without prior internship experience. However, most Chinese law students gain substantial internship experience at law firms or courts during their studies, so having no internship experience at all may put a candidate at a disadvantage. That said, this is only one aspect of a law firm’s evaluation process.
Generally, top-tier law firms in China conduct a comprehensive assessment of applicants based on various factors, including but not limited to the university they attended, academic performance, proficiency in English (or other foreign languages), performance in the firm’s written test and interview, compatibility with the team, relevant work experience, and whether they have passed the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination.
In most cases, to secure a position at a top-tier law firm, graduating from a prestigious law school—preferably with additional study experience at a leading overseas university—and passing the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination are essential prerequisites.
The steps I took to become a lawyer in China
- Obtain a Law Degree
You need to complete a bachelor’s degree in law or a master degree in law. - Pass the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination
This exam, often referred to as the “Judicial Exam” or “Bar Exam,” is mandatory for anyone seeking to practice law in China. - Complete a Legal Internship
After passing the exam, you must complete a one-year legal internship at a law firm or legal institution in China. During this period, you will work under the supervision of an experienced lawyer and gain practical experience in legal practice. - Apply for a Lawyer’s Practice Certificate
After completing the internship, you can apply for a lawyer’s practice certificate through the local judicial administrative authority. This certificate allows you to practice law independently in China.
My current role and future plans
I am now a trainee at Grandall law firm in Beijing. My current work primarily involves advising Chinese companies on foreign investments, corporate law, corporate compliance, and export controls and economic sanctions (the latter is less involved and mainly handled by other colleagues).
Completing challenging tasks and constantly learning new knowledge gives me a great sense of achievement and helps improve my competitiveness.”
For most junior solicitors, the base salary is barely sufficient to cover living expenses. A a generous year-end bonus can ease the financial pressure of achieving economic independence. As you gain experience, salaries generally increase, but so too does the workload and associated pressures.
Find out more about our postgraduate programmes on the University of Bristol Law School webpages.