Bea Lai

I studied international relations at the University of California, Berkeley (BA, Interdisciplinary Studies) and then law at New York University (JD). Before joining Herbert Smith in 2006 I worked at Morrison & Foerster's Silicon Valley office in the United States, and the United Nations in Geneva, Bangkok and New York.

I grew up abroad and, when joining the firm,  I considered its international scope and the opportunities to travel and work with clients and local counsel in other jurisdictions to be quite attractive.  Herbert Smith's cross-border practice and international outlook have provided an opportunity to build upon my professional, personal and academic experience.

My highlight here so far has been advising Merrill Lynch, Citi, HSBC and Lazard on the IPO and LSE main market listing of Resolution Limited. This raised £660 million in a particularly high-profile flotation, reflecting the prominence of the Resolution brand and its founders in the UK.

This flotation is typical of the sophisticated, high profile work at Herbert Smith, often resulting in front page news in the financial media. The firm’s technical excellence is reflected in the number of deals with innovative structures and resolutions to questions of first impression.

Herbert Smith offers opportunities for anyone who wants to direct their own course, take on responsibilities at an early stage and interact directly with clients and partners - not only in the US group, but also with UK partners.

Given the nature of its practice, which may involve complex, cross-border deals and, often, innovative structures, you will be challenged at Herbert Smith. At the same time I have found a strong support structure of other partners and associates who are very open to sharing their own knowledge.