* The interview was conducted in Mar 2002

University

Master of Laws (LL.M.), Peking University, PRC
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Peking University, PRC
Diploma in China Investment and Trade, Peking University, PRC
Certificate in Personnel Management, HKMA
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (P.C.L.L.)
Common Professional Examination Certificate in Laws (C.P.E.), Manchester Polytechnic, U.K.
Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), HKU, 1980

Professional Qualification

Solicitor of the High Court of HKSAR

Current Employment

Principal Solicitor of Messrs. David Hui & Co. Solicitors

Career History

David studied Geography and Statistics in the University of Hong Kong. Upon graduation in 1980, he started his career as an Executive Officer II in the Hong Kong Government. However, he felt that as a civil servant, his career development was more in the hands of the Reporting Officer than in his own; so he decided to pursue a new career in order to be the master of his own destiny. David chose a career in law. He pursued part-time studies after office hours and obtained a series of qualifications in the legal profession, including Common Professional Examination Certificate in Laws (C.P.E.), Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (P.C.L.L.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Master of Laws (LL.M).

Equipped with these qualifications, David started to write a new chapter of his career in the legal profession and set up his own solicitor's firm in 1996. Now David has managed to expand his business to operate from two self-owned offices with six solicitors working with him.

When asked what advice he would give to students, David modestly said that from his experience, he would suggest the following guidelines for students' consideration:

• You should have a clear career goal. Once you have set your goal, you must work hard and dedicate yourself to the pursuit of the goal. Explore the relevant courses of study and equip yourself with the necessary qualifications.
• 〔自強不息〕X Continuous self-strengthening and improvement is the key to success. Keep yourself up-to-date with the changing environment and current development.
• Be courageous to take up challenges. 'Adversity causes someone to break, but others to break records'.
  

David's career history itself is a good illustration of how he puts these principles into practice. As soon as he set his mind on a career in law, he immediately commenced studies in the subject and successfully acquired all the requisite qualifications for the profession.

In the last two decades, Mainland China's economy developed rapidly. David was quick to grasp the opportunity. As early as 1987, he studied law in Peking University and developed legal business in the Mainland. He is one of the founders and directors of the China Law Association (Hong Kong) 〔香港中國法律學會〕is serving on the executive committees of a number of associations for community service. David is also an ardent supporter of the activities of his Alma Mater. He provides mentorship and legal advice to our students in his capacity as Mentor of HKU Mentorship Programme and Honorary Legal Advisor of HKU ILOP (Intensified Learning Opportunity Programme) Graduates Association.

The Asian financial crisis and the recent economic downturn have adversely affected the business of many law firms in Hong Kong. In the face of the current economic situation, David devotes more time and efforts in developing his business in the Mainland. Instead of focusing too much on the local conveyancing business, he also explores the overseas market such as helping foreign investors to set up companies in Hong Kong, assisting them with their residence here etc. He believes that in the time of adversity, one needs to be flexible, dynamic and creative. Challenges may wreck the feeble but they are just the opportunities for the strong to excel and achieve.