Yueying Li, 3L, is originally from Beijing, China, where she also completed her undergraduate degree and earned her Chinese law degree. She spent the summer working at Jones Day’s Shanghai office for Jones Day’s global disputes and merger & acquisition practices. This year, she will return to the National Health Law Transactional Moot Court Competition Team and is excited to participate in the Business Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic.  

How did you connect with or find this summer opportunity?

I learned of this opportunity through a prior connection who summered at Jones Day in the past and then I applied . 

How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?

Before starting this experience, I had always been interested in cross-border issues and hoped to utilize my international legal background. Jones Day has exposed me to what it prides itself on, a truly international practice. I have been able to work on matters involving multiple jurisdictions and collaborate with lawyers across continents. This experience has allowed me to better understand the qualities necessary to be a successful lawyer in our still ever-connected world.

Please describe a “typical” workday on the job.

A typical day usually starts with updating clients’ news that we monitor and briefing for the partners on significant transactions happening in the market, then I will respond to questions raised by investors in a multijurisdictional asset tracing and recovery case which I worked on the most during this summer. Other times of the day, depending on the tasks, I would be doing legal research and writing memos, reviewing contracts, drafting interview outlines, and jumping on meetings with lawyers across offices whenever needed. 

What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?

Other than advancing the lawyering practice itself and delivering the work product, there is a lot more other considerations going on in the daily life of a practitioner. The administrative, management, and business development tasks are also crucial and cannot be overlooked even for junior associates. 

What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far?

Always be open to opportunities. This summer, the firm took on a case in a practice area they had rarely worked on before. We collaborated closely with lawyers from other offices and made significant progress for our clients. The partners viewed this opportunity as a chance to develop new areas of expertise and expand their potential client base.

How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?

It has absolutely succeeded my expectations. I gained a lot of insights into what it means to be working for multinational clients and working with lawyers around the world. My colleagues in the office have also been really welcoming and each having inspiring stories for their career paths. 

What advice would you offer another law student thinking about working in a similar position next summer?

I would encourage anyone interested in working at an international law firm to apply broadly and reach out to people who are or who have worked in the places that you are interested in. Also explore different practice areas if you are still not sure.

How are you spending your free time this summer?

I am spending a lot of time exploring what the city has to offer. Shanghai is a very bikeable city, and easy to get around using public transportation. With shows, exhibitions, and the film festival, there is always something happening. I have also intentionally been staying away from burgers and pizzas, and the local food culture has been a great delight.

What are you most looking forward to in returning to Minnesota Law this fall?

I am excited about the advanced and experiential classes I am taking next year, and looking forward to reconnect with my friends and professors back in Minnesota Law.