My legal life: Jing Wang, Shakespeare Martineau

Both my parents were long-serving judges in local district courts in China. Their dedication and integrity left a lasting impression and undoubtedly shaped my decision to pursue a career in law. Today, at Shakespeare Martineau, I advise business owners and management teams on a wide range of corporate matters – from issuing shares and preparing shareholder agreements to buying and selling businesses. I also act for investors making equity investments.  

In China, there is a single route to qualifying as a lawyer. First, you must pass the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination (formerly the National Judicial Examination), followed by a year of practical training as a trainee in a firm. I completed a four-year law degree and, in my final year, passed the National Judicial Examination. I then did a master’s in maritime law at the University of Southampton. On returning to China, my first legal role was as a paralegal and later a trainee at a shipping law firm in Shanghai. I qualified as a lawyer of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2014.

That training gave me a solid grounding in both contentious and advisory work. It also sparked my interest in cross-border legal issues – an area that has become central to my career, particularly now in the UK, where I collaborate closely with Chinese and international lawyers on M&A and investment projects.

As a PRC-qualified lawyer, I was eligible for the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS). At the time, this provided a route for foreign-qualified lawyers to requalify in England and Wales. The QLTS has since been replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).In China, the path to qualification leans heavily on legal knowledge. By contrast, the QLTS demanded not only an understanding of the law but also strong practical skills. It required candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios – something that can be especially challenging for non-native English speakers, as fluency in both legal concepts and professional English is essential.

'It was fascinating to witness the transformation of the legal sector and the internationalisation of Chinese law firms and legal professionals'

From 2012 to May 2022, while practising in China, I saw the legal sector evolve at a remarkable pace – mirroring the country’s broader social, economic and policy transformations. Globalisation and the opening up were (and still are) dominant themes. As more PRC lawyers gained international experience, competition between domestic Chinese firms and international firms grew increasingly fierce.

The government’s policy to promote international legal services among Chinese lawyers led to an explosion of demand for professionals with cross-border experience. This created a huge push for understanding English law, with discussions, training and opportunities for professional development becoming more widespread across the country.

It was fascinating to witness the transformation of the legal sector and the internationalisation of Chinese law firms and legal professionals, closely linked to the country’s economic development and legal reforms. Since relocating to the UK in 2022, I have furthered my practice in corporate law and M&A with Shakespeare Martineau, gaining extensive experience representing local business owners and investors here in the UK, as well as Chinese companies and individuals investing in the UK.

The growing trend of Chinese companies expanding globally, coupled with the Law Society’s efforts to enhance the global position of English law, has led to a rise in PRC lawyers seeking to requalify as solicitors of England and Wales through the SQE. As I understand it, qualified PRC lawyers are eligible for exemptions from parts of the SQE, making the process more accessible.

As someone who has requalified and now practises English law in the UK, I often feel it is my responsibility to engage, build trust and collaborate with my peers in China. Together, we can offer the best service to clients navigating the challenges of expanding their international presence in this volatile and ever-changing world.

I am a member of the Bristol & West of England China Bureau, a non-profit that builds connections between businesses and individuals in the south-west of England and China. The bureau opened the door to a welcoming Chinese community and collaborative opportunities when I arrived in the UK. I’ve since participated in many of its events and remain a strong supporter of its mission.