Partner Heidi Chui Moderates “WIA Coffee Roulette with Queenie Lau SC”

The HKIAC launched the WIA in February 2018 to promote and support female practitioners in arbitration and related areas. This initiative is part of the HKIAC’s commitment to improving women’s representation in arbitration, a commitment underscored by signing the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge in October 2016. Over the past six years, the WIA has conducted numerous events across Asia, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and professional development within the international arbitration community.

Heidi led a dynamic discussion exploring the myriad accomplishments and challenges that have shaped Queenie’s career. A childhood love for Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers series inspired her to go to boarding school in the UK. Queenie shared her remarkable journey from studying at the Cambridge University to becoming a solicitor in Hong Kong and then joining Temple Chambers as a barrister. Beyond her legal career, Queenie also shared her passion for music, including playing in the college orchestra while Eddie Redmayne played a lead role on stage!

Queenie’s candid discussion covered her transition to arbitration, her first experiences as counsel in arbitration, and later as a mediator and arbitrator. She emphasised the importance of being open to new opportunities. She shared how she managed to overcome the challenges of running her own “mini business” as a barrister, compared to working in large teams as a solicitor. Her anecdotes about balancing a demanding career with diverse interests, such as photography and stress relief techniques, were fun and inspiring.

Queenie also discussed arbitration’s innovative nature, highlighting the increasing use of bilingual proceedings (especially Mandarin and English together) and the flexibility arbitration offers. She shared her experiences with virtual and hybrid hearings and gave practical tips for conducting effective online arbitrations.

Following the interview, participants engaged in a vibrant networking session, which facilitated meaningful connections and insightful exchanges within the arbitration community. With over 50 attendees joining both in-person and online, the event successfully fostered a collaborative environment.

For any enquiries, please contact Heidi Chui.