Alumni profile
Kahwing Fung, LLB 2016
Kahwing received a training contract with DLA Piper after graduating with a 2:1 honour degree in Law, propelling him into a career in Finance law. Today, Kahwing is working as Investment Funds lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis.
Newcastle University really appealed to me because it was a prestigious university in a city big enough to teach me how to be independent, but small enough to feel like home. It also had a great reputation for sports, student life and most importantly its LLB programme.
As soon as I joined, I threw myself into volleyball and football and made the most of the buzzing social scene. It was really a great way to make lifelong friends, even outside of my course mates, and enjoy what Newcastle had to offer. I met some really great people in Newcastle (including my wife) over the three years and there was always something to do. Whether that was meeting on Ozzy Road for a few pints after lectures, getting lost in Jesmond Dene, heading to the coast, or even to Newcastle Airport for a short city break, there was something for everyone and we all made the most of it.
For me, studying Law at Newcastle was challenging. The adjustment at first was very difficult, and this showed in my first-year results. However, I realised quickly how the next two years would shape my future. I was fortunate enough to have friends around me that supported me throughout my time at Newcastle and you could really feel the collegiate atmosphere. I can’t speak highly enough of the lecturers and other Law school staff. Their doors were always open and I truly believe this contributed to the 2:1 I achieved in 2016.
.jpg)
In addition to my studies and commitment to sports, I was also a proud member of the Eldon Law Society and was appointed as Negotiating Officer. I was in charge of organising the internal negotiating competition as well as competing on a national level with other universities, which led to myself and my wife winning best undergraduate negotiating team in 2016.
I received my training contract offer from DLA Piper the year I graduated. I owe this opportunity to an Associate at DLA Piper for taking his time to speak to me about DLA Piper during the Newcastle University Law Fair. This insight and the advice he gave for my application were invaluable and I would urge all law students to speak to current Associates in order to get the best idea of what it is like to work in a law firm. Newcastle
University does a brilliant job of providing its students with exposure to career opportunities.
During my training contract, I completed seats in Corporate, Debt Finance, Structured Finance, and Intellectual Property. It was an incredible introduction to the fast-paced legal sector that I worked so hard to be a part of.
In 2020, I was offered an Associate position in the Global Finance practice at Sidley Austin, specialising in debt finance for sponsor clients. The teams were smaller, but this gave me an opportunity to take on more responsibility and build on the skills I learned during my time at DLA Piper. The client base at Sidley Austin was also very different. We represented a range of clients advising on specialist debt finance products, as well as supporting our restructuring colleagues as my time at Sidley Austin was during the COVID-19 pandemic when companies were facing financial difficulties.
In 2021, I moved to Kirkland & Ellis, which is where I am now. Though it is uncommon, I re-qualified into a different team to become an Investment Funds lawyer. I did not know much about funds at the time, but I had many friends that had qualified into funds practices and it seemed to offer them what I also wanted for my career. In this role, I advise clients on all aspects of fundraising, as well as transactions in the secondary market, including portfolio sales and other GP-led transactions. Every day is different and it is challenging work, but I am supported by some of the best lawyers in the world.
If I had to offer a piece of advice, I would say be true to yourself. Finding a law firm is as much about what you can offer them as what they can offer you. A career in law is a long one and it is important that you are able to be the best version of yourself everyday so that you can service your clients as well as do right by yourself and your colleagues. Finding a specialism early on in your career is not easy and I would encourage any undergraduate or trainee to speak to as many friends at other firms and lawyers in different teams as you can, as this is the only way to canvas the opportunities that are available to you.
If I had to offer a piece of advice, I would say be true to yourself. Finding a law firm is as much about what you can offer them as what they can offer you.
