Internships at AEI: Gideon Phong
1. Tell us something people don’t often know about you.
A pipe dream of mine is to someday live with an Italian nonna just for a little while – somewhere in southern Italy, or perhaps Sardinia – learning their ways of rustic cooking, pasta-making, subsistence farming, and just enjoying the sweet life.
This may seem strange, or far-fetched, and it probably is. But if you get the chance to watch a few of the many videos on the Pasta Grannies YouTube channel, you might find yourself dreaming of the same.
Whilst all that remains a pipe dream I often keep to myself, I find myself indulging a little at times, by trying to recreate sauces, shapes of pasta, or desserts at home, to share with friends and family whenever I can.
2. What did you learn from the internship – best takeaway?
My three weeks at AEI Legal were each filled with novel, challenging, but ultimately enriching experiences. Throughout each of them, I’ve come to realise how multi-faceted corporate practice can be.
I’ve learnt how a dedicated corporate practice of the highest level looks, where the legalese fits within the broader approach taken by the team in catering to clients, when dealing with the unique circumstances and prevailing needs of each client. The work AEI does has shown me how an intricate balance can be struck between expertise, warmth and genuine connection.
A further facet of corporate practice which I’ve discovered is the role of creativity. I’ve had the benefit of observing how the team navigates evolving circumstances of deals in the making, along with often complex and sometimes uncertain state of the law. To contribute to, and then realise how the team crafts their advice and strategies for each client, has given me a newfound appreciation for the importance of thinking outside the box. In this regard, the people at AEI stay true to their dedication to deliver innovative solutions for their clients. This inspires me to consider how I might do the same.
3. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
A conundrum I found myself struggling with is how best to deal with situations where findings on points of law are uncertain, or seemingly unfavourable in light of a client’s needs or circumstances. In such situations, I’d also find myself unsure how I could deliver the most practical or helpful suggestions to members of the team, or transpose legal conclusions into workable or actionable advice which can be conveyed to a client. Zooming out, thinking of how the documents I was tasks to review, or draft, may find their way to clients, could have been daunting at times.
Thankfully, in the face of these difficulties, knowing that the work at AEI is done as a collective, with mentors and other team members willingly offering support along a steep learning-curve, was heartening. I did not have to try overcoming these challenges on my own, out on an island. Instead, I could count on the advice and purposeful direction from the team members along the way to overcome them. This then gave me greater assurance and confidence throughout my time at AEI to take on each challenge that came my way.
4. What advice would you give future interns?
For future interns, I would encourage you to be bold – bold in seeking out opportunities to put yourself outside of your comfort zone, and bold in seeking (and accepting) support when you’re there.
The first step – making an application for an internship at the firm – could be daunting. But the rewards of this foray into the dedicated corporate practice and growth-oriented environment at AEI will be more than worthwhile. Then, when faced with a range of novel assignments and circumstances, or even areas of law, be bold to take them on with your best effort. You’ll know that the people at AEI are there to facilitate your growth, always ready to help despite the many things on their plates, and will meet you where your queries are.
Finally, take the time to enjoy your lunches with the team on days when everyone’s in. The people at AEI do not let any lunch go to waste – they are always looking out for the most satisfying lunch fixes around the office (and post-lunch snacks too).
5. Did you enjoy your time?
I most certainly did. Though short, my time at AEI was thoroughly enriching. The scope of work was broad, diverse, and engaging. Though challenging, the encouragement from the team for me to dig deeper and refine my work along the way has given me direction and paths for growth that I can continue on even beyond the internship.
More importantly, the people – and the environment they’ve created at AEI – is perhaps what’s left the fondest impression on me. Each team member at AEI is true to themselves in the best way possible, each bringing unique quirks and energy to make for an enjoyable environment. Yet, in the midst of that, seeing how they each bring the best out of each other to deliver their collective best for clients, has been inspiring.