Internships at AEI: Wong Rui En
1. Tell us something people don’t often know about you.
One thing people might not know about me is that I love watching Friends – I’ve watched the entire series more than 5 times! I can probably recall the plot of every episode off the top of my head 😊
2. What did you learn from the internship – best takeaway?
My biggest takeaway from this internship has been appreciating the practical application of what I’ve learnt in the classroom. For example, I had the opportunity to review and proofread director and shareholder resolutions – something I had only ever studied in theory before!
Additionally, observing and taking minutes at client meetings taught me the art of clear and effective communication. I was particularly inspired by how Andrea and Dana actively listened to clients, understood their underlying business objectives, and communicated complex legal concepts in a way that was accessible and client friendly. This experience made me realise that while drafting contracts might seem purely legalistic at first, the process is dynamic and nuanced, with every term carefully crafted to align with the client’s unique needs and strategic goals.
3. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
The main challenge I faced was becoming familiar with what to focus on when proofreading documents. I initially found it difficult to evaluate whether a clause would benefit or disadvantage the client, as it required careful consideration of the language in each clause and identifying what was missing from the agreement and why. Fortunately, I could take guidance from the handout given to me at the start of my internship, which outlined the document review process. I was also able to seek help from the lawyers when in doubt, which was incredibly valuable.
4. What advice would you give future interns?
Keep an open mind and always be willing to learn! During your time here, you will be exposed to various agreements and research tasks that may be unfamiliar, but always approach them as valuable learning opportunities.
If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your mentor or anyone in the team. Additionally, be proactive - take the initiative to reach out when you see the opportunity to contribute and learn.
5. Did you enjoy your time?
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I really appreciate the warm, welcoming environment at the firm, where everyone was always willing to offer guidance and check in on my progress. I also enjoyed the lunch breaks which provided a great opportunity to get to know the team in a more relaxed setting. With exposure to a wide range of work, combined with the supportive and friendly atmosphere created by the people at AEI Legal, I am truly grateful for this experience.
