INTERNATIONAL LAW SCHOOL
Alumni Spotlight
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Vu, Samuel Son-Tung
writer: HILS |
date: 2024.04.08 |
count: 692
Right after my graduation in 2010, I began my career at Yulchon, the law firm which provided me a summer internship opportunity while I was a law student at Handong International Law School (HILS). In 2015, I moved to Bae, Kim & Lee LLC and have worked here ever since. My whole practice up to now, whether its M&A, project financing or dispute settlement, has always involved some sort of cross border transaction between Korea and Vietnam.
Before I came to Handong Global University in 2004 for my undergraduate study, the idea of having a career in law had never crossed my mind. I grew up in a communist country where being a lawyer was not a highly sought after career. No one in my extended family practiced law. The prospect of a job in this field was very low because no Korean firm had invested in Vietnam, and I barely knew about the legal practice of Vietnamese local firms. I consider myself a typical case where God equips those He calls. It occurred when I was actually introduced to HILS by professors from the Law School who also taught in the undergraduate program.
My time at HILS was a great testament of God’s provision in every way. During my 1L year, Yulchon became the first major Korean law firm to set up an office in Vietnam, coinciding with the first large wave of foreign direct investment from Korea to Vietnam. Landing a job was only the beginning. The emphasis on excellence at HILS reminded me every day that in whatever I do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23). The legal profession is very demanding and competitive, and we are always pushed hard to stay ahead.
From the start, I aimed to focus my practice on cross border transactions. So, in the early years of my practice, besides the typical work of a foreign attorney such as drafting/reviewing contract and preparing memos, I had to learn Vietnamese law. By God’s grace, including being a licensed Washington D.C. lawyer, I am also licensed to practice in Vietnam.
After 14 years of practicing law, God has blessed me abundantly with my professional development as well as my family. I have learned so much about balancing work and family life from examples set out by HILS professors. There is still a long way ahead and there may be challenges and difficult times, but what God has taught me through my time at HILS and my career so far is that “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
