David is the principal of David Cameron Law Office, based in Hong Kong.  David started his own law firm in order to better serve clients and provides advice on corporate law and financing transactions at a fixed fee. 

David has thought deeply about every facet of his new firm, from core values and the 12 commitments he makes to every client, to how he would develop and nurture anyone who comes to work for him. We talk about all this against the unique backdrop of the Hong Kong legal market, where New Law firms are only just beginning to emerge.

Show Notes

• [1:29] David explains the nature of the Hong Kong market - which is segmented into various types of law firms. The market and regulatory barriers to entry mean that NewLaw firms are only just beginning to emerge.
• [6:02] David's move to set up his own practice came from his own innate sense that he was limited by his prior environments and wanted to test boundaries in the law.
• [9:18] David's simple innovations include introducing a Board of advisors, and establishing  core values and client commitments.
• [11:52] NewLaw firms have a unique opportunity to create alignment between clients and their founder's values. 
• [13:39] David describes the way he went about identifying how he could make meaningful, truthful commitments to clients to distinguish himself and let clients know he can be trusted.
• [15:18] A NewLaw firm can implement core values from inside-out that are not just a poster on a wall. 
• [21:13] David explains that in Hong Kong, the fixed fee, value pricing model resonates with a mid-level segment of the market which is prevalent in Hong Kong.
• [26:11] Marketing for a niche law firm in Hong Kong also is about finding a personal touch and way of communicating.
• [27:27] The entry of Chinese law firms in Hong Kong has shaken up the top end of the market but not really impacted the segment targeted by David's firm.
• [29:12] In looking to hire a lawyer to join him, David has thought deeply about what he can offer the right person and how this plays into the broader factors young Hong Kong lawyers are facing right now. This includes nurturing, close attention to professional development, work-life balance, an opportunity to participate in innovative law practices, and succession planning.
• [33:42] David's sound advice for young Hong Kong lawyers is to be mindful of debt burden being acquired, look for a niche, and consider all of your options.
• [37:33] Opportunities for young lawyers joining NewLaw firms are non-traditional but offer a more transparent path.

To learn more, visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.