From Public Service to Private Practice: Lessons from Legal Veteran Stephen Kai-yi Wong

Mr. Stephen Wong’s background

With a career spanning public prosecution, international law, and private practice, Stephen Kai-yi Wong has shaped legal policies in Hong Kong and beyond. He began as Crown Counsel at the Hong Kong Attorney General’s Chambers in 1986 before working with the UN Human Rights Committee in Geneva and New York, later serving as Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and Deputy Solicitor-General. As Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data of Hong Kong, he advised governments, NGOs, and tech firms on data law. Now in private practice, he specializes in corporate, commercial, and data law, while also serving as an arbitrator and law professor.

3 tips to succeed in law

Master the Fundamentals

Master the Fundamentals—They Are Your Legal Foundation. Laws and policies evolve, but the fundamental principles of legal reasoning, ethics, and argumentation remain constant. Mr. Wong emphasized that mastering these basics—whether in criminal prosecution, commercial disputes, or privacy law—is what makes a great lawyer adaptable across different fields of practice.

Think Globally, Act Locally

Having worked in Geneva, New York, Brussels, and Berlin, Mr. Wong understands that law doesn’t exist in isolation—it is shaped by international frameworks, trade, and policy shifts. Whether in public service or private practice, lawyers must anticipate global trends while applying them to local cases and clients.

Adaptability is the Key to Longevity in Law

From prosecutor to privacy commissioner to private attorney, Mr. Wong’s career proves that the legal profession demands constant reinvention. The rise of data law, technology regulations, and white-collar crime enforcement shows that the best lawyers stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning and embracing new challenges.