Today, I want to talk about the spirit of inheritance taught to me by my sifu, Neville Sarony KC SC, a legendary barrister in the UK and Hong Kong.
Neville is a quintessential traditional English gentleman, with strict standards regarding attire, etiquette, and professional ethics. During my university years, he was a guest professor teaching tort law, and I was deeply impressed by his exquisite suits and pocket squares, as well as his remarkable talent. My classmates often spoke of his exceptional legal practice, and at that time, I looked up to him, feeling that he was beyond my reach.
I thought how fortunate I would be to be his student! So I encouraged myself and submitted an application for pupillage. After over an hour of interview, Neville sifu confirmed my pupillage date for nearly two years later. The Bar Association has strict regulations for pupillage; one cannot miss a single day during the year-long internship, and it must be followed immediately by another pupillage with a different sifu. To follow him, I first confirmed my pupillage schedule with him.
During the pupillage, I witnessed his rigorous work ethic and approachable kindness. He has a wealth of life experience and a wide range of interests, full of passion for life. He is fluent in six languages, including Nepali, and often sails on weekends or plays jazz piano when the mood strikes him. He has published several legal books (one of which, concerning personal injury law, remains a must-read for practitioners) and novels. Those three months opened my eyes to the world of a top barrister.
Many of my life and work philosophies have been significantly influenced by him. For instance, thinking from the client’s perspective, meticulously handling every case, standing firm and respectfully in front of judges, and sincerely respecting every legal professional. What I remember most vividly is when I completed my pupillage, Neville sifu told me that although the pupillage had ended, our sifu-pupil relationship would continue. He told me to call him whenever I face any difficulties.
This was not an empty promise. I have urgently called him for help in the corridors of the High Court and I have visited his chambers to discuss my cases. Once, I encountered a particularly tricky problem that I had been struggling with for quite a while. I asked Neville sifu if he was available for a call, and he invited me to start a video chat. I then realized he was on vacation in Thailand, and we spent nearly two hours discussing my issue against the backdrop of a sunny beach. Neville sifu’s support boosted my confidence, showing me that no problem is insurmountable. As a reputable and highly respected senior counsel with heavy workloads, he never hesitates to take the time to carefully look after his students.
Because of him, I understand the meaning of inheritance, and I hope to continue this spirit.
This year, Neville sifu will publish a new book recounting amusing court stories from his years of practice, which I believe will be wonderful!
讲讲师父教给我的传承精神
今天要讲的是一位极具传奇性的英国御用大律师，也是香港资深大律师，我的师父Neville Sarony KC SC.
Neville师父是典型的传统英国绅士，对于衣着，礼节和行业操守等有着严格的要求。我大学时，他作为客座教授讲授侵权法，我对他精致的西装和口袋巾极为印象深刻，更对他的才华无比钦佩。同学们都在盛传他的执业是多么精湛。那时我仰望师父的光环，觉得他遥不可及。
我在想如果可以做他的学生是多么幸运的一件事啊！于是鼓起勇气提交了学徒申请。经过了一个多小时的面试后，Neville师父就和我敲定了快两年后的实习日期。大律师公会对于学徒实习监管的十分严格，一年的实习一天都不能少且不能间断，跟随一个师父的实习完成后必须紧接着开始下一个实习。为了跟随他， 我最先就确认了和他的实习时间。
实习期间，我见证了他严谨的工作态度和平易近人的善良，他拥有丰富的人生阅历和广泛的兴趣爱好，对生活充满热情。他精通6国语言，其中包括尼泊尔语，周末时常驾着帆船出海，兴起了就去表演钢琴唱爵士乐。他出版过多本法律书籍（其中一本关于人身伤亡的法律书籍至今仍是执业者的必读天书）及小说。满满的三个月，让我看到顶级大律师的世界，着实开阔了我的眼界。
我的很多人生及工作理念都极大的受到了Neville师父的言传身教，比如，设身处地的为客户着想，认真做好每一个案子，对法官不卑不亢据理力争，真诚的尊重每一位法律工作者等等。最让我铭记在心的是我完成实习的时候，师父告诉我虽然实习结束但是师徒的关系会一直延续并且嘱咐我不论遇到什么难题都可以打给他。
这绝不是一句空话，我曾在高等法院的走廊里紧急电话求救，也曾到他的chambers讨论案件。有一次，我遇到了非常棘手的问题，钻研了很久还是没有解决方法，便去问师父方是否方便打电话，Neville师父毫不犹豫叫我打视频，我才发现他正在泰国度假，我们就在阳光海滩的背景下打了快两个小时的电话把我的问题讲清楚了。Neville师父的支持让我倍感信心，一切问题都不是问题。Neville师父作为资深大律师，德高望重，公务繁忙，但他从不介意弯下腰花时间细心的照顾自己的学生，他都可以这样做，我更何尝不应该呢？因为师父，我理解了传承的意义，也希望将这份精神延续下去。
Neville师父今年还会出版一本新书，讲他多年来法庭上的趣事，我感觉会很精彩！
#令人心动的offer##令人心动的offer[超话]##令人心动的offer6#
