In the ever-evolving realm of corporate law, Janice Chew, a visionary entrepreneur hailing from Malaysia and currently based in Hong Kong, has emerged as a trailblazer. As the principal and founder of JC Legal, a bespoke corporate law firm, Janice has not only defied traditional norms but has also brought a fresh and fabulous perspective to the legal industry.
Janice’s entrepreneurial journey commenced with a courageous step out of her comfort zone. Leaving behind the familiar landscape of Malaysia, she ventured into the competitive legal arena of Hong Kong.
In 2018, after the birth of her son, she founded JC Legal, marking the beginning of an innovative and exciting chapter in her career.
Janice says, “I am humbly proud to have built a solid team who are passionate and diligent. I know I can rely on them, and I believe they prioritize the company’s interests.”
JC Legal specializes in corporate and commercial law, employment law, intellectual property and litigation and dispute resolution. Janice’s expertise, honed over 15 years of practice in Malaysia and Hong Kong, extends to cross-border commercial law, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.
The Unusual First Hire
In a field where the norm dictates that legal firms typically hire paralegals as their first staff members, Janice opted for an unconventional route – she hired a business development person!
Her unique approach to growing her business showcases her creative thinking from the outset. Defying conventions and a traditional route, she prioritized marketing and PR, setting the tone for JC Legal’s distinctive identity from the beginning.
Despite being a relatively young law firm, JC Legal has rapidly gained recognition. In 2021, the firm was honoured with the prestigious Lawyer Monthly Legal Award for Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year. Janice, too, earned accolades as a finalist in two categories at the ALB Hong Kong Awards—Young Lawyer of the Year and Rising Law Firm of the Year. Additionally, the firm secured a spot in the ALB Fast 30 as one of Asia’s fastest-growing firms in 2021.
As the Chairperson of The Malaysian Association of Hong Kong and a member of several influential committees, including the British Malaysian Society, Janice is well-connected with legal and corporate professionals across Greater China, ASEAN, the UK, and Europe.
Innovative Legal Programmes
What truly sets JC Legal apart is its commitment to innovation, demonstrated through innovative legal initiatives. Their Startup Steward Programme, launched in 2018, has nurtured over 100 high-growth companies, including notable names in fintech and crypto. The programme earned the firm the Bronze Award for Startup of the Year – Business Services at the CEO and Executive World Awards 2021.
In this episode, Janice speaks about the origins of JC Legal’s Virtual Legal Clinic which was designed during the pandemic to offer legal services while helping a local charity. This initiative of hers was awarded two awards – GOLD GLOBEE® for Best Service to Combat and Reduce the Impact of COVID-19 2021 and BRONZE GLOBEE® for Cool Product or Service of the Year 2022. As of May 2022, JC Legal had donated HK$10,000+ as part of the proceeds to its charity partner, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre.
Collaboration and Crossovers
Janice’s vision goes beyond legal excellence. Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay, Janice is not only a legal powerhouse but also a bridge connecting diverse professionals.
In 2022, she initiated the Bring Your Own Buddy (BYOB) series, fostering a monthly mingling space for business leaders. This resourceful approach aims to create a solid community for collaboration and crossovers, contributing to a healthy business ecosystem in Hong Kong.
Talk the Talk, another JC Legal initiative, enables leaders from diverse fields to share insights through engaging events and Q&A sessions, promoting a deeper understanding of various industries.
What stands out is her innovative spirit and the use of unusual methods to market her business. Here’s a fun fact: I was connected to Janice through Miss Hoh Jee Eng of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Kuala Lumpur. So, a big shout out to Miss Hoh whom I had met at a trade dinner!
Janice, who is deeply inspired by her dad, enjoys spicy food, a testament to her Malaysian upbringing. She also loves to work out whenever possible and never says no to the enjoyment of fine wines even as she admires the art that she has collected over the years while playing her favourite Bob Marley music. One book that stands out for her is Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Janice Chew and her firm, JC Legal, prove that you can inculcate creativity in your industry and spark the imagination of your community and clients. Within a few years, she has shaken up the legal sector with her programmes that reshape the legal landscape. There’s nothing boring about law from Janice’s perspective and in fact, she serves as an example for budding entrepreneurs that anyone can drive transformation in any industry if they choose to.
As Janice says, “Success is a matter of choice.” What choices are you making today?