"Most large companies have operations in many different jurisdictions around the world. As a result, it is important for in-house lawyers to have at least a basic understanding of, and sensitivity to, the principles of other legal systems and be able to explain what key differences in legal or regulatory systems may mean in practical terms for business colleagues."
Sarah Armstrong Elder (2006)
AIA International Limited, Hong Kong
About
Sarah Elder is the General Counsel of AIA Hong Kong and Macau. She has held a number of roles within the AIA legal team including geographic responsibility across a number of Asian jurisdictions as well as and functional oversight. AIA operates in 16 Asian jurisdictions, and for a highly regulated industry like insurance, this is constantly presenting new and interesting legal issues. Sarah was previously with Mayer Brown in Chicago and Mayer Brown JSM in Hong Kong.
While at William & Mary, Sarah was a member of law review, Order of the Coif, and the Honor Council and was actively involved with the admissions office. Sarah also participated in a summer study program in Beijing after her 1L year, studied in Prague as an undergraduate and worked in London. She graduated in 2006.
Quote
"Most large companies have operations in many different jurisdictions around the world. As a result, it is important for in-house lawyers to have at least a basic understanding of, and sensitivity to, the principles of other legal systems and be able to explain what key differences in legal or regulatory systems may mean in practical terms for business colleagues."