Japanese law-firm internship a "transformative" experience
University of Auckland graduate Luca Parussini says his internship at international law firm Hogan Lovells not only sharpened his professional skills but also “reaffirmed my belief that New Zealand’s future lies in strengthening its connections with Asia.” Over three months, Luca gained hands-on experience at a leading law firm, deepened his understanding of Japanese society and culture, and had the opportunity to explore Tokyo and beyond.
Luca: "The opportunities provided by the Asia New Zealand Foundation are genuinely transformative..."
Like many university students, my final semester was a whirlwind—a mad dash to the finish line coupled with the growing realization of the ever-approaching “real world.”
Fortunately, a passing remark by a professor about internships offered by the Asia New Zealand Foundation set me down a path that ultimately led to an incredible opportunity: an internship at Hogan Lovells, one of the world’s leading law firms.
As I delved deeper into the details, I discovered the position was based in Tokyo, Japan—a place that had always fascinated me as the 'Land of the Rising Sun'. An application and a few interviews later, I found myself embarking on a three-month journey in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Luca (left) with fellow Hogan Lovells intern Tim Llanes
Hogan Lovells is a leading international law firm advising and delivering legal services for clients in highly regulated areas. I was based in the Tokyo office located in the business district of Kasumigaseki, right in the heart of central Tokyo.
Kasumigaseki was buzzing, with a mix of tourists, businessmen and locals, intermingled among the concrete jungle of high-rise buildings and government ministries.
My internship at Hogan Lovells was with the Marketing and Business Development team, who were an experienced global team of cross-functional marketers focused on helping deliver the firm's go-to-market priorities.
A visit to Kyoto was a highlight of Luca's Japan adventures
I lived the quintessential intern’s life, helping with a variety of tasks in the marketing and business development space, which provided an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the complexities of a global law firm.
Through my internship, I saw first-hand how legal marketing and business development functions within a law firm, and how this niche field of expertise offers invaluable service in expanding the offerings and visibility of Hogan Lovells.
Beyond sharpening my professional skills, my time at Hogan Lovells reaffirmed my belief that New Zealand’s future lies in strengthening its connections with Asia—a region brimming with opportunity and economic growth.
Luca: "Every journey revealed a new side of Japan, deepening my appreciation for its rich culture and history."
Outside of work, I made the most of my time exploring Tokyo and beyond.
I lived in Asakusa, a district that blends tradition with modernity—home to Sensoji Temple, historic alleyways, and vibrant market streets.
Each neighborhood in Tokyo had its own distinct character, from the neon-lit energy of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the quieter, more traditional charm of Asakusa. Each district offers a new opportunity to explore a different side of Tokyo and allowed me to immerse myself in the diverse facets, food and history of the city.
Weekends and the New Year’s holiday break provided the perfect chance to venture beyond Tokyo, with trips to places like the Mt. Fuji lake region with fellow interns Matt and Tim, day trips to Yokohama, Nikko, Kamakura, Enoshima and trips during downtime to historical cities such as Kyoto, and Osaka.
Every journey revealed a new side of Japan, deepening my appreciation for its rich culture and history. Standout favourites for me include my day trip to see the incredible Mt Fuji and my exploration of Kyoto where I got to see my favourite temple, Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.
On weekends, Luca would explore Tokyo and beyond, visiting some of Japan's most iconic landmarks
Internships offered by the Asia New Zealand Foundation across the region give young professionals a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in Asia, forge meaningful cross-cultural connections, and cultivate a truly global perspective.
These experiences play a vital role in deepening people-to-people ties between New Zealand and Asia. Personally, I’ve come away with a much richer understanding of — and appreciation for — the importance of New Zealand’s relationships with countries like Japan.
For anyone considering an internship in Asia, I can’t recommend it highly enough. The opportunities provided by the Asia New Zealand Foundation are genuinely transformative, shaping both personal growth and professional development in ways that stay with you for life.
The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.
Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.
