News Article
Jack Hicks Leads Elon Law, Business Students on Tour of Vietnam and Singapore
February 15, 2011
GREENSBORO, N.C.—As a Womble Carlyle patent attorney with an international practice, Jack Hicks often travels to foreign markets to counsel clients. Now, as an Adjunct Professor at the Elon Universty School of Law, Hicks is sharing that international knowledge with the next generation of attorneys.
Hicks recently led a group of 30 Elon Law and MBA students on a week-long trip to Vietnam and Singapore. The trip was part of a 3-hour course on International Comparative Law and Business that he helped teach. The students met with the leaders of several of Hicks’ clients about their work in these markets.
“The primary purpose of the class was to expose students to the economies of Vietnam and Singapore from the perspective of U.S. companies seeking to do business in those countries,” Hicks said. Vietnam and Singapore were chosen not only because of their close geographic proximity, but also because Vietnam represents an emerging economy, while Singapore is an established economic powerhouse.
The group visited Theodore Alexander’s Ho Chi Mihn City factory, where 4,000 workers produce hand-crafted furniture. They also toured a Singaporean facility that does business with Glen Raven, another of Hicks’ clients, as well as 3M’s Singapore headquarters. In addition, the law school students met with attorneys from Allen & Gledhill Advocates & Solicitors, Singapore’s largest law firm.
The group toured a Gilimex factory in Vietnam, which produces backpacks, hammocks, suitcases and cosmetics bags for major retailers such as IKEA.
But the tour also gave the group a chance to build their cultural understanding of Southeast Asia. They toured the Cu Chi Tunnels – the underground passages used by the Viet Kong during the Vietnam War – as well as the War Remnants Museum. The museum includes U.S. military vehicles that were captured or abandoned during the war, and does not present the U.S. cause in a favorable light.
“Those were the most emotional and difficult moments of the trip, especially for people like me who remember well the emotional impact the Vietnam War had on Americans,” Hicks said.
On a more lighthearted note, the group took a boat ride down the Mekong Delta and enjoyed meals in local restaurants off the typical tourist path.
The Elon program is unique in that the Law and Business schools work closely together, including joining together for this trip. Hicks said that makes sense, as business leaders need legal services, while lawyers serve corporate clients. Working together while still in school greatly increases the level of mutual understanding.
While Hicks primarily was focused on his role as an educator, the trip also gave him the chance to connect in person with international clients, which he always finds valuable to his patent practice.
“The clients were appreciative that we sought them out,” he said.
The Elon students kept an online journal of their travels. Click here to read their first-hand reports from Singapore and Vietnam.
This document is intended as an informational reminder and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular situation, please contact Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP. The purpose of this article is to provide general information about significant legal developments and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts and circumstances.