The Law Society of Hong Kong

[Courtesy Meetings with Mainland Counterparts] In June and July 2024, the Law Society was pleased to receive delegations from different organisations in the Greater China region. Based on the order of meeting dates, these delegations included: • A delegation of 21 Mainland officials sponsored by the Department of Justice to undertake the LLM programme in Common Law at The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong under the Training Scheme in Common Law for Mainland Legal Officials (3 June 2024) • A delegation of 22 representatives from a special training class organised by the Hong Kong Institute for Public Administration (19 June 2024) • A delegation of 19 lawyers and accountants from Shandong Province (12 July 2024) Apart from giving an overview of Hong Kong’s legal profession and the roles of the Law Society, in-depth discussions were held with the delegations on various topics, including the structure of the legal profession (with a focus on the differences between solicitors and barristers), the pathways for qualifying as a solicitor in Hong Kong, as well as the range of legal services offered by Hong Kong solicitors. These meetings not only provided a platform to promote Hong Kong’s professional legal services, but also offered an opportunity to learn about the latest legal developments and practices in the Mainland to identify potential areas for future cooperation. #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #LegalProfession

 [📑AI Transformation in Legal Practice Survey]   The legal profession is undergoing a technological transformation driven by advances in artificial intelligence (“AI”). Following the issuance of the Position Paper on the Impact of AI on the Legal Profession (the “Position Paper”) earlier this year, the Law Society is launching a survey (the “Survey”) which aims to understand our members' awareness, readiness, and perspectives regarding AI adoption in legal practice.   Your response will help the Law Society develop strategies and resources to support members in navigating the AI landscape effectively and responsibly. As AI continues evolving, it is crucial for the legal profession to harness its potential while upholding ethical standards and safeguarding client interests.   🌐 Browse the links below for more details:   Survey: https://lnkd.in/gGnrXM-g (member login required) Position Paper: https://lnkd.in/gVdXytN7   All responses will be kept confidential. Share with us your thoughts on or before 30 August 2024!   #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #ArtificialIntelligence #AI

[📣Reminder: Swimming Gala 2024 🏊] To promote a healthy lifestyle through swimming and encourage members to enjoy the water sport with their children/grandchildren, the Swimming Team of the Recreation and Sports Committee is excited to present the Swimming Gala 2024 this August. Date: 18 August 2024 (Sunday) Time: 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm Venue: South Island School Swimming Pool, 50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong Fee: Flat entrance fee of $150 per child (the same competing child participant will only be charged once for taking part in one or more competition(s)) Events include individual races, family relay and children relay. Sign up on or before 17 July and join us to indulge in the perfect blend of relaxation and aquatic fun this summer! 🌐 Details: https://lnkd.in/gufMswNi (member login required) #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #RecreationAndSportsCommittee #SwimmingGala

[🏅 Recreation and Sports] Upcoming Practices and Classes Don’t forget to make time for exercises and recreation amidst your busy schedule. Join the Law Society Recreation and Sports Programme and enjoy an array of activities to stay active together. 🚨 Members are required to register with relevant teams and interest groups before attending the activities. 🌐 Learn more about & sign up for RnS Programme: https://bit.ly/2024rns 🗓 Full practice & training timetable: https://lnkd.in/gXUJrjgb (member login required) 🗓 Full RnS Calendar: https://bit.ly/3gIi4zV 🗓 Subscribe to RnS Calendar: https://bit.ly/3zjYkc1 ✉️ Enquiries: RnS@hklawsoc.org.hk #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #RecreationAndSportsCommittee #RnSProgramme

[📺 Tribute to our Senior Members: Oral History Project] The Greater Bay Area (“GBA”) Legal Professional Examination brings new opportunities for young lawyers in Hong Kong. Those who pass the exam and obtain the required qualification can deal with civil and commercial legal matters in the nine Mainland cities of the GBA. Past President Dr Junius Ho is known as the first Hong Kong lawyer to be allowed to practise in the GBA. Dr Ho has made significant contribution to the legal profession, and was admitted to the Roll of Honour of the Law Society this year. In the interview, he encouraged young solicitors to gear up to seize the abundant opportunities in the GBA, and shared his invaluable experience from his GBA legal practice. Dr Ho also recalled how his family used law as a tool to safeguard its rights during his upbringing, and how he was inspired to choose law as his lifelong career. Dr Junius Ho Law Society President (2011-2012) Roll of Honour (2024) Interviewer: Ms Eviana Leung Full interview at: https://buff.ly/4cWRz1e About the Oral History Project: It is an initiative introduced by the Working party on Historical Archive where senior and significant members of the legal profession are interviewed to provide unique insights into their memories, lives and professional careers. Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews! #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #TributeToSeniorMembers #向資深會員致敬

[🔎 The Directory of Hong Kong Law Firms] Are you seeking legal advice on Administrative Law? A solicitor can provide professional legal advice helping you to understand your rights and suggest a suitable solution. Visit the “Directory of Hong Kong Law Firms” to search for law firms under the category of "Administrative Law" 🌐: https://bit.ly/hklfde The list of law firms which volunteered information to the Directory of Hong Kong Law Firms does not represent the full list of registered law firms in Hong Kong. The full list of registered law firms in Hong Kong is available in "The Law List" section on the Law Society's website at 🌐: https://bit.ly/hklfe #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #DirectoryOfHongKongLawFirms #香港律師行指南 #AdministrativeLaw #行政法

[✉️ Out now: President’s Letter and Weekly Circulars of 11 Jul] 💡 Highlights: ▪️ Revamp of Membership Database System ▪️ Visit from Macao Legal Affairs Bureau – Pre-sale of uncompleted residential properties in Hong Kong ▪️ World Bank Group’s Business Enabling Environment Project ▪️ Teen Talk GBA Study Tour 2024 “Deepening Legal Cooperation, Youth Shaping Tomorrow” ▪️ Receiving a Delegation from Peking University Law School ▪️ Signing of Cooperation Agreement with Taoyuan Bar Association ▪️ Tribute to our Senior Members: Oral History Project ▪️ and more… Log on to the Members’ Zone to access the latest President’s Letter and Weekly Circulars: 🌐 https://buff.ly/3X5JdOj Forgot Login ID and/or password: 🌐 https://buff.ly/3Jft2Z7 #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #PLetter #WeeklyCirculars

[Signing of Cooperation Agreement with Taoyuan Bar Association] On 19 August 2023, representatives from the Law Society attended the 50th Anniversary of Taoyuan Bar Association (“TYBA”) and 2023 Lawyers Day Celebration in Taoyuan, Taiwan, followed by a courtesy meeting with TYBA on the following day. The communication laid a solid foundation for further collaboration between the two professional associations. It is our pleasure to share that the Law Society and TYBA signed a cooperation agreement on 9 July 2024. A delegation of 6 representatives, led by Mr Kassy Chang, President of TYBA, visited the Law Society and signed the agreement. Other delegates include TYBA’s Vice-President Ms Chen Yun-Ju, Past Presidents Mr Chi Ken-Yen and Mr Lin Shih-Fang, Chairman of China Affairs Committee Mr Yang Jen-Chin and Member of China Affairs Committee Mr Ronald Kan. Representatives of the Law Society included President Mr Roden Tong, Vice-President Ms Careen Wong, Council member and Vice-Chairman of the Greater China Legal Affairs Committee (“GCLAC”) Mr Neville Cheng, Council member and Vice-Chairlady of GCLAC Ms Heidi Chui, as well as the Vice-Chairman of GCLAC Mr James Wong and Secretary General Ms Heidi Chu. Following the exchange on the overview of the legal professions and the structure of the profession in Hong Kong and Taoyuan, the two parties had an in-depth exchange on various topics, including the the differences and similarities between the arbitration systems in Hong Kong and Taoyuan and the roles of lawyers' associations in the regulation of lawyers. Furthermore, the two parties had a fruitful exchange on Hong Kong’s overall situation and the stability of the business sector clarifying misunderstandings about the national security legislation. President Mr Roden Tong took the opportunity to highlight how the Law Society takes an active role in promoting the rule of law, Hong Kong’s judicial independence and common law through our local initiatives for the youth, , such as providing courses for law students, as well as the Law Society’s participation in overseas events. Together, the initiatives aim to promote Hong Kong’s professional legal services, strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international legal hub and reinforce the city's important role in the global legal landscape. The signing of the cooperation agreement took place after the productive meeting, symbolising a strengthened partnership between the two lawyers' associations in advancing legal development. Afterwards, members from the Council and GCLAC had a dinner with the delegation to facilitate further exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere. President Mr Roden Tong stated that the Law Society looks forward to collaborating with TYBA to co-organise courses and events for young lawyers and students in the future. #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #TaoyuanBarAssociation #桃園律師公會

[Receiving a Delegation from Peking University Law School] Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2019 with Peking University Law School, The Law Society of Hong Kong has always maintained close ties with the Peking University Law School (“Law School”), including co-organising the “An Introduction to Legal Services and Risk Management for Cross-border Transactions” law course over the years. Through fostering strong partnerships with educational institutions, the Law Society aims to develop impactful programs and initiatives that provide young people with meaningful exposure to the legal field. On 8 July 2024, President Mr Roden Tong, Vice-President Ms Careen Wong, Council member and Vice-Chairman of the Greater China Legal Affairs Committee (“GCLAC”) Mr Neville Cheng, Council member and Vice-Chairlady of GCLAC Ms Heidi Chui, as well as the Vice-Chairman of GCLAC Mr James Wong received a delegation from Peking University Law School, led by its Dean Professor Guo Li. The delegation of 24 representatives included Vice Dean Professor Dai Xin, Assistant Dean Mr Shi Shi, undergraduates, postgraduates, as well as students who took the common law course jointly organised by the Law Society and the Peking University Law School. Representatives of The Law Society of Hong Kong gave an overview about Hong Kong’s legal profession, particularly on the differences between solicitors and barristers, the different legal services provided by Hong Kong lawyers, as well as the paths to become lawyers in Hong Kong. During the meeting, The Law Society of Hong Kong specially prepared Hong Kong's specialty foods such as egg tarts and milk tea for the delegation, and invited all attendees to exchange views in a relaxed atmosphere. Engaging with the younger generation is vital for the legal profession, as they represent the future leaders and practitioners who will shape the landscape of law and justice. This meeting demonstrates the Law Society's strong emphasis on collaborating with Mainland law schools to cultivate foreign-related legal talents. The Law Society will continue to work with Peking University in providing common law training for Mainland law students. #TheLawSocietyofHongKong #香港律師會 #PekingUniversity #PKU #PKULawSchool #北京大學法學院 #LegalEducation

[Visit from Macao Legal Affairs Bureau – Pre-sale of uncompleted residential properties in Hong Kong]   Pre-sale of uncompleted residential properties in Hong Kong has a long history. It plays an important role in the Hong Kong property market. The Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance (“Ordinance”) came into full effect on 29 April 2013 and imposes extensive statutory requirements on property developers for the sale of their first-hand residential properties in Hong Kong, including both completed and uncompleted developments. The Ordinance enhances the transparency and fairness in the pre-sale of residential properties and strikes a balance between consumers’ and investors’ protection. Solicitors play an indispensable role in the pre-sale which concerns the interests of property developers and the wider community.   President Mr Roden Tong, Vice-President Ms Careen Wong together with Ms Lilian Chiang, Chairlady of the Property Committee, and Members of the Property Committee received a delegation from the Macao Legal Affairs Bureau on 8 July.  The Macau delegation was led by the Director of the Bureau, Ms Leong Weng In, Coco.   We had the pleasure to share our experience in this area of legal practice with the Macao Legal Affairs Bureau. We had an in-depth and fruitful discussion on the law and the legal practices of the pre-sale of first-hand residential properties in Hong Kong and in Macau. Issues such as the workflow and the key stages in the pre-sale process, the stake-holding of deposit moneys and solicitors’ roles in the pre-sale process were discussed.    #TheLawSocietyOfHongKong #香港律師會 #MacaoLegalAffairsBureau #澳門法務局