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SCMP Editorial

Perceptions of Hong Kong’s legal system have, in recent times, been shaped by political developments and new national security laws.
But the city has continued to engage constructively with the international legal community in multiple areas, pursuing its ambition to become a leading hub for such services. It is making steady progress.
A global conference for the International Advocacy Training Council (IATC), the latest in a series of high-level legal summits, was hosted in Hong Kong last week.
Bar Association chairman Victor Dawes hailed the meeting as a “vote of confidence” in the city’s legal profession.
Meanwhile, the city is maintaining its appeal to the international legal community by developing the city’s role as a centre for law in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Hong Kong Bar Association head lauds city’s successful hosting of top legal event
It is perfectly placed, blending a common law heritage with a position as China’s connector to the world.
A new action plan for building legal services in the GBA, which comprises Hong Kong, Macau and nine Guangdong cities, has been launched by the Department of Justice.
It will focus on harmonising regulations, forming a pool of foreign-related legal talent for the area, facilitating cross-border research and enhancing legal training.
The IATC is a global charitable organisation for advocacy training and promotion in common law jurisdictions. Arbitration advocacy was the focus of last week’s summit.
The city is one of the top arbitration venues in the world and the demand for dispute resolution services will grow with the development of the GBA and Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
To make the most of this opportunity, Hong Kong needs to ensure it can attract and maintain top legal professionals while nurturing new talent.
This year, as part of the GBA plan, Hong Kong will establish an International Legal Talents Training Academy to organise courses, seminars and international exchanges.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, in his speech at the conference, noted Hong Kong was facing a lot of issues, many arising from the complex geopolitical environment. National security laws will continue to make international headlines.
Avoid ‘chilling effect’ by clarifying security law: Hong Kong Bar Association
The city’s legal profession must ensure the core principles of the common law system, including an independent judiciary and protection of rights, are maintained.
As Lam said, the city’s success and prosperity, now as in the past, depends on maintaining the rule of law both as a matter of perception and reality. International engagement is essential.
The theme of last week’s advocacy summit was “bridging borders, enhancing the rule of law”. That is what Hong Kong’s legal community must do as it faces the challenges ahead.


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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong remains an international hub for legal services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said Hong Kong’s prosperity depends on maintaining the rule of law. Photo: SCMP/ Dickson Lee

Hong Kong Bar Association head hails city’s hosting of common law summit as ‘vote of confidence’ for legal sector

A Hong Kong industry veteran has said the high-profile legal event can ensure foreign attendees pass on their findings about the city to colleagues back home. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong Bar Association chief Victor Dawes has hailed the high-profile legal event as a success. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs to deliver virtual keynote as part of city’s biggest National Security Education Day yet

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Xia Baolong (left) and Chief Executive John Lee attending a meeting last year. Photo: Jelly Tse

City leader John Lee attends an event on Saturday in the lead-up to the awareness day. He has urged the public to remain vigilant. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Opinion

Comment

The city’s success and prosperity, now as in the past, depends on maintaining the rule of law both as a matter of perception and reality


The city’s success and prosperity, now as in the past, depends on maintaining the rule of law both as a matter of perception and reality.


Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong national security law (NSL)

Expresses the views, ideas and conclusions of the author. (Eg. Enough of Crazy Rich Asians, think of crazy poor Hongkongers.)


Column

Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong remains an international hub for legal services

The city’s success and prosperity, now as in the past, depends on maintaining the rule of law both as a matter of perception and reality