Last week, the City University of Hong Kong's School of Law officially commenced the 2025 Chinese Judges Programmes, which include the Doctor of Juridical Science Programme for Chinese Senior Judges, the Master of Laws Programme for Chinese Judges, and the Advanced Programme for Chinese Senior Judges in China.
As part of this flagship initiative, a delegation of nearly 40 Chinese senior judges visited The Law Society of Hong Kong on 23 September. This annual visit, organised by CityU, is designed to deepen Mainland judges' understanding of Hong Kong's legal and judicial systems, fostering meaningful exchanges on the common law system.
During the visit, Mr Roden Tong, President of the Law Society, along with Council Members Mr Jimmy Chan and Ms Chris Zhao, and Dr Celeste Lo, Member of the Greater China Legal Affairs Committee, provided an insightful overview of Hong Kong's legal framework. Key topics included the internationalization of the legal profession, evidenced by the significant presence of registered foreign lawyers and law firms in Hong Kong, and the distinct roles and responsibilities of legal practitioners.
The delegation also gained valuable insights into the Law Society's pivotal role as a statutory and independent self-regulatory professional body. Through initiatives such as anti-money laundering compliance and the Professional Indemnity Scheme, the Law Society continues to uphold the highest professional standards in the legal community.
The judges expressed particular interest in the Society’s efforts to foster collaboration with global and Mainland legal communities. Notable initiatives, such as the establishment of the Common Law Centre and the development of common law courses in partnership with Mainland law schools, were highlighted as vital contributions to advancing the rule of law in foreign-related matters on the Mainland.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for the senior judges to explore the Law Society’s contributions to Hong Kong's legislative process and professional regulation. President Tong elaborated on the Society’s work, which includes making submissions on legislative consultations and conducting in-depth research through its 130 committees and working parties including 34 specialist committees under its Practitioners Affairs Department.
Discussions also touched on emerging topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in the legal sector, the development of mediation in Hong Kong, and the critical function of Hong Kong’s legal services in enabling Mainland enterprises to “go global” while attracting international businesses to the region.
In an era of increasing globalisation, exchanges like these broaden the perspectives of legal practitioners across jurisdictions and deepen their understanding of diverse legal systems. The Law Society remains committed to fostering greater professional collaboration, contributing to the growth of rule of law in both Hong Kong and the Mainland.
The Law Society of Hong Kong (“Law Society”) is proudly hosting the annual International Conference of Legal Regulators (“ICLR”) 2025 from 20 to 22 October 2025, marking the first time this prestigious event has been held in Hong Kong. Themed “New Ways to Regulate in a Changing World?”, the conference has attracted approximately 100 delegates from 19 jurisdictions, including legal regulators, scholars, industry leaders, and non-legal regulators from Australia, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and more. This underscores the strong international confidence in Hong Kong’s robust self-regulatory legal framework.
The ICLR brings legal regulators from around the globe together, to share knowledge and best practice, and to find solutions to common challenges. This year’s conference comprises four plenary sessions and nine breakout discussions, fostering cross-jurisdictional collaboration and innovative solutions regarding legal regulation. It facilitates in-depth discussions on critical global legal regulation issues, including cross-border practices, anti-money laundering strategies, cybersecurity, in-house integrity, and professional diversity.
The opening ceremony, held today (21 October 2025), commenced with a vibrant lion dance performed by local secondary school students, symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the delegation. Distinguished guests include Mr Roden Tong, President of the Law Society; Dr the Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, Acting Secretary for Justice of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR; and Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC”).
In his opening remarks, President Mr Roden Tong emphasised the internationalism and professionalism of Hong Kong where possesses a unique position as an international legal and financial centre bridging East and West under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, highlighting the city’s common law tradition and its distinction as the world’s only English and Chinese bilingual common law jurisdiction. Mr Tong encouraged the legal sector to proactively adapt to the transforming legal landscape to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in legal service delivery.
Dr the Hon Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP reaffirmed that independent self-regulation is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s legal framework. He noted that the Hong Kong Judiciary and legal regulators operate free from interference, and are independent from the administration. Dr Cheung also highlighted Hong Kong’s growing role in cross-border dispute resolution services, such as mediation and arbitration, which necessitates enhanced regulatory frameworks.
Dr Kelvin Wong Tin-yau, SBS, JP stated that the status of Hong Kong’s international financial centre lies in firm commitment of the rule of law. He elaborated that the SFC adopts a balanced regulatory framework, harmonising discipline with creativity to safeguard investors and promote market development while adhering to the highest corporate governance standards.
In addition, to showcase Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage and legal traditions, the Law Society has organised a series of activities for international delegates. Yesterday (20 October 2025), delegates attended a welcome reception at the historic Former French Mission Building, once home to the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, where they exchanged insights and forged collaborations to advance professional regulation. The delegates also explored the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, immersing themselves in Hong Kong’s ancient temples and traditional villages. The three-day programme will conclude with a dinner at the Happy Valley Racecourse of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
As the statutory independent self-regulatory body for solicitors in Hong Kong, the Law Society remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the profession, and to working hand in hand with international counterparts on professional regulatory excellence.
