Speech by SJ at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong today (April 8):
President Roden Tong (President of the Law Society of HongKong), Council members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is a great honour to join you today to officiate the opening of the new premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong at The Center and to celebrate the 119th anniversary of the Law Society's incorporation. This is a momentous occasion, not just for the Law Society, but for the legal community of Hong Kong. It is a celebration of heritage, of progress and of our shared commitment to the rule of law.
For over a century, the Law Society has stood as a steadfast pillar of Hong Kong's legal system. From the early days of this city's development to its current status as a leading international financial, shipping and trading centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent, generation after generation of solicitors have been the custodians of professional standards, the advocates for access to justice and the trusted advisors to individuals, business and the community at large.
Reaching such a historic milestone is a testament to the vision of your predecessors and the dedication of your current leadership and members. The legal landscape of HongKong has transformed dramatically over these 119 years and even more so recently given the rapid technological development and increasing globalisation. However, the core values of integrity, professionalism and service upheld and embodied by the Law Society have remained constant, guiding the profession through times of change and challenge.
Today, however, we are not just looking back at a rich history; we are looking forward to a bright future. In an era characterised by rapid technological advancement and evolving legal landscapes, the need for a strong, united and forward-looking professional body is greater than ever. Against this backdrop, the opening of the new premises is timely and symbolic of the Law Society's commitment to nurturing young legal talent, as well as generating innovative ideas through fruitful collaborations.
As Hong Kong further consolidates its role as a leading centre for international legal and dispute resolution services as supported by the National 15th Five-Year Plan approved last month, the Department of Justice (DoJ) is itself embarking on an exciting project to develop a new HongKong International Legal Service Building next to the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation in Wan Chai.
The construction of this new international legal hub reflects the Government's firm commitment to provide enhanced infrastructure for our legal and dispute resolution communities. Just as the Law Society's new premises will serve as a focal point for the solicitors' profession, the new international legal hub will stand as another landmark for Hong Kong's legal services sector as a whole. I also look forward to even closer collaboration between the Law Society and the DoJ in advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law, as well as to harnessing our unique legal system under the principle of "one country, two systems" to contribute to our country.
Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Law Society, to its presidents past and present, and to all its members. May these new premises be a place where professional excellence, integrity and a deep commitment to justice continue to flourish. I am confident that this new chapter for the Law Society will be defined by continued excellence and an even stronger commitment to serve both its members and the people of Hong Kong. Thank you.
Source: AI-found images
Speech by SJ at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
Speech by CE at Opening Ceremony of New Premises of Law Society of Hong Kong (with video)
Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong today (April 8):
Mr Roden Tong (President of the Law Society of Hong Kong), Council members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to join you today at the Opening Ceremony of the New Premises of the Law Society of Hong Kong. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Law Society of Hong Kong, on the opening of your new premises, as well as the 119th anniversary of your incorporation.
Since its establishment in 1907, the Law Society of Hong Kong has carried the important mission of regulating and promoting the development of solicitors in Hong Kong. A new home for the Law Society symbolises more than just a change of address or enhanced facilities. It represents the vitality, the growth, as well as the enduring strength of Hong Kong's legal sector. It is a milestone for the remarkable commitment of the Law Society, and the impact its over 13 500 members make in our community.
As the self-regulatory body of solicitors in Hong Kong, the Law Society has, for many years, made indispensable contributions to upholding professional standards, ensuring proper administration of justice, promoting greater access to legal services, and nurturing legal talent. These efforts are instrumental in enhancing public confidence in the rule of law.
The rule of law and our legal system are the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys unparalleled connectivity with both the Mainland and the world. We are the only common law jurisdiction within China, our country. Our common law legal system is similar to that in many global financial hubs, and is the only one that has a bilingual legal framework in both the Chinese and English languages. Our courts exercise independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Our legal professionals are known around the world for their integrity, versatility and professionalism.
These are not just features of our system. They give us the distinctive advantage in connecting our country with the world, and are the bedrock of our success as an international financial, shipping and trade centre. Our legal profession, the membership of the Law Society very much included, plays an indispensable role in maintaining this system. You advise businesses, protect individual rights, facilitate transactions and uphold justice. Your work ensures that Hong Kong continues to thrive as a world city where contracts are honoured, disputes are resolved fairly, and the rule of law prevails.
Last month, the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress approved the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Plan affirms the country's upholding of the "one country, two systems" principle, supporting Hong Kong's proactive integration into and service of the overall national development. It also supports Hong Kong in deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.
We have already made significant progress in this direction. The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) formally opened its headquarters in Hong Kong last year. This puts Hong Kong at the heart of global dispute resolution. The IOMed enhances our status as a premier venue for mediation, arbitration and legal services, and opens new opportunities for our legal professionals to engage with the international community.
I am pleased to note that the Law Society has been active in assisting Mainland enterprises in going global, while providing professional support for international investors coming to Hong Kong. I encourage all legal professionals here to continue your efforts in showing the world Hong Kong’s strengths in its internationalised, high-standard, and highly credible legal and dispute resolution services.
I look forward to the legal profession's proactive alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan, which will bring about boundless opportunities for the industry. For members of the Law Society, I am confident that you will continue to uphold your professionalism, seize the vast opportunities in our country's development strategies, and contribute to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
Once again, my congratulations to the Law Society. I wish the Law Society of Hong Kong continued success and growth in the new premises, scaling new heights in the service of justice and the community. Thank you very much.
Source: AI-found images
