Hi there,
I'm a British born chinese living in the UK. I'm currently looking for legal training contracts [so i havent qualified yet as a solicitor]. I've been conidering my options and i wouldnt mind living in HK and practicing law.
About myself. I can speak cantonese but i've really basic chinese writing. I can speak a little mandarin but i would say its basic. I've completed the LPC and have a law degree in the UK. I also have a HKID card.
Can anyone tell me what the legal profession is like over there? What areas of law are hot? I know both the UK and HK have common law systems but i'm not sure whether my studies of UK law will help with HK. Also is it really important to know how tor ead and write chinese??
I just dont know what are my chances over there. Like whether i should bother applying or not.
Any advice [however small] appreciated.
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21-10-2006, 12:04 PM #1
Legal Profession in HK
Last edited by mokki; 21-10-2006 at 12:05 PM.
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21-10-2006, 01:21 PM #2
You should try to apply regardless. While Chinese language skills would be essential, particularly in local firms such as Deacons, JSM, and WKLL, you may be able to 'get away' with not having particularly great Chinese skills if you apply to the big international law firms (UK or US).
I think academic excellence is a must. Do not make the mistake of thinking that its easier to get Training Contracts over here than in the UK. There are way less Training Contracts here (6-10 for a large firm), and plenty of people applying (those who wish to return from overseas such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, as well as the local HK grads).
You should apply regardless - after all, you have nothing to lose.
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10-11-2006, 05:25 PM #3
You'll need to do the PCLL (Postgraduate Certificate of Laws) first before you can get a training contract in HK - that is a 1 year course similar to the LPC in the UK, but it must be done here - ie. cannot transfer the qualification automatically anymore.
PCLL is offered at HKU and CityU I believe. No firm will take you on a training contract without this qualification. Unless you are a very experienced solicitor (>10 yrs), you will not get any exemption.
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18-06-2009, 11:20 AM #4
Chinese language skills while of course an advantage are not always " essential, particularly in local firms such as Deacons, JSM, and WKLL" - depends on area and employing partner.
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22-06-2009, 01:47 PM #5
Hi guys, I am relocating to my firm's Hong Kong office as they have decided to close the operations in the jurisdiction that I am currently employed in due to the current market conditions. I am just wondering if any one has any idea on the current market outlook for lawyers in Hong Kong?
My significant other is thinking of joining me in Hong Kong but as a first step, it is always good to find out what the current opportunities are for legal professionals like him. He obtained his law degree from University of Southampton and has been working as an associate in corporate finance, M&A, IPO transactions for the past three years.
Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
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22-06-2009, 01:53 PM #6
Market at present sucks. The big international firms are generally not hiring. However there are some signs of people starting to hire again, but (can) are being very picky.
There are some niche areas hiring, but they are looking for particular specialisations, and normally at a more senior level.
Also it seems being HK qualified is now pretty much required, along with a preference for people with language (i.e. mandarin and to a lesser extent Cantonese) skills.
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22-06-2009, 01:57 PM #7
Wow that's a little painful to hear. It's pretty similar in Singapore actually, that's why he's considering employment opportunities in Hong Kong instead.
Language skills isn't really a problem since he's Chinese too. Is there any recommended recruitment agencies specializing in legal professionals that we can check with?
Thanks in advance.
Originally Posted by sunshin3:
