The Law Society of Hong Kong is a professional association for solicitors in Hong Kong vested with statutory powers to regulate the professional conduct of solicitors, trainee solicitors and foreign lawyers. It was incorporated in 1907 as a company limited by guarantee.
The Law Society speaks for the solicitors’ profession in Hong Kong and ensures our voice are accurately and purposefully communicated to relevant parties
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The Law Society is committed to facilitating the attainment and maintenance of the highest professional standards by our members in the interest of the community
The Law Society reaches out and maintains a wide local and global network for knowledge exchange, experience sharing and collaboration between our members and different sectors of both the local and international communities.
The Law Society strives to raise general public legal awareness, facilitate public access to legal services and promote a culture of giving back to the community among our members.
Hosted by The Law Society of Hong Kong, the 34th Summit of Presidents of Law Associations in Asia (“POLA”) was successfully held in Hong Kong from 6 to 8 June 2024. Themed “Sustainability of the Legal Profession Globally”, the Summit was attended by over 50 presidents, chairmen and head delegates from more than 20 lawyers’ associations and international legal organisations across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as leading local legal professionals.
This year’s Summit commenced with a vibrant Welcome Reception on 6 June, where the POLA delegates and local guests reconnected with old acquaintances and forged new connections with leaders from different sectors.
The Summit Opening Ceremony on 7 June featured an inspiring keynote speech by the Hon Geoffrey Ma, Former Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”). The event was also graced by the presence of the Hon Paul Lam SC, Secretary for Justice of The Government of the HKSAR. In addition to professional exchanges on various topics of worldwide interest during the two Summit sessions – talent attraction and retention, proliferation of unregulated legal services, self-regulatory function of the profession; and liberalisation of legal service market, the Summit also featured two luncheons with keynote speeches on 7 and 8 June respectively by Mr I. Grenville Cross SC, Former Director of Public Prosecutions of the HKSAR; and the Hon Rimsky Yuen SC, Former Secretary for Justice of The Government of the HKSAR.
At the POLA Presidents’ Meeting on 8 June, it was resolved unanimously by the representatives in attendance that a POLA Facilitation Centre and the POLA website be maintained by the Malaysian Bar and the Korean Bar Association respectively. This allows POLA to build a solid foundation for future growth and development.
As the last day of the Summit, a series of side events were held, including a visit to the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, in which Mr Wong King-wah, Registrar of the Court of Final Appeal of the HKSAR, took the time out of his busy schedule to meet with the delegates. To experience the cultural charm and dynamic city life of Hong Kong, the delegates also visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M Plus Museum, followed by an exciting horse racing event at the Sha Tin Racecourse, including a special “POLA Cup” race.
Finally, as a tradition, Mr C. M. Chan, then-President of The Law Society of Hong Kong and Chairman of the 34th POLA Summit Organising Committee, passed the POLA flag and plaque to Mr Yakesh Anand, Vice President of The Bar Association of India, host of the 35th POLA Summit, to conclude this year’s Summit.
The Law Society expresses its sincere gratitude to the Organising Committee, speakers, guests and delegates for their great support and contributions to the resounding success of the 34th POLA Summit in Hong Kong.
This significant international legal event returned to Hong Kong for the third time after its successful editions in 1994 and 2003.
Speakers and POLA delegates engaged in valuable discussions on topics significant to the development of the legal profession globally, such as the rule of law and local and international dispute resolution development.
Beyond the professional programme, a diverse range of activities were arranged that introduce the city’s rich history and dynamics.
