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II. The Status Quo and Basis of Cooperation of Hong Kong Legal Practitioners in the GBA

ways of cooperation, such as allowing Hong Kong law firms to set up legal consultancy service companies

in the Mainland”. 52.8% support “having preferential rent or tax benefits for law firms” and “improving the
interregional dispute mediation and resolution mechanism”.

Specifically, the interviewed Hong Kong lawyers first wish to have simpler methods in tax and law firm
income calculation, such as tax filing support, mutual recognition of Continuing Professional Development

(“CPD”) schemes, policies for allowing lawyers to work without a visa in Hong Kong, and the establishment
of electronic systems. Secondly, to help Hong Kong lawyers in the GBA to better integrate into their local

legal work environment, one suggestion is to organise visits to local land registries, notary public offices, trade
and commercial institutions and other activities to familiarise them with the operation of relevant government

departments in legal work. In addition, to address the difficulties faced by lawyers in housing and transporting
goods in the GBA, suggestions include rental and tax incentives. Finally, to alleviate the financial burden of law

firms when starting their business, the interviewed Hong Kong lawyers propose government policies that offer
low-interest loans or other preferential terms.

As to what kind of open policies should be provided by the Mainland government to help Hong Kong
lawyers expand their business in the Mainland, the interviewees suggest the following aspects: Firstly, setting

English as the working language to facilitate business communication. Secondly, simplifying the process for
setting up law firms, reducing the relevant administrative procedures to promote the establishment of law firms;

in terms of finances, Hong Kong lawyers call for more financial support from the government, such as tax
exemptions to reduce the operating costs of law firms. Regarding arbitration, they advocate free participation

of Hong Kong lawyers in Mainland arbitrations governed by Hong Kong laws and reducing the restrictions
and threshold for arbitration in the Mainland. For Mainland legal practitioners working in Hong Kong, they

propose considering to relax the required ratio of Mainland lawyers to Hong Kong lawyers in Hong Kong law
firms. They also suggest to relax the requirements for Mainland support staff to work in Hong Kong law firms,

especially the technical support personnel and clerical staff, so as to reduce the operating costs and facilitate the
exchange and cooperation of talents between the two regions. Others suggest to encourage Mainland companies

to engage small and medium-sized Hong Kong law firms to provide legal services, setting up offices similar to
the Hong Kong Legal Aid Scheme, and providing financial assistance to eligible litigants in legitimate cases.

(b) Diversified supervision and management

Regarding the supervision and management of Hong Kong law firms and lawyers in the GBA, the
interviewees suggest that the services should be supervised by the relevant authorities of the PRC to ensure

compliance with national regulations. Meanwhile, Hong Kong solicitors are still regulated by The Law Society

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