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IV. Demand for Legal Services in the GBA

(b) Fluency in English, suitable for handling foreign business

Language proficiency is another advantage of Hong Kong legal practitioners. Most Hong Kong legal
practitioners are proficient in international languages. Hong Kong legal practitioners excel in communicating
in English and possess the ability to prepare documents in English, which makes them well-suited for handling

foreign-related business.

(c) International business network

According to the survey, 56.7% of the Mainland law firms consider “international business network” as
another comparative advantage of Hong Kong law practitioners. Hong Kong legal practitioners have a well-

developed international business network and a wealth of resources for international legal cooperation, which can
help Mainland lawyers in efficiently accessing the market for foreign-related legal services. In addition, the high

level of dependency on foreign trade in the GBA leads to inevitable disputes in foreign trade interactions. Hong
Kong legal practitioners have richer experience in cross-border investment, responding to anti-dumping, anti-

subsidy investigations, cross-border litigation, and arbitration. Hong Kong legal practitioners who are familiar
with international trade rules will have more business opportunities.

The advantages of Hong Kong legal practitioners perceived
by the Mainland law firms

Familiarity with foreign laws and customs 80%

Fluency in English, suitable for handling foreign business 65%

International business network 56.7%

Well trained in common law system, can complement
Mainland counterparts trained in civil law system 50%

High quality, professional and rich business experience 35%

Management resources from international headquarters of
law firms 20%

Strong personal network 15%

Access to rich database of cases 15%

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