Hong Kong legal authorities propose reforms and deepen judicial cooperation with China

The Law Society of Hong Kong has submitted a proposal to the Legislative Council to amend the Legal Practitioners Ordinance. The suggestion aims to allow solicitors with exceptional achievements and professional experience to be appointed as Senior Counsel. This move is intended to alleviate pressure from increasing court caseloads and expand the pool of judicial talent. Additionally, the Society proposed changing the Chinese translation of ‘Solicitor’ to ‘Lawyer’ to better reflect their professional role and prevent misunderstandings regarding their right to appear in court.

Separately, Hong Kong’s Department of Justice and China’s Supreme People’s Court have reached a consensus to deepen cooperation in cultivating judicial and legal talent. The agreement includes establishing mechanized cooperation projects, conducting legal research, and strengthening online training platforms. The Hong Kong International Legal Talent Training Institute will play a key role in these activities, including hosting training programs for judges from ‘Belt and Road’ regions in collaboration with the National Judges College.