Hong Kong launches legal services guide book

A handy guide for legal practitioners interested in exploring opportunities under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) will be sold in Hong Kong from Sept. 11.

The book entitled "Opportunities for Hong Kong Lawyers under CEPA" was launched Friday.

Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said the guide book incorporates the relevant provisions and mainland regulations in relation to CEPA on legal services.

"In terms of legal services, Hong Kong lawyers can enjoy certain preferential treatment in development of the mainland market while they contribute to the diversification of legal services on the mainland," said Leung.

"Representatives of Hong Kong Law firms on the mainland are subject to less stringent residence requirements. And Hong Kong law firms are allowed to form associations with mainland law firms," she added.

Hong Kong legal practitioners can now be employed by mainland law firms as consultants. From this year, Hong Kong permanent residents with Chinese nationality are allowed to sit the State Judicial Examination, and will be granted a restricted right to practice after passing the examination.

The secretary for justice is confident that CEPA will benefit both Hong Kong and the mainland.

She appealed to Hong Kong legal practitioners to take advantageof the CEPA chances to expand market in the mainland.

Source: Xinhua