HK to set up dedicated office to push for establishment of Legal Talents Training Academy, says justice chief

Secretary of Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok stated on Monday that Hong Kong is determined to enhance its status as a regional hub for capacity building and will set up a dedicated office next year to take forward the establishment of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy.

During his welcome remarks, Lam referred to the 5-day Hong Kong Legal Week as a “flagship event” that brings together judges, officials, and legal practitioners to exchange ideas.

The justice minister pointed out that this year's theme is “Onward & Forward: Connecting the World,” as they aim to highlight Hong Kong’s role in facilitating international cooperation and global connectivity in the post-pandemic world.

He adds that with the advantage of “One Country, Two Systems,” Hong Kong can enjoy the support of the mainland while also being closely connected with the world and is determined to be a super connector to become a bridge linking the mainland and the rest of the world.

The justice chief also stated that a series of measures were announced in the recent policy address to establish Hong Kong as a regional hub for capacity building, such as setting up a dedicated office and an expert group within the next year to assist in the establishment of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy.

He added that the Academy will leverage Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and international status to regularly organize practical training courses, seminars, and international exchange programs to promote exchanges among legal professionals, judges, and government officials in the Asia-Pacific region as well as around the world.