kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Application period for Legal Talent Recruitment Scheme (Trainee Solicitors) to be extended
4.11.2021

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced today (November 4) that the deadline for application for the Legal Talent Recruitment Scheme (Trainee Solicitors), launched by the DoJ and the Law Society of Hong Kong (LawSoc) in July this year, will be extended to January 28, 2022, to allow more time for eligible law firms to prepare their applications. Funded by the Anti-epidemic Fund, the Scheme provides a monthly salary subsidy of $6,800 for a maximum of 12 months to each eligible law firm for one newly created job opening for a trainee solicitor, with up to 130 new job openings for trainee solicitors in total. The Scheme will not only create new job opportunities during the time of the pandemic, but will also ensure a steady and sufficient supply of legal talents in alignment with Government's policy objectives to nurture legal talents to advance the rule of law and strengthen Hong Kong's development as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan. The LawSoc is responsible for administering the Scheme, including processing and assessing the applications, as well as arranging disbursement of the subsidy. The application form and the guidance notes are available at the LawSoc's website ( www.hklawsoc.org.hk ). Ends/Thursday, November 4, 2021 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
National Security Law in line with international practice of safeguarding national security
13.10.2021

In response to the statement on the National Security Law (NSL) by United Nations special rapporteurs, the Department of Justice made the following statement today (October 13): The enactment of the NSL is in line with the international practice of safeguarding national security and the sovereign rights of each state. Hong Kong's legal system and rule of law remain robust with law and order restored, enabling Hong Kong residents to enjoy their rights and freedoms in a safe and peaceful environment. The NSL clearly stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong in accordance with the law. However, such rights and freedoms are not absolute. It must be borne in mind that the ICCPR expressly states that they may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for protection of national security, public safety, public order (ordre public) or the rights and freedoms of others, and more. In handling cases concerning offences endangering national security, the Department of Jusice's (DoJ) prosecutors must act in accordance with the NSL and local law. All prosecutorial decisions are based on admissible evidence and applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the political beliefs or background of the persons involved. Prosecutions would be instituted only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction and if it is in the public interest to do so. The DoJ has been carrying out this constitutional duty in a professional and fair manner. Article 63 of the Basic Law expressly guarantees that all prosecutions are controlled by the DoJ, free from any interference. When adjudicating cases under the NSL, as in any other case, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. On how to handle applications for bail by persons charged with offences endangering national security in accordance with the NSL, the Court of Final Appeal has already laid down relevant principles in a judgment on February 9. The Basic Law, the NSL and provisions of the ICCPR as applied to Hong Kong guarantee defendants' right to a fair trial. As a matter of fact, in the first trial of offences contrary to the NSL in the Court of First Instance of the High Court, the defendant's legal representatives accepted that the defendant would still have a fair trial before a panel of three judges without a jury. No one should comment on cases in respect of which legal proceedings are still ongoing as the matter is sub judice. Ends/Wednesday, October 13, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:49 NNNN
SJ briefs legal sector on initiatives in Policy Address (with photos)
6.10.2021

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, briefed members of the legal sector on the major initiatives related to the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the Policy Address in a meeting today (October 6). She also listened to their views on how the industry should make the best use of the opportunities brought about by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development and the Plan for Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (Qianhai Plan). Ms Cheng first pointed out that there are a number of important initiatives in the Policy Address aiming to establish Hong Kong as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, which is in line with the national development. The DoJ will continue to roll out the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law initiative in order to help the community understand the correct concept of the rule of law and the way it operates in practice. At the same time, the DoJ will also strengthen education on the Constitution, the Basic Law and national security so that different sectors in society can gain a proper understanding in these aspects. She stressed that the DoJ is committed to following up on and implementing the measures in the Policy Address as early as possible with a view to consolidating the foundation of the rule of law, and enhancing Hong Kong's role as an international legal hub for legal, deal-making and dispute resolution services. Ms Cheng then highlighted that the National 14th Five-Year Plan as well as the Qianhai Plan promulgated last month provide invaluable support for the development of Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services. As the only common law jurisdiction within the country, Hong Kong shall utilise the unique advantages under "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" in the GBA. With the support of the Central Government, opportunities are set to abound for Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution sector. The attendees said they all attached great importance to the abundant opportunities for the sector brought about by the country's relevant measures and expressed support for the DoJ's key initiatives. Ms Cheng thanked them for joining the meeting amid their busy schedules and offering their professional views and unique and insightful advice in different areas. The DoJ will continue to maintain close contact with the stakeholders to enhance their understanding of and support for the DoJ's work and to bring out the best of Hong Kong in order to integrate with the needs of the country, enabling Hong Kong to enjoy brighter development prospects amid its integration into the overall development of the country. Ends/Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:55 NNNN
Results of the inaugural GBA Legal Professional Examination released
30.9.2021

The results and pass mark of the inaugural Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination), which was held on July 31 this year, have been released today (September 30). The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced on the same day that the pass mark of the GBA Examination is 120 and the examination results could be viewed on the website of the MoJ. For more details, please visit: www.moj.gov.cn/pub/sfbgw/zwxxgk/fdzdgknr/fdzdgknrtzwj/202109/t20210929_438663.html (in Chinese only). Legal practitioners who have taken the GBA Examination could check their examination results, download and print out the results notices by themselves through the website of the MoJ starting at noon today. If candidates have doubt about their examination results, they could submit written applications to the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province for rechecking of results before October 10. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said, "More lawyers familiar with the laws of the Mainland and Hong Kong will be available for the entire GBA given the smooth running of the GBA Examination, thereby further enhancing implementation of the supporting measures introduced for the Hong Kong legal profession by the Central Government. With the announcement of the examination results, the Department of Justice will actively co-operate with the MoJ and the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province in implementing the relevant practice management measures. "My heartfelt thanks to the MoJ for implementing the examination and setting up an extra examination venue in Hong Kong for our practitioners. I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to those practitioners who have passed the examination. All their hard work truly paid off. I wish they would join hands with their Mainland counterparts to provide the GBA enterprises with both Hong Kong and Mainland legal services and safeguards, leading to a win-win situation which is the best embodiment of the mutually beneficial relationship." Ms Cheng said. Ends/Thursday, September 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:55 NNNN
SJ meets with legal and dispute resolution sector to explore development opportunities (with photos)
30.9.2021

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, today (September 30) met with members from the legal and dispute resolution sector to listen to their views on how the industry should make best use of the opportunities brought about by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, and the Plan for Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone (Qianhai Plan). Ms Cheng pointed out that the outline of the National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong to establish itself as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, while the Qianhai Plan promulgated earlier this month clearly states a higher level of opening up in legal matters and the establishment of an international legal services centre and an international commercial dispute resolution centre in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. As the only common law jurisdiction within the country, Hong Kong shall utilise the unique advantages under the "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" in the GBA. With the support of the Central Government, Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution sector has very promising prospects. Noting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government published the "Report on Hong Kong's Business Environment: A Place with Unique Advantages and Unlimited Opportunities", Ms Cheng said it reiterates Hong Kong's institutional strengths under "one country, two systems", with other inherent strengths remaining intact, including the solid foundation of rule of law and judicial independence guaranteed by the Basic Law, which provide a safe and vibrant business environment to attract more investments in Hong Kong, and into the Mainland via Hong Kong. Ms Cheng said she was delighted to know that the participants all attached great importance to the abundant opportunities for the sector brought about by the country's relevant measures. She also thanked them for offering their professional views and invaluable advice on how to best seize the opportunities. The Department of Justice will continue to maintain close contact with the stakeholders to bring out the best of Hong Kong in order to integrate with the needs of the country, and to create synergy with the nation's development. Ends/Thursday, September 30, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:03 NNNN
Combined DoJ English-Chinese Glossary of Legal Terms launched
1.9.2021

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (September 1) launched the Combined DoJ English-Chinese Glossary of Legal Terms (Combined Glossary) to promote the development of legal bilingualism in Hong Kong. The Combined Glossary ( www.glossary.doj.gov.hk ) consists of six glossaries prepared by the Civil Division, the Constitutional and Policy Affairs Division, the International Law Division, the Law Drafting Division, the Law Reform Commission Secretariat and the Prosecutions Division, with more than 60 000 entries which are legal terms commonly used in Hong Kong sourced from Hong Kong legislation, judicial authorities and other legal publications. "It is hoped that the Combined Glossary can facilitate legal translation work and also promote the broader use of Chinese in the legal field in Hong Kong," a DoJ spokesperson said. The existing English-Chinese Glossary of Legal Terms on Hong Kong e-Legislation (HKeL) and the new Combined Glossary are running in parallel for the time being. The English-Chinese Glossary on HKeL will discontinue service at a later stage. The DoJ is also compiling a Combined DoJ Chinese-English Glossary of Legal Terms, which is targeted to be published by the end of 2021 at the earliest. In the meantime, the Chinese-English Glossary of Legal Terms is still available on the HKeL website ( www.elegislation.gov.hk/glossary/chi ). Ends/Wednesday, September 1, 2021 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Appointment to Law Reform Commission
31.8.2021

The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission: The Law Reform Commission (LRC) today (August 31) announced that Mr Justice Johnson Lam Man-hon has been appointed by the Chief Executive as a new member of the LRC for three years with effect from September 1, 2021. Mr Justice Lam is currently a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong. He has abundant experience in civil law reform, public law and constitutional law. The LRC believes that Mr Justice Lam's broad expertise in civil cases will further add to the diversity of experience in the LRC. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, who is also the Chairman of the LRC, expressed her heartfelt thanks to Mr Justice Lam for devoting his time to the LRC. With this latest appointment, the LRC will comprise the following members: Secretary for Justice (Chairman) Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (ex-officio member) Law Draftsman (ex-officio member) Mr Justice Johnson Lam Man-hon Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC Ms May Chan Suk-mei Professor Tan Cheng-han Professor Lutz-Christian Wolff Professor Fu Hualing Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun Mrs Janice Choi Kwan Wing-kum Mr Chan Chak-ming Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee Ends/Tuesday, August 31, 2021 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Working Group on the Greater Bay Area Mediation Platform's plaque unveiling ceremony held (with photos)
26.8.2021

The plaque unveiling ceremony for the Working Group on the Greater Bay Area Mediation Platform (GBA Mediation Platform), established by the Guangdong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR legal departments, was held today (August 26). The event was officiated by the Director-General of the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province, Mr Chen Xudong; the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; and the Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao SAR Government, Mr Cheong Weng Chon. Ms Cheng said that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) has been developing rapidly since the promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the GBA. As the only common law jurisdiction within the country, Hong Kong can utilise the unique advantages under the "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" in the GBA, and provide quality, effective and convenient legal services in the area in accordance with the development blueprint mapped out in the 14th Five-Year Plan. She said that during the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference held last year, the legal departments of the three places endorsed the Proposal to set up the GBA Mediation Platform as a co-operation platform for promoting mediation work, so as to enable better use of mediation by the business sector and the public in the area. Ms Cheng further said that the legal regulatory interface and connectivity in the GBA have yielded certain positive results. For instance, according to the Record of Meeting on Mutual Recognition of and Assistance to Bankruptcy (Insolvency) Proceedings between the Courts of the Mainland and the Hong Kong SAR signed in May this year, Shenzhen is one of the pilot areas that recognise insolvency proceedings in Hong Kong. Bankruptcy administrators from the Mainland may also apply to the High Court in Hong Kong for recognition of bankruptcy proceedings in the Mainland. In addition, the GBA Legal Professional Examination has been implemented with its inaugural examination held successfully on July 31. The inaugural meeting of the Working Group was held after the ceremony. During the meeting, qualification and accreditation standards for mediators in the GBA, best practices for mediators' code of conduct, and guidelines for mediation rules applicable to cross-boundary disputes were discussed. The Working Group will also continue to actively promote the work of the GBA Mediation Platform. Ends/Thursday, August 26, 2021 Issued at HKT 18:32 NNNN
Public consultation on proposed code of practice for third party funding of mediation starts today
16.8.2021

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (August 16) launched a two-month public consultation to seek views on the draft Code of Practice for Third Party Funding of Mediation. The provisions in relation to third party funding of arbitration and mediation enacted by the Arbitration and Mediation Legislation (Third Party Funding) (Amendment) Ordinance 2017 (Amendment Ordinance) came into operation upon gazettal on June 23, 2017, except for the relevant provisions of section 3 relating to the Arbitration Ordinance and the relevant provisions of section 4 relating to the Mediation Ordinance. The Code of Practice for Third Party Funding of Arbitration was issued by the Secretary for Justice, as the authorised body appointed under the Arbitration Ordinance, on December 7, 2018, and the relevant provisions of section 3 of the Amendment Ordinance commenced on February 1, 2019. The commencement of the relevant provisions of section 4 of the Amendment Ordinance has been deferred to a future date pending the issue of the relevant Code. The draft Code sets out the practices and standards that third party funders are ordinarily expected to comply with in carrying on activities in connection with third party funding of mediation in Hong Kong. The draft Code is now available on the DoJ website . Members of the public are invited to submit their comments on the draft Code to the Mediation Team of the Civil Division of the DoJ by mail to 4/F, Main Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong, or by email to mediation@doj.gov.hk . The consultation will end on October 15, 2021. Ends/Monday, August 16, 2021 Issued at HKT 16:15 NNNN
Greater Bay Area seminar outlines prospects of Hong Kong legal sector (with photo)
13.8.2021

The ​"Success through Synergy" seminar on opportunities for Hong Kong's legal industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Law Society of Hong Kong, was held today (August 13). Participants conducted an in-depth discussion on the important role played by the Hong Kong legal sector in the development of the GBA, urging the legal sector to seize the opportunities and proactively integrate into the overall development of the country. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said in her opening remarks that the GBA has been growing rapidly. As the only common law jurisdiction within the country, Hong Kong can utilise the unique advantages under the "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" in the GBA. She added that ample opportunities have been opened up after the DoJ reached a number of co-operation arrangements with the Mainland. Ms Cheng encouraged the legal sector to treasure the opportunities and also expressed her gratitude to the Central Government for its support and concern. Speakers attending the panel discussions came from the legal and dispute resolution sector as well as government departments. They offered views and insights on measures in relation to cross-boundary co-operation and the ways to facilitate Hong Kong's dispute resolution services in the GBA, and also shared their personal experiences. In particular, the speakers welcomed the implementation of the GBA Legal Professional Examination. They opined that the arrangement will allow Hong Kong legal practitioners to provide clients in the GBA with Hong Kong and Mainland legal services and safeguards, which are conducive to promoting closer integration of legal services, attracting more investments and opening up new business opportunities in the GBA. The hybrid seminar today attracted over 500 registrations from different countries and regions. Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association Legal Affairs Steering Committee were invited as promotion partners. Ends/Friday, August 13, 2021 Issued at HKT 17:29 NNNN
Appointment of Director of Public Prosecutions (with photo)
13.8.2021

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced today (August 13) the appointment of Principal Government Counsel Ms Maggie Yang Mei-kei as the Director of Public Prosecutions, to head the Prosecutions Division of the Department, with effect from August 13. Ms Yang was selected for the position through a promotion-cum-open recruitment exercise. Welcoming the appointment, the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said that with her solid professional knowledge and experience in criminal law and strong leadership skills, Ms Yang is well qualified to take forward the important work of the DoJ's Prosecutions Division. "Ms Yang is a lawyer of outstanding abilities and integrity. I am confident that she is competent to lead the Prosecutions Division to rise to the challenges ahead and discharge her role as the Director of Public Prosecutions in a fair and impartial manner," said Ms Cheng. Ranked at Law Officer (DL6) level, the Director of Public Prosecutions is responsible for directing public prosecutions and advising on the development, enforcement and implementation of the criminal law. Brief biographical notes on Ms Yang are set out below: Ms Maggie Yang Mei-kei was admitted as a solicitor in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong in 1992 and 1993 respectively, and was subsequently called to the Bar in 2021. She has over 28 years' post admission experience in the legal profession. She joined the Prosecutions Division of the DoJ in 1994 as Crown Counsel, and was promoted to Senior Crown Counsel in 1996, Deputy Principal Government Counsel in 2012 and Principal Government Counsel in 2019. She has been serving largely in the Prosecutions Division except for a short stint in the Civil Division. Ends/Friday, August 13, 2021 Issued at HKT 9:45 NNNN