The Expert Advisory Group on Legal & Dispute Resolution Services (EAG), established by the Department of Justice earlier this month, held its first meeting today.

During the meeting, the EAG considered and endorsed its terms of reference and discussed future work and issues for follow-up. 

The EAG is chaired by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and vice-chaired by Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan.

It comprises experts from the legal and dispute resolution services sector who are tasked with advising the department in respect of the promotion and development of the legal and dispute resolution services of Hong Kong for a term of three years.

Its terms of reference include considering, formulating and advising on the overall strategies and initiatives for the promotion and development of Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services in and outside Hong Kong.

The EAG also advises on the wider use of out-of-court dispute resolution services in Hong Kong, and serves as a forum for raising and discussing such issues as may be of concern to the legal and dispute resolution sector to enhance Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.

Additionally, it considers and deals with such other matters as may be incidental to any of the matters stated above.

Meanwhile, the Working Group on Mediation Regulatory System, chaired by Mr Lam and vice-chaired by Mr Cheung, has also been established this month for a term of two years.

Its members will advise the department on the mediation regulation regime in Hong Kong, including reviewing and making recommendations to reform or improve the current regime in relation to situations such as accreditation and disciplinary matters.