In this age of globalisation and rapid change, law educators in Greater China must strive for excellence to meet the challenges of the times, Chief Justice Andrew Li says.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Legal Education in Greater China, Mr Li shared his views on legal education with practitioners from the Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. In Greater China, each jurisdiction has its own legal system.

"However, we are faced with the same challenge - to equip our younger generation with a view to enabling them to meet the exciting challenges of the future," he said.

An open mind and inquisitive attitude required

Mr Li said that against the background of rising expectations of professional excellence and integrity in the context of a fast changing world and globalisation, legal professionals from different jurisdictions could not afford to adopt an inward-looking approach, concerned only with the circumstances and needs of their own domestic jurisdiction.

On legal education, Mr Li said law students must appreciate the importance of learning for life, and continue to learn and improve their skills. He said law educators must encourage every student to face work and life with an open mind and an inquisitive attitude.

"We should encourage students to ask 'why' and explore new answers and solutions. They must never take things for granted. They must strive to make improvements. They should be innovative, with the courage to try things out," he said.

Avoid narrow-mindedness

Mr Li said legal education should not be regarded merely as a means of providing technical training for lawyers.

While the curriculum of law schools and legal research should not be out of touch with professional practice, he said, they should not be driven only by the requirements of the profession.

"We must avoid such narrow thinking. The study of law as a discipline, with the student acquiring good analytical and intellectual skills, is a good preparation for many careers," he said.

Ethical values important

Mr Li said it is important to educate students not only in the principles and the practical application of the law but in the ethical values that underlay the legal system.

"The legal profession is not merely a market driven profession, it is a profession with honourable ideals and traditions. It must strive for a fair and just society, and remain committed to a vocation of service with a regard for the public good."

He said legal educators have a heavy responsibility and an honourable mission.