Handy guide: Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung launches Opportunities for Hong Kong Lawyers under CEPA.

A handy guide for legal practitioners interested in exploring opportunities under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement will be sold at the Government Bookstore from September 11.

Opportunities for Hong Kong Lawyers under CEPA will also be sold at the Government Publications Sales Section, Murray Building, Central.

Launching the bilingual book today, Secretary for Justice Elsie Leung said it incorporates the relevant provisions and Mainland regulations in relation to CEPA on legal services.

Easier access

Under CEPA, Hong Kong lawyers have easier access to the Mainland market.

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

"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."

Mainland practise

Hong Kong permanent residents with Chinese nationality are allowed to sit the State Judicial Examination, and will be granted a restricted right to practise after passing the examination.

Hong Kong legal practitioners can also be employed by Mainland law firms as consultants.

To implement the measures, the Ministry of Justice has promulgated five sets of regulations detailing the relevant conditions and these, together with relevant CEPA provisions, are carried in the publication.