The Law Society of Hong Kong is a professional association for solicitors in Hong Kong vested with statutory powers to regulate the professional conduct of solicitors, trainee solicitors and foreign lawyers. It was incorporated in 1907 as a company limited by guarantee.
The Law Society speaks for the solicitors’ profession in Hong Kong and ensures our voice are accurately and purposefully communicated to relevant parties
The Law Society is dedicated to providing relevant and effective support to our members including professional training and legal practice updates.
The Law Society is committed to facilitating the attainment and maintenance of the highest professional standards by our members in the interest of the community
The Law Society reaches out and maintains a wide local and global network for knowledge exchange, experience sharing and collaboration between our members and different sectors of both the local and international communities.
The Law Society strives to raise general public legal awareness, facilitate public access to legal services and promote a culture of giving back to the community among our members.
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According to Section 7 of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (“LPO”), no person shall be qualified to act as a solicitor unless :-
According to paragraph 2 of Practice Direction N, an in-house solicitor shall satisfy the following conditions (which apply to him under Section 7 of the LPO) before he can act as a solicitor in accordance with Practice Direction N :-
In the light of the above, an in-house solicitor needs to hold a current practising certificate in order to act in the capacity as a solicitor in his employment. |
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An in-house solicitor is not covered by the Professional Indemnity Scheme referred to in the Solicitors (Professional Indemnity) Rules (“Indemnity Rules”). He should comply with the relevant requirements as set out in paragraphs 3, 6 and 8 of Practice Direction N to make disclosure to relevant parties that he is not covered by the Indemnity Rules. He may also consult his employer to ensure adequate insurance or indemnity cover in relevant circumstances. |
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A CPD practice year commences on 1 November in one year and ends on 31 October the following year. An in-house solicitor holding a current practising certificate is subject to the Continuing Professional Development Rules (“CPD Rules”). Subject to any exemption or suspension under Rule 8 or 9 of the CPD Rules, he should accumulate 15 CPD accreditation points each CPD practice year. Rule 9 of the CPD Rules and pages 48-53 of the CPD Information Package, March 2022 provide that the Law Society may grant CPD suspension to a solicitor who is not in practice as a solicitor in Hong Kong or who practises outside Hong Kong for any period of not shorter than 70 days. The period of absence from practice in Hong Kong must relate to any one period running continuously for 70 days or more. An aggregate of various periods of absence during the year each lasting for less than 70 days but totalling 70 days or more will not entitle a solicitor to a suspension. If a suspension is granted, an in-house solicitor would not be required to obtain any CPD points during the suspension. For enquiries on application for CPD suspension, please contact the Assistant Director, Professional Development at adpd@hklawsoc.org.hk. |
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An RME practice year commences on 1 November in one year and ends on 31 October the following year. Under the Legal Practitioners (Risk Management Education) Rules (“RME Rules”), a “solicitor” refers to a person who is qualified to practise as a solicitor under Section 7 of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance and is carrying on the business of practising as such in his own name in Hong Kong or practising as such in a Hong Kong law firm. The RME Rules therefore do not apply to in-house solicitors. It is unnecessary for in-house solicitors to complete any RME course. A solicitor in a Hong Kong law firm who changes job and becomes an in-house solicitor during an RME practice year may be eligible for exemption under the RME Rules for that RME practice year. Please refer to Rule 8 of the RME Rules and pages 5-6 of the RME Information Package, April 2021 for more information on exemption from RME requirements. |
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Paragraph 4 of Practice Direction N sets out the specific scenarios in which an in-house solicitor may act as a solicitor in conveyancing transactions. Please also refer to the requirements under paragraphs 2, 3 and 5 of Practice Direction N. |
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An in-house solicitor may act as a solicitor for his employer in litigation, subject to the requirements under paragraphs 2, 3 and 5 of Practice Direction N. |
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If your appointment falls within Section 75(1)(a) of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance or you are an employee of a statutory body and are empowered by law to act in a legal capacity in the discharge of your duty with such employer, Practice Direction N is not applicable to you (see paragraph 1 of Practice Direction N). |
