The inaugural Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Lawyers Forum, held today under Hong Kong Legal Week 2025, culminated in the official launch of the GBA Lawyers Organisation, a new entity designed to streamline the cross-jurisdictional practice of legal professionals and advance the region’s legal integration. The forum, themed “GBA Connectivity: Setting Sail for Global Horizons,” brought together leading legal figures to discuss expanding cooperation and harnessing Hong Kong’s distinct legal advantages to drive national and international development initiatives, particularly concerning foreign-related rule of law and enterprise internationalization.
Serving as the cornerstone of the event, the unveiling of the GBA Lawyers Organisation addresses a core objective set out in the Department of Justice’s (DoJ) Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA. In his opening remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, SC, emphasized the government’s commitment, highlighted earlier in the 2024 Policy Address, to cultivating specialized legal talent for the expanding GBA framework. The new body’s mandate is to support the ongoing pilot scheme that permits eligible lawyers to practice across the region, acting as a crucial liaison hub to ensure qualified practitioners can contribute effectively to regional growth. Mr. Lam expressed gratitude for the support received from the Ministry of Justice and the Guangdong Department of Justice and stressed the expectation that the Organisation will collaborate closely with the DoJ to move the pilot forward, aiming to establish a foundation for regularizing the GBA lawyers scheme.
Strengthening Regional Legal Integration
Liu Changchun, representing the Preparatory Office of the GBA Lawyers Organisation and currently serving as Chair of China Legal Service (H.K.) Ltd, detailed the body’s expansive work plan. Key objectives include enhancing professional exchange across the three jurisdictions, facilitating the participation of GBA practitioners in professional activities throughout the Mainland and Hong Kong, and deepening the integration of Hong Kong’s legal community into national development goals.
The Organisation will offer essential services, including advisory support, communication channels, and training for individuals holding GBA practice licenses, those who have passed the GBA Legal Professional Examination, and prospective candidates. Furthermore, it plans to conduct research into the practical challenges encountered by GBA practitioners and proactively propose viable solutions to these hurdles.
Hong Kong: A Legal Super-Connector
The forum provided a platform to underscore Hong Kong’s unique position within the global legal landscape. Deputy Secretary for Justice Dr. Cheung Kwok-kwan elaborated on the city’s strengths as a premier international center for legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific. He highlighted DoJ measures designed to solidify Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder,” positioning it as the preferred partner for both Mainland enterprises seeking to expand overseas and international firms looking to access the Mainland market.
Guangdong Director-General of the Department of Justice, Chen Xudong, outlined the province’s progress in implementing national policies that open its legal services sector to Hong Kong and Macao practitioners.
A panel discussion titled “The Unique Advantage of ‘One Country, Two Systems, Three Jurisdictions’ – GBA Lawyers Facilitating Enterprises to Go Global” featured experienced cross-boundary practitioners who shared actionable insights. They demonstrated how dually-qualified lawyers can effectively navigate the interplay of the three distinct legal systems within the GBA. This expertise is critical for guiding Mainland companies through internationalization strategies, ensuring compliance, and delivering seamless cross-border legal services.
The establishment of the GBA Lawyers Organisation marks a significant step forward in formalizing the legal infrastructure necessary to support sophisticated commercial activity across the Greater Bay Area, ultimately bolstering China’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law in foreign-related matters.