Matchmaking push set for GBA-licensed lawyers

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam announced on Saturday that the government will provide support to lawyers who have been licensed to practice in several cities within the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This move stems from the National People's Congress Standing Committee's passage of amendments to the Lawyers Law, which transformed an initial pilot program into a permanent arrangement starting this month.

The new law permits lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao to practice in designated legal fields across nine GBA municipalities. Over 650 lawyers have already obtained the license, with many from Hong Kong and a significant number already practicing across the border.

Lam stated that the city aims to assist small-and-medium law firms and young professionals in capitalizing on these new markets. "We really hope to be able to do more work to help both sides to find partners," he said, emphasizing that these qualified lawyers need local legal counterparts to establish a foothold in the GBA. The government has also organized activities to facilitate direct exchanges between licensed Hong Kong and Macao lawyers and their mainland counterparts.

Prior to a recent trip to Central Asia, Lam and his delegation visited Xinjiang, accompanied by two local lawyers. Their presence helped demonstrate Hong Kong's professional capabilities and facilitated business connections between the SAR and Xinjiang, as well as potentially expanding mainland firms' reach into Central Asia.