Can American lawyers practice in Hong Kong?

Asked by: Tevin Ebert  |  Last update: November 29, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (29 votes)

A registered foreign lawyer can practise the law of the jurisdiction in which they are qualified but cannot practise Hong Kong law. Hong Kong law firms can employ registered foreign lawyers as employees but they cannot admit foreign lawyers as partners of the firm.

Can foreign lawyers work in Hong Kong?

Registered foreign lawyers

Any foreign lawyer in Hong Kong offering legal services to the public must register with the Law Society of Hong Kong. Once registered as a foreign lawyer, you can advise on or handle: any matter expected to be subject to the law of a jurisdiction other than Hong Kong.

Can a US lawyer work in another country?

While work depends on the setting, American lawyers find work overseas working in the office of a U.S. law firm or as an attorney in a law firm abroad. American lawyers may also work for U.S. multinational companies as the local legal liaison overseas.

How do I become a foreign registered lawyer in Hong Kong?

Foreign lawyers can now be admitted as Hong Kong solicitors either by obtaining an exemption from, or by passing, the Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examination administered by the Law Society of Hong Kong. For details of the qualification and admission requirements, please visit the Law Society of Hong Kong's website.

Can an American lawyer practice in China?

This means that, without gaining Chinese citizenship (and the fluency required to pass the bar exam), an American lawyer will never practice Chinese law. However, s/he can use his/her American legal training to work for an American firm's office in China.

Busy Week in My Life as a Corporate Lawyer in Hong Kong

28 related questions found

Can a US lawyer practice in Korea?

While there are limitations and qualification requirements to be met, Korea allows lawyers qualified outside of Korea (and law firms established in another country) to practise law in Korea as registered foreign legal consultants (or foreign legal consultant offices).

Can a US lawyer practice in South Korea?

A foreign lawyer wishing to practice law in South Korea must register as a Foreign Legal Consultant (“FLC”).

How much does a qualified lawyer earn in HK?

Lawyer Salaries in Hong Kong

The national average salary for a Lawyer is HK$73,000 in Hong Kong. Filter by location to see Lawyer salaries in your area. Salary estimates are based on 34 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Lawyer employees. How accurate does HKD 73,000 look to you?

Can British lawyers practice in Hong Kong?

As noted, a UK lawyer is able to become a registered foreign lawyer in Hong Kong which, although not allowing them to practise the law of Hong Kong, enables them to offer services relating to the law of their own jurisdiction whilst in Hong Kong.

How do I become a qualified lawyer in Hong Kong?

Requirements to become a lawyer (Hong Kong)
  1. A bachelor's degree in Law degree is required from a Hong Kong University or from recognized program in a common law jurisdiction.
  2. Obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws.
  3. Complete a two years of employment as a trainee solicitor.

What countries are best for American lawyers to move to?

While there are certainly many peripheral markets where American attorneys may have success in securing positions (the markets in Germany, Poland, China, Singapore, India, and Italy are quite strong now), the majority of activity we pursue is confined to London and Hong Kong because these are the leading international ...

Can US lawyers work in Canada?

In order to practise law in Canada you must have a qualifying law degree from Canada, or you must take a law degree outside Canada and then go through the process required by the National Committee on Accreditation.

Can Canadian lawyers work in the US?

To practice law in the United States, any and all lawyers – foreign or domestic – must be admitted to the bar association of the state in which they wish to practice.

Can an international lawyer work anywhere in the world?

International lawyers practice all over the globe. American lawyers can be assigned to an overseas office of a particular firm or corporation, a foreign office of an international organization or a US consulate or embassy in a foreign country.

What type of lawyer can work internationally?

An international lawyer is trained in law to resolve legal issues in court focused on international disputes for businesses, trade, civil, and criminal cases. As an international lawyer, you can work for a firm and follow a standard legal pathway while assisting international clients.

Why work as a lawyer in Hong Kong?

The Legal Market

The international law firm market is long established in Hong Kong, with many firms having been there for decades. Its position as both a major international financial hub in its own right and as a gateway to the huge Chinese market make it a must have location for any firm with global aspirations.

Can you practice law in the UK with a Canadian degree?

Yes, you can. The graduate route allows post-graduation international students to stay and work for two years in the UK, no sponsorship is required. Then through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, Law graduates can become certified as a solicitor.

Can Australian lawyers work in Hong Kong?

It is estimated that approximately 740 Australian qualified lawyers are currently admitted to practise in Hong Kong and that a further 112 Australian lawyers are practising as foreign legal consultants. A foreign lawyer who has no right of abode in Hong Kong must obtain a work visa to work in Hong Kong.

Can foreign lawyers practice in China?

Restrictions on Foreign Law Firms in China

The only way a foreign law firm can enter the Chinese legal market is by registering a legal representative office (LRO). These representative offices cannot hire Chinese legal practitioners to provide PRC law services and must rely on 3rd party HR providers.

What is the best salary for a lawyer in Canada?

The top 1% of lawyers in Canada earn over $400,000 a year. These lawyers tend to have nearly 10 years of experience in the field, and many are partners or key decision-makers within their firms.

What country has the highest paid lawyers?

Switzerland is at the top of our list of countries that reward their lawyers the best. With an average annual salary of $260,739. The lowest salary for a Swiss lawyer is $120,279 and the highest salary is $414,058 per year.

What type of lawyers are in Hong Kong?

The legal profession in Hong Kong is divided into two distinct branches - barristers (often referred to as "counsel") and solicitors.

Can US lawyers practice in Singapore?

Foreign-qualified lawyers who pass the Foreign Practitioner Examinations (FPE) can register with the Legal Services Regulatory Authority as a foreign practitioner under Section 36B of the Legal Profession Act to practise in permitted areas of Singapore law.

Can a US lawyer practice in Portugal?

Foreign lawyers may practise in Portugal under their home country title in the law of their home country or public international law.

Do US law firms hire foreign lawyers?

Lawyers from foreign jurisdictions seeking to join a firm in the United States have the onus to prove that their experience is compatible to an American practice. The primary issue for these attorneys is how to translate their education and experience so that a United States law firm can understand that experience.