Can US lawyers practice in Hong Kong?

Asked by: Freida Zieme  |  Last update: October 25, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (61 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.

How to become an Attorney in the US (w/ a foreign law degree)

18 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?

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.

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 ...

Does US law apply internationally?

In addition to laws in the host country, some U.S. laws govern the conduct of activities in foreign countries. The following information is intended to highlight some of the more significant laws that you need to consider when conducting an activity abroad.

Can US lawyers practice in Australia?

Registered foreign lawyers are only entitled to practise foreign law and are not entitled to practise Australian law. Overseas admitted practitioners who wish to practise Australian law must gain admission in Australia.

Why be a lawyer in Hong Kong?

“There is a good selection of international and local law firms and a wide range of practice areas, which makes HK a good place to start for legal career-seekers.” DM: I was attracted to Hong Kong as a place to practice because of its dynamic environment and the fast rate of growth of its funds industry.

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.

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 lawyers work remotely from another country?

Can lawyers work remotely? While the answer depends on your practice area and what a typical day looks like for you, the short answer is “yes.” It should be possible to complete some or all of your legal work remotely, and even provide an excellent client experience while not in the office.

Where is the best place to work as an international lawyer?

Locations: The best geographic locations for employers of international lawyers are the coasts: New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. Other cities with good international practice are Houston, Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and Chicago.

Do international lawyers make a lot of money?

The salary range for an International Lawyer job is from $125,155 to $155,888 per year in the United States.

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.

How long is law school in Hong Kong?

The 4-year LLB teaches HK laws which are of direct relevance to local practice. In addition, from 2008, law graduates from overseas will have to complete conversion courses for admission to the PCLL.

How long does it take to become a lawyer in Hong Kong?

Juris Doctor (JD)

The JD in Hong Kong is a two to three year (full-time) course offered by all three law schools, specifically tailored to admitting non-law bachelor degree holders.

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.