Online Events at Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2021 in Hong Kong

Under One county, Two Systems and influences from UK, Hong Kong has social systems different from those in Mainland China, and Hong Kong has two bar associations, one for barristers (Hong Kong Bar Association, or HKBA), and the other for solicitors (Law Society of Hong Kong, or LSHK).

For many years bar leaders from different countries had been invited for the ceremony at the opening of a legal year. However, due to Covid-19, there was no such gathering this year and the opening ceremony was broadcast live only.

The next day, HKBA and LSHK jointly organized events. On January 12, Tuesday, "President's Roundtable" was virtually held and bar leaders from around the world gathered online. Approximately 60 participants representing 10 bar associations and international associations attended the meeting, reported their activities under the pandemic and exchanged views on how to share information in the future. Mr. Yanai, Vice President of the Tokyo Bar Association attended the meeting as delegate.

Following January 13, Wednesday, "Leadership Insights Session" was virtually held. Chairman and ex-Chairman, and two other members of the International Committee of the Tokyo Bar Association attended the session as delegate. President of LSHK, and Chairman of HKBA each gave an opening speech, and then Director of Research, Hong Kong Trade Development Council gave a keynote speech titled "Opportunities for Hong Kong in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Hong Kong's role in the Greater Bay Area (GBA)," followed by panel discussion. After the panel discussion, participants were invited to zoom breakout rooms and 4 topics were covered respectively: RCEP; GBA; National Security Law that came into force last July; and Lawtec. Hong Kong participants made brief reports, and other participants asked questions and shared their views.

Date and Time

January 12, 2021 18:00 to 20:00 (HK time)
January 13, 2021 10:00 to 13:00 (HK time)

Place

Online (Zoom)