Objectives
​​Our alumni from HKU Law have played vitally important roles in Hong Kong’s legal profession, business, government, and other sectors. Over the years, the legal profession in Hong Kong has undergone remarkable transformations in response to socio-economic changes within the city and beyond. These shifts have intertwined with the career development of our alumni, influencing not only the nature of their legal work but also their professional career trajectories.
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This research project is designed to achieve three main objectives.
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Firstly, the project aims to generate empirical data for academic research to deepen our understanding of Hong Kong’s legal history, its legal practitioners, and their professional careers.​
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Secondly, the project endeavours to provide both undergraduate and postgraduate students at HKU Law with valuable insights into the diverse career paths of our alumni, thereby guiding them in making well-informed career decisions following their graduation.
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Lastly, the project is committed to offering valuable perspectives for the development of public policies and regulatory frameworks, particularly for professional associations and other institutions delivering public services.
Glossary
key terms to aid your reading experience​​
HKU Experience
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
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An undergraduate law degree in common law jurisdictions, currently offered in Hong Kong by the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong.
JD (Juris Doctor)
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A graduate-entry professional degree preparing individuals for law practice. In the U.S. and Philippines, it is the only qualifying law degree.
PCLL (Postgraduate Certificate in Laws)
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A mandatory professional qualification program in Hong Kong that prepares law graduates to become solicitors or barristers.
Hall of residence
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Living in a residential hall is an HKU tradition, fostering independence and close interaction among students from diverse backgrounds.
HKU Law Campuses ​
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Caine Road Campus (1969 - 1973)
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Knowles Building (1973 - 1989)
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K.K. Leung Building (1989 - 2012)
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Cheng Yu Tung Tower (2012 - present)
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UK Postgraduate Education
United Kingdom Bar Exams (“London Bar Final”) (formerly in place)
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A now-obsolete two-part qualification exam for aspiring barristers wishing to practice in the UK or Hong Kong, held three times a year at three-month intervals. Graduates could take multiple exams simultaneously, often sitting them early after graduation or the next summer.
Training
Traineeship
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Aspiring solicitors who completed the PCLL must be employed under a two-year training contract with a law firm to qualify as solicitors. This period is also referred to as an “articleship” in some interviews.
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Non-law graduates were previously able to serve five years as a solicitor’s clerk to qualify as solicitors. The significance of this system subsequently waned due to the popularisation of legal education.
Pupillage
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Aspiring barristers who completed the PCLL must complete a one-year pupillage, assisting barristers with case research, drafting, court attendance, and other tasks to qualify as barristers.