Mrs Amy Liu Yuen King, JP
廖譚婉琼女士
Amy Yuen King Liu is one of the first graduates of the Faculty of Law at The University of Hong Kong. She continues to maintain an active practice as a solicitor, notary public, mediator, and arbitrator. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is actively engaged in voluntary endeavours with various charitable organizations, dedicating her efforts to supporting children, the elderly, and individuals in need. Amy takes great pride in being a member of the legal profession while making meaningful contributions to the Hong Kong community.
"Keep community interests at heart."
I would advise anyone entering the legal profession to work hard, be honest and true to themselves, and to always keep the interests of the community at heart. As a law student, you are among the best and brightest in society, and every member of the Hong Kong community has contributed to your education. Once you are qualified and have developed a specialty, it is time to give back in whatever way you can. I am personally very happy and proud to be a member of the legal profession. I believe every student should seek to find their own unique abilities within the profession and strive to do their best. Hard work is paramount. I am confident that the profession will be proud of you.
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)
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.