The pilot program enabling lawyers from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) to practice in mainland cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is a significant initiative aimed at aligning rules and mechanisms across the legal systems of Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao, under the framework of "one country, two systems and three legal jurisdictions".
With strong support and guidance from the Ministry of Justice, as well as the Guangdong provincial Party committee and government, judicial administrative organs in Guangdong have made proactive efforts in building platforms for outstanding Hong Kong and Macao lawyers to leverage their expertise and ensure the pilot program yields substantial outcomes.
To date, more than 600 lawyers in the GBA have been certified to practice in over 170 law firms across nine mainland cities in the region.
Advancing the stable and sustainable implementation of 'one country, two systems'
Since the inception of the pilot program, GBA lawyers have actively engaged in the country's rule of law development and broader national progress through various channels including professional exchanges, training and lectures, and participation in the deliberation and administration of State affairs.
Moreover, lawyers serving as deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) have submitted a number of high-quality suggestions and proposals during this year's two sessions — the annual gatherings of the NPC and the CPPCC National Committee — in March.
In addition, lawyers practicing in Zhuhai, one of the GBA cities, have contributed to the development of both Zhuhai and Macao by taking part in the compilation of two volumes of legal guidance manuals for the two regions.
Promoting alignment of legal service rules and mechanisms within the GBA
Since the launch of the pilot program, GBA lawyers have gained recognition from government departments and institutions due to their expertise in Common Law or the legal systems of Portuguese-speaking countries and regions. An increasing number of GBA lawyers have been invited to participate in academic lectures, training exchanges, and seminars organized by government departments, lawyers associations, and institutions in the mainland, where they shared professional experience and insights.
Leveraging their strengths, GBA lawyers have also helped their mainland-based law firms expand into international legal services markets. Their multifaceted contributions have effectively promoted the alignment of legal service rules and mechanisms across the GBA.
Enhancing the quality and international competitiveness of Guangdong's legal services
Currently, all Hong Kong and Macao lawyers practicing in the mainland under the pilot program are patriots who love both the motherland and their home communities. They are well-educated and have considerable social influence, with more than 20 serving as deputies to people's congresses and members of the CPPCC at various levels.
These lawyers have strong academic backgrounds — nearly half have studied abroad or hold overseas practice qualifications. They are well-versed in international civil and commercial dispute resolution rules, specializing in many areas including litigation and arbitration, international commerce, finance and capital markets, cross-border investment, energy and infrastructure, maritime issues, and intellectual property rights.
With extensive practice experience and significant professional credibility, these lawyers have over three years of overseas practice in internationally renowned law firms, international arbitration and mediation organizations, multinational banks, government departments in Hong Kong and Macao, and multinational companies. The inclusion of GBA lawyers has helped establish a distinctive legal services brand for Guangdong.
The pilot program has enhanced the professional level of cross-border legal services in the GBA, and further promoted the complementary strengths and coordinated development among the legal service sectors of Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland, injecting new legal momentum into building a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment and advancing high-level opening-up in the GBA.