CUHK
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The Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK LAW) has teamed up with the legal profession to provide students with invaluable internship opportunities. Thanks to the efforts of The Honourable Tang Ka-piu, a member of the Legislative Council and CUHK Council, and The Honourable Ambrose Lam San-keung, Chairman of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services, the Hong Kong Legal Professionals Association has coordinated placements with a number of local law firms and barristers. These internships, scheduled for this summer or September, will span two to four weeks, offering students immersive exposure to real-world legal practice and strengthening their professional competencies as they prepare for careers in the field.

To express gratitude to the esteemed partners of the internship programme, CUHK LAW recently hosted the Internship Partners Appreciation Ceremony. The event was attended by CUHK Provost Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin; The Honourable Tang Ka-piu; Dean of CUHK LAW Professor Xi Chao; Legislative Council Members The Honourable Ambrose Lam San-keung and The Honourable Maggie Chan Man-ki; President of the Hong Kong Clerical and Professional Employees General Union Mr Tony Lam Koon-leung; President of the Hong Kong Legal Professionals Association Mr Peter Wong Kit-hin; representatives from participating law firms and participating barristers; and CUHK LAW students who are taking part in the internship programme. The occasion provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, allowing students to engage with legal practitioners, exchange insights and discuss their aspirations for the internship experience.

Speaking at the Ceremony, Professor Poon said: “Hong Kong is the only jurisdiction in the country that practises common law and the world’s only bilingual common law jurisdiction operating in both Chinese and English. This unique and significant legal status underscores the importance of nurturing legal professionals who possess strong expertise, a global perspective and a steadfast commitment to social responsibility – a mission that CUHK should actively undertake.”

“The foundation of legal development lies in talent cultivation, and the growth of outstanding legal professionals relies on the dedicated guidance and mentorship of industry partners,” she said. “Our partners in this initiative not only provide our students with invaluable internship opportunities but also inspire them to develop a profound understanding of professionalism and responsibility. The support and active involvement of the legal community in this initiative is an invaluable catalyst to strengthen the interaction between legal education and practice.”

Mr Tang said: “Under the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong enjoys independent judicial authority and the right of final adjudication, as enshrined in the Basic Law. The city’s judicial system has earned international acclaim, further exemplified by the establishment of the headquarters of the International Mediation Institute in Hong Kong. As the demand for legal professionals continues to grow, nurturing new talent remains paramount.” Conveying his sincere appreciation to the broader community and alumni for their steadfast support of CUHK LAW, he also highlighted the importance of internship opportunities in shaping exceptional legal professionals who will uphold Hong Kong’s distinguished tradition of legal excellence. “Through these initiatives, we are not only safeguarding the future of our legal sector but also advancing Hong Kong’s prospects and contributing to the nation’s high-quality development,” he added.

The participating students come from various educational programmes, including Bachelor of Laws and Juris Doctor. This collaboration enriches students’ practical training while fostering deeper ties between academia and the legal sector, ensuring that the next generation of legal professionals is well-equipped to uphold the principles of justice and contribute to Hong Kong’s legal development.