Legal Liaison: HK Touts 'Global Expertise With Local Insight' for Mainland Firms

A high-profile delegation led by Hong Kong Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok paid a visit to the Chinese mainland last week, aiming to deepen legal cooperation and bolster support for domestic enterprises seeking to expand their global footprint.

Comprising three barristers and 23 seasoned lawyers specializing in corporate financing, mergers and acquisitions, cross-border bond issuance, private equity funds, cross-border dispute resolution and intellectual property rights, the delegation set out to gain first-hand insights into the latest development trends and practical needs of mainland businesses.

During its stay in Shanghai – the mainland's most international hub and pivotal center for finance, trade and economy – the delegation held roundtable sessions with local legal practitioners and business representatives, and toured municipal judicial authorities.

"Why are we here?" Lam raised the question while in Shanghai. "One of Hong Kong's unparalleled strengths under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework lies in our common law system. It is our mission to leverage this institutional edge to better integrate into the nation's overall development and contribute to its growth."

He stressed that for Hong Kong to establish itself as China's premier international legal services and dispute resolution hub, it must deepen understanding of Shanghai and proactively tap into collaborative opportunities between the two regions.

Lam further highlighted that as China's sole common law jurisdiction, Hong Kong boasts a legal system highly aligned with international commercial norms, serving as a critical bridge connecting the country to the global legal community.

When it comes to empowering mainland enterprises going global, he outlined three core international advantages of Hong Kong's legal sector: a globally recognized legal framework fully in line with international practices, a wealth of professionals adept at cross-border legal services, and world-class legal and dispute resolution capabilities trusted by clients worldwide.

What makes Hong Kong irreplaceable is its dual edge, Lam added.

"We uphold international standards as a global legal hub, while being an integral part of China – we deeply understand the nation's national conditions, cultural context and business landscapes, and most of our practitioners are bilingual. This blend of global expertise and local Chinese insight forms our unmatched advantage in backing mainland companies' overseas expansion."

Keith Brandt, managing partner of law firm Dentons Hong Kong, echoed the promising prospects of Hong Kong-mainland collaboration.

He noted that Hong Kong lawyers can provide global legal support in cross-border transactions, dispute resolution and other key areas, while collaboration with mainland lawyers ensures clients benefit from a combination of international expertise and local market knowledge, effectively facilitating their cross-border development.

As an expatriate lawyer, Brandt has witnessed growing synergy between Hong Kong and Shanghai's legal sectors, believing the deepening cooperation will unlock more opportunities and bring tangible benefits to clients on both sides.

Citing a landmark case of long-term successful integration, Brandt introduced Dentons Hong Kong's 12-year strategic partnership with Beijing Dacheng Law Offices. The two firms have integrated their professional strengths to provide seamless, one-stop legal solutions – catering both to mainland enterprises with global ambitions and international clients looking to establish and grow operations in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.