2017 Annual Conference of In-House Lawyers

The 2017 Annual Conference of In-House Lawyers was held on 29 September 2017 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organized by the In-House Lawyers Committee of The Law Society of Hong Kong, the event attracted over 400 legal counsel, directors, and presidents from various sectors and industries to discuss topics pertinent to in-house legal professionals.

The conference commenced with a keynote speech by Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen, who addressed the evolving role of in-house lawyers, the Belt and Road Initiative, and Hong Kong's position as a leading center for international legal and dispute resolution. Subsequent sessions included a panel discussion titled "Prelude: What does the Top Management Expect from the In-House Legal Team," featuring insights from industry leaders on the expectations of in-house legal teams. Another notable session, "Will Apology Legislation make Saying Sorry Less Difficult?", explored the implications of the newly enacted Apology Ordinance in Hong Kong.

Afternoon sessions delved into topics such as the role of in-house lawyers during the transition to the Fintech era, with speakers from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Ant Financial Services Group discussing regulatory requirements and challenges in the Fintech industry. Another panel addressed governance, risk, and compliance, providing practical insights on corporate governance issues and regulatory updates. The conference concluded with a session on "Doing Business in Japan," where experts shared experiences on foreign investments, regulatory environments, and business culture in Japan.

The event offered ample networking opportunities, allowing attendees to engage with peers and industry leaders. Notable speakers included Mr. Nelson Chow, Chief FinTech Officer at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Ms. Pru Bennett, Director and Head of Investment Stewardship at BlackRock. The conference provided a platform for in-house legal professionals to gain insights into current challenges and developments, enhancing their ability to support their organizations effectively.