CUHK LAW GBA Forum 2023 Online Seminar – 'Future of the GBA Legal Market'

The CUHK LAW GBA Forum 2023 Online Seminar titled 'Future of the GBA Legal Market' was organized by the Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK LAW). This seminar aimed to explore the evolving legal landscape within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), focusing on the integration and development of legal services across this dynamic region.

Key topics addressed during the seminar included the increasing demand for legal services in the GBA, the roles of lawyers within both common law and civil law jurisdictions, and the unique advantages offered by Hong Kong and other GBA regions in dispute resolution and deal facilitation. The seminar also delved into emerging areas such as FinTech, the Metaverse, and Internet+, highlighting their impact on the legal market. Additionally, discussions covered the prospects for Hong Kong lawyers seeking admission to practice in the Mainland under the GBA framework and emphasized the importance of capacity building for young legal professionals.

The seminar featured Mr. Nick Chan, MH, JP, a distinguished lawyer and lawmaker with a background in computer science. Mr. Chan is a Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, a global law firm with over 40 offices in 25 countries. He serves on the Council of CUHK and holds positions on the law school boards of HKU and CityU. His extensive experience includes chairing the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre and serving as a Council Member of the Law Society of Hong Kong. Mr. Chan has been instrumental in advocating for the Greater Bay Area exams for Hong Kong lawyers and has taught courses on LawTech, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at CityU, as well as international and cross-border M&A at Peking University. He is also an elected member of the National People's Congress.

This seminar was particularly beneficial for legal professionals, academics, and students interested in the future of the legal market within the GBA. Attendees gained valuable insights into the evolving legal landscape, the integration of legal services across jurisdictions, and the emerging opportunities in the region. The event also provided a platform for networking and discussions on capacity building for young lawyers aiming to practice within the GBA.