The Department of Justice (DoJ) has welcomed the release and implementation of the “Measures for the Management of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination & Practice” by the Ministry of Justice. Released on October 5, these regulations follow the conclusion of a multi-year pilot scheme for GBA lawyers, which ended on October 4.

Earlier, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee passed amendments to the Lawyers Law of the People’s Republic of China to regularise the GBA lawyers' scheme. These amendments specify that relevant operational details are to be stipulated by the judicial administration department of the State Council in accordance with the law.

The newly released measures provide clear regulations regarding enrolment requirements for the GBA Examination, application procedures to practise, and the overall scope of practice. They also specify that the examination will now take place every two years.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said: “The amended Lawyers Law, together with the Measures, have established the practice regime and implementation rules for GBA lawyers, providing solid legal protection and clear guidance for the long-term and stable operation of the GBA lawyers’ scheme."

“I warmly welcome these developments and thank the Mainland authorities for their strong support," Mr Lam added.

Moving forward, the DoJ will proactively advance policy initiatives relating to GBA legal practice as set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address. The DoJ will support Mainland authorities fully in implementing the scheme, capitalising on the unique strengths of Hong Kong’s legal profession while deepening regional co-operation across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.