A multi-year pilot for the Greater Bay Area lawyer system ended on 4 October 2026, with new rules taking effect the following day. An earlier amendment to the national law governing lawyers had made the system permanent.
Issued by the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China, the rules set out exam eligibility, the procedure for applying to practise, the scope of practice and practice management.
Hong Kong Secretary for Justice Paul T K Lam welcomed the framework and encouraged Hong Kong legal professionals to join the scheme and take up opportunities arising from regional development. The Department of Justice said it would work with mainland departments to implement the system.
The relevant exam is to be held once every two years.