HK Legal FAQ

PCLL

The Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) is a full-time curriculum extending over one academic year from September to June. The PCLL course at the University of Hong Kong is mainly taught by members of the Department of Professional Legal Education with contributions from staff of the Department of Law and practising members of the legal profession.

QUALIFICATION FOR PRACTICE IN HONG KONG

An intending solicitor or barrister who completes the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and the PCLL of this University is then required only to complete satisfactorily two years’ employment as a trainee solicitor or twelve months' pupillage in order to be eligible for admission to practice in Hong Kong as a solicitor or a barrister respectively.

Law graduates and those having other approved qualifications from certain other universities and tertiary institutions may can qualify for practice as barristers or solicitors in Hong Kong by obtaining the PCLL and then serving as a trainee solicitor for two years or as a pupil for one year.

Law graduates of other universities (the law degree must be in the common law) or holders of the English or Hong Kong Common Professional Examination may qualify for practice as barristers or solicitors in Hong Kong by obtaining the PCLL of this University and then serving a period of employment as a trainee solicitor for two years (solicitors) or pupillage for one year (barristers).