Whether you want to be a lawyer or not, you will find a legal education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) a challenging, interesting and rewarding experience – one that equips you for future leadership in the legal profession or other capacities in Hong Kong, China, and internationally.
CUHK offers four LLM (Master of Laws) programs, taught in English by world-class legal experts and delivered by one of the world’s top universities, in one of Asia’s most exciting cities.
We had the privilege of interviewing one of the faculty at CUHK LAW School to provide you with a guide to the LLM programs at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
What are the advantages of studying in the CUHK LLM program?
There are four LLM Programs offered at CUHK LAW. They are the: 1) LLM in Chinese Business Law, 2) LLM in Common Law, 3) LLM in Energy and Environmental Law, and 4) LLM in International Economic Law.
Students in each program have to study four required courses to learn the essential knowledge in the expertise area and they could take four elective courses according to their interests.
Our LLM programs are taught in English by first-rate faculty and conducted within the stimulating and exciting environment of one of the world’s premier business centres. CUHK LAW has a dynamic faculty from various jurisdictions with specialist knowledge and global experience.
It is a special feature of our LLM program that our curriculum is practical, in terms of career knowledge and real life experience. Practical in-class training modules (e.g. negotiation, drafting and presentation exercises) equip our students with essential practical skills.
We are constantly re-assessing and improving our course offerings to respond to market needs. We have added new courses in recent years, for example, Chinse Energy Law, Colonial Governance and the Rule of Law, Chinese Law and Society in an Age of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence and Conflicts in International Commercial Litigation.
(Left) Professor Lutz-Christian Wolff, Wei Lun Professor of Law & Dean of
CUHK LAW
What kind of students do you look for in CUHK’s LLM programs?
Our LLM students come from diverse backgrounds. Most of them have first degree in law. Others are holders of professional qualifications such as CFA and CPA with substantial experience in law-related work.
Some are fresh graduates from prestigious universities in Hong Kong, Mainland China or other countries with excellent academic performance. Others have work experience in the areas of commerce, accountancy, social work, public administration etc.
A team of students from the Faculty of Law at The Chinese University of
Hong Kong (CUHK LAW) recently won the Eric Bergsten Award VVE 2020 –
Team who prevails in oral arguement of the 17th Willem C. Vis East
International Commercial Arbitration Moot (Vis East Moot).
How will the LLM programs be delivered to students this 2021 intake?
CUHK LAW currently delivers its teaching by dual mode, i.e. in-class face-to-face (F2F) and simultaneously online via Zoom so as to allow students to attend the classes either in person or through Zoom.
Are students able to come to Hong Kong now, and what is the process for the next intake?
Future arrangements will depend on how the health situation develops. Overseas students need to apply for a student visa to study in Hong Kong.
Law students attend a mock court demonstration arranged by CUHK Law School.
Can you share more about the career section of the CUHK LAW School website?
This section is reserved for CUHK LAW students only. The faculty has established a Careers Office responsible for providing CUHK LAW students with guidance on career choices in both career preparation and professional development.
Our Director Mr. Paul Mitchard QC, has developed a tailor-made program which includes seminars on career and professionalism topics, presentations by law firm representatives and other prospective employers as well as other related activities.
When students log in to the careers section, they can access a Legal Careers Directory with up-to-date information on law firms, barristers’ chambers, internships and other employment opportunities for students.
This section also provides information on career seminars and other events, guidance on job applications, CV preparation and other resources designed to ensure that CUHK LAW students are fully informed and equipped for the competitive legal job market.
What does the employment look like for LLM graduates? How many will stay in Hong Kong and for those that don’t, where do they go after?
After some interruption created by the COVID restrictions, recruitment in the legal sector appears to be returning to normal in Hong Kong. There are media reports of a proportion of young people considering leaving Hong Kong but we have not seen direct evidence of this at CUHK LAW as regards the legal sector.
What are the career opportunities for international lawyers in Hong Kong and/or surrounding areas?
Hong Kong law firms, mostly at the top-end, have long employed quite a high proportion of foreign lawyers typically in the corporate, banking and international arbitration practice areas. There are also opportunities in business (in-house counsel) and in higher education.
What are the main growth areas for lawyers in Hong Kong?
Regulation and compliance and anti-trust.
About the LLM Programs at CUHK LAW
The LLM in Chinese Business Law program, the LLM in Common Law program, the LLM in Energy and Environmental program and the LLM in International Economic Law program are designed for elite postgraduate students who wish to excel in their chosen areas of expertise.
The use of highly innovative and practice-oriented teaching modes ensures that LLM students are well equipped with knowledge and skills to assume leadership positions in law and law-related sectors. CUHK has attained high rankings in university ranking publications, this includes:
- #1 for “International Outlook” amongst 100 law schools worldwide in the 2018 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- #27 amongst law schools worldwide – up from 51 in the QS ratings before the brand refreshment exercise
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