Before commencing a training contract all applicants need to complete the PCLL (Post Graduate Certificate in Laws) at the University of Hong Kong or the City University of Hong Kong. From 2008 this course will also be offered at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The one-year course runs from September to June each year. Applications open in December/January of the preceding year.
There are new entry requirements for the PCLL for students who have not completed a Hong Kong law degree. Students need to demonstrate competence in the following subjects:
- contract
-
tort
-
constitutional law
-
criminal law
-
land law
-
equity
together with:
- civil procedure
-
criminal procedure
-
evidence
-
business associations
-
commercial law
and:
- Hong Kong constitutional law
-
Hong Kong land law
-
Hong Kong legal system
There are no compulsory courses for these extra subjects but examinations will be offered by the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. More information is awaited from the Conversion Examination Board.
There is no deadline for training contract applications but ideally your application should be submitted by April/May at least two years before you want to start work as a trainee. Typically Hong Kong and UK students apply in April/May but students in Australia often apply earlier (in December/January). If your end of year/end of semester exam results are not available at the time you wish to apply but will be released shortly afterwards, you should submit your application as it stands and email us your latest results as soon as you have them (which may be before or after interview).
All interviews are conducted in our Hong Kong office. For Australian students interviews can be held during the Christmas vacation, however most interviews are conducted in June and July. Offers to join us as a trainee two years later are made shortly afterwards.
Apply now by using the Lovells Online Recruitment System.