The HKSAR Government launched the Scheme in September 2023. It aims at incentivising law firms and barristers with maritime business to provide traineeship for those who aspire to a career in maritime law, with a view to nurturing more home-grown maritime lawyers and enhancing Hong Kong’s high value-added maritime services.
Law firms or barristers who have office or a place of business in Hong Kong with business related to maritime or shipping sector: In this regard, applicants are required to provide records that show their continual maritime-related businesses.
Law firm applicants should be registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) and must not be a government or subvented organisation.
Successful applicant will be provided with a monthly subsidy of $20,000 in respect of each trainee (trainee solicitor or pupil), subject to a cap of two trainees per applicant at any one time.
Trainees registered under the Scheme are subject to a maximum period of 24 months for a trainee solicitor and 12 months for a pupil.
Applicants should submit the completed Application Form (Form 1) with supporting documents to the Secretariat by hand or post. Submission by email or fax will NOT be processed. Applicants are required to read the “Guidance Notes for Application” before completing the Application Form.