In recent years, legal work has become increasingly technology-based. This creates new substantive law challenges where, for instance, cases can involve self-executing smart contracts concluded “in the cloud”. There is the skills aspect too, with much more of the day-to-day legal work now done by artificial intelligence (AI). For example, due diligence exercises are nowadays often AI-based rather than done by checking through box files. All lawyers need to learn and adapt accordingly. To respond to this development CUHK LAW has recently introduced a new JD course on legal technologies. 
 

“It is emerging as a major issue,” Wolff says. “So, we are reinforcing our LegalTec teaching capabilities while at the same time many colleagues are doing substantial research in this field.”

Besides that, CUHK LAW regularly invites senior practitioners from leading law firms to teach specialist courses or deliver guest lectures. This enables students to get a fuller appreciation of the practicalities of legal work – and how they are changing – as well as the chance to quiz some of the top people in the field. 

JD classes are held at the CUHK Graduate Law Centre in Central, using a mix of traditional lectures, tutorials, small group discussions, and other interactive teaching modes. Increasingly, professors are also adopting the “flipped classroom” concept where lectures are available online, backed up by videos and learning platforms, with class time then used for interactive debates and problem-based learning.      

A rigorous assessment regime guarantees steady progress and high standards. It also ensures that students meet predetermined learning outcomes for each course and - the formative aspect - that they learn from errors and move on.    

“I find our students are very focused; they want to make a fast transition and join the profession,” says Elliot Fung, JD Programme Director and Professional Consultant at CUHK LAW. “They decided to switch to law because they feel a calling. They also know the profession is widely respected and a law degree can open up a lot of other career options.” 

To prepare the way, there are regular career talks and seminars to familiarise students with the job application process and set them up on the hiring cycle. 

The Career Planning and Professionalism Office, which is led by a Queen’s Counsel (QC), also assists with one-on-one meetings about CV-writing, advice on which firms to target, and internships or mini pupillages.  

As part of the programme, mock court competitions allow students to test their advocacy skills by preparing and arguing hypothetical cases. And, to broaden their experience in other ways, they are encouraged to apply for overseas exchanges or short-term study tours at partner universities. 

“CUHK LAW is very international, with colleagues from 20 different jurisdictions, including specialists in comparative law, international dispute resolution, banking and finance, and PRC law,” Wolff says. “There is a lot of diversity in the classroom, which has major pedagogical advantages. Admission is based on merit, but having people with different viewpoints and backgrounds really adds value to the learning experience.”   
 

On completing the JD, the majority of students then take the one-year PCLL programme, where the emphasis is on legal skills needed, for example, to draft documents, research briefs, conduct negotiations, and follow the correct forms of legal procedure. All being well, graduates are then ready to start a training contract with a firm of solicitors or a pupillage in chambers, with a view to becoming a barrister. 

“The JD is a programme that caters to the needs of the fast changing legal market,” Fung says. “It gives a perfect foundation to build for a second career in law.” 

Read more:

https://www.law.cuhk.edu.hk/app/law-as-a-second-career/