To strengthen legal exchanges between Shanghai and Hong Kong and enhance Chinese mainland lawyers’ capabilities in cross-border dispute resolution, the Shanghai Bar Association signed a Letter of Intent for Cooperation with Des Voeux Chambers (DVC). Under this partnership, DVC serves as the Shanghai Bar Association’s first overseas training base. Leveraging Hong Kong’s common law resources, the two institutions organised an intensive eight-day “International Arbitration Workshop & Mini-Pupillage Programme” in Hong Kong from September 11 to 18 for 17 Shanghai lawyers.
International Arbitration Workshop
DVC members delivered practical instruction blending core legal principles with case analysis.
Day 1: Foundations of International Arbitration
Adrian Lai, Jacqueline Law, Michael Lok, and Vincent Chiu delivered lectures on commercial and investment arbitration, evidence, pleadings, interim applications, and procedural strategies using real-world case studies.
Day 2: Advocacy and Cross-Examination
Sabrina Ho and Jiang Zixin shared techniques for cross-examination and tribunal advocacy. Jiang Zixin and Joshua Yeung demonstrated these rules through a live mock cross-examination. To prepare for the mock hearings, Martin Lau briefed participants on the case background, after which Joshua Yeung and Isaac Wong led the Applicant and Respondent teams in analyzing the case materials and formulating trial strategies.
Mock Arbitration
On Day 3, participants engaged in a mock arbitration exercise. Divided into four teams representing counsel, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses, participants conducted tribunal proceedings in both English and Chinese.
Drawing on the workshop content, teams conducted cross-examinations on core issues in dispute. John Scott SC and Frances Lok SC presided as sole arbitrators for the English and Chinese tribunals, providing individualized evaluations and feedback on oral submissions and witness examinations.
Immersive Mini-Pupillage Programme
Following an orientation led by Christopher Chain SC, participants were paired with DVC members to shadow court appearances, observe client conferences, and assist with legal research and drafting. This immersion offered practical insight into common law proceedings and the daily practice of Hong Kong barristers. The experience was complemented by lectures on arbitration practice and third-party funding delivered by Charlie Liu and Sammy Koo respectively.
Completion Ceremony
The programme concluded on September 18. DVC members Frances Lok SC, Adrian Lai, John Hui, Connie Lee, and Vincent Chiu presented certificates of completion to the participants. Earlier, Catrina Lam SC and Benny Lo presented certificates to participants in their respective mentor groups.
Participants noted that while Chinese mainland lawyers possess strong expertise in civil law frameworks and local commercial practice, the programme offered valuable exposure to common law reasoning, English advocacy, and cross-examination techniques. Participants also highlighted their intention to apply these insights to better support cross-border legal matters.
