Hi

This forum has been of much help! Many thanks.

I have two questions that I hope to get some advice and/or opinions on...

I'm a South African attorney with 2 years PQE.

Firstly, I'm deciding whether to study for the New York Bar or the Hong Kong Bar this year, what are peoples opinions of which would be a better option for career opportunities, advancement and overall enjoyment of lifestyle?

Secondly, should I chose and pass the New York Bar, what are possibilities of finding a job thereafter in New York as a practising lawyer?

To me it would seem pointless to pass the New York Bar but not be able to practise in New York.

Any opinions and/or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi benjamin101,

Before sitting the bar exam, you should first make sure that you are actually eligible to sit it. Have you done this? You can practice law in HK as a registered foreign attorney without needing to take the local bar exam provided you have 2 years PQE (which you seem to have).

Hope this helps somewhat!

Hi, thanks for the prompt reply.

I have a BALLB from Wits, so as far as I understand I would be clear to sit the Bar.

Yeah I also realize I could practise as foreign attorney in HK and I suppose thats what I would do first before sitting the HK Bar.

Thoughts?

Why do you want to qualify in HK though? I get that having passed the bar in NY would add value (to some extent) to your CV but if you can work in HK as a foreign registered lawyer, the only benefit the HK qualification would bring you is to be able to advise clients with regard to HK law. Whether this is truly necessary depends. What sort of law are you practicing?