On 18 March 2025, Ms. Clara Yip, Consultant and CSC Master (on temporary sitting) gave a CPD seminar on the topic “Practice Direction 31.1 and Case Settlement Initiatives in Civil Cases in the District Court”. The Judiciary has promulgated a Practice Direction 31.1 effective from 2nd January 2025 on Case Settlement Initiatives in Civil Cases in the District Court. The Practice Direction sets out the practice for Case Settlement Conference (“CSC”) and Mediator-Assisted CSC (“MCSC”) in some civil cases before the District Court. The seminar, hosted by Hong Kong Academy of Law, introduced the principles and process of CSC and MCSC at the District Court. Ms. Yip shared with our profession about the actual operation and practical tips on Solicitors’ preparation for and attending the CSC and MCSC.” Ms. Yip co-leads our Family and General Mediation services team, for more information please visit https://www.solung.com/en/legal/7/
On 3 December 2024, Mr. Robert Chan, Partner and the former Chairman of the Board of World Green Organisation (“WGO”) attended the 12th Anniversary Dinner Banquet cum Green Hong Kong Campaign under the theme “Greenism – ESG Evolution: Catalyzing Climate Action for UN SDGs – New Opportunities for Hong Kong’s Future” at Regent Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, celebrating the 12th Anniversary of the WGO. This event featured a Global Green Leadership Forum, where distinguished sustainability leaders were invited to give speeches to share their thoughts and facilitate the collective efforts for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (“UN SDG”). As the former Chairman of the Board of WGO and an enthusiast of community services, Mr. Chan was one of the key officiating guests and was invited to the stage to launch the event and toast the champagne. He also received the certificate of appreciation on behalf of our firm, being one of the event's Sponsors. This is a meaningful event that calls for attention to the urgent global climate crisis. As an ESG enterprise, our firm is honored to be part of the event and demonstrate our support to combat global climate issues.
On 17 November 2024, Mr. Charles Chiu, Consultant and the former Chairperson of the Guardianship Board has shared his views on the “Four Treasure Documents” at North Point Alliance Church, in particular the new law and recent progress in Hong Kong. This is the third time Mr. Chiu has explained the “Four Treasure Documents” to the Church, hence the title “3.0”. While previous talks covered Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney, this session focuses on Advance Directives/Advance Medical Directives (“AMDs”), Advance Care Plans and Special Needs Trusts (“SNT”). Mr. Chiu discussed significant legal updates in respect of the development of end-of-life care services in Hong Kong, noting that the new laws on AMDs and the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Bill are likely to be passed soon. The part on SNT received enthusiastic responses from the audience, which consists of caregivers and parents of the persons with disabilities. Mr. Chiu introduced the concept of an affordable private SNT, a service our firm will soon offer in connection with a trust company. This service aims to safeguard the financial and welfare provisions for the loved ones, especially when the carers themselves become aged, demised or lost mental capacity. Addendum : The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Bill was passed on 20 November 2024 and the Ordinance was gazetted on 29 November 2024. The contents of the Ordinance are accessible to the public here.