From Hong Kong Disneyland and Universal Studios Singapore to Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, there is this never-ending comparison between Hong Kong and Singapore. Insofar as our legal systems and the legal markets are concerned, there are also interesting similarities and differences.
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Both Hong Kong and Singapore are common law jurisdictions with developed and efficient legal systems. We are both in strategic locations with world-class legal infrastructure and vibrant legal communities. We both have excellent law schools and are also recognised international dispute resolution hubs.
Hong Kong and Singapore, together with London, are three of the most preferred seats for arbitration globally, according to a 2025 survey by Queen Mary University of London and law firm White & Case.
The Singapore International Commercial Court was established in 2015 and comprises a diverse and eminent panel of international and local judges. In our Court of Final Appeal, judges from other common law jurisdictions sitting as overseas non-permanent judges have made important contributions to the development of the common law.
The recent appointment of Sir William Young from New Zealand will certainly add to the strength of our apex court.
Our legal market is slightly bigger. Singapore has around 7,400 lawyers, including some 1,200 registered foreign lawyers. In Hong Kong, we have a split profession with some 1,700 barristers, more than 11,000 solicitors and some 1,600 registered foreign lawyers.
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