HONG KONG, Oct. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- With the COVID-19 pandemic evolving and spreading rapidly across the world, it also brought to light new legal issues relating to our everyday lives and working environment that require professional advice and assistance.
Are employers forcing employees to accept reduced wages during the economic downturn in breach of the law? What would happen if the pandemic forces closure of businesses leaving behind unpaid wages? Can diners seek compensation from restaurant owners if they get infected in restaurants? All of these are among the many questions and concerns that have arisen during this difficult time.
Organised annually by the Law Society of Hong Kong ("the Law Society"), the 29th Law Week aims to answer the above questions. Themed "Fighting the Pandemic with the Power of Legal Knowledge", this year's event features activities such as a free legal advice programme and community talks.
The Law Society is committed to caring for the public's social well-being, therefore the health of citizens is our top priority. Taking the pandemic into consideration, this year, in addition to physically attending on-site registration, participants can also opt to pre-register online for free legal advice. Meanwhile, community talks will also be held online via Zoom. The online initiatives are intended to streamline the whole process, ensuring convenience to the general public while taking into account public health concerns.
Free Legal Advice Programme
Led by the Law Society, a team of volunteer lawyers will be offering free legal advice on October 31 (Saturday) and November 1 (Sunday) at the Covered Piazza of Times Square in Causeway Bay. During the two-day event, participants can seek advice on legal matters from more than 30 legal practitioners. The free legal consultations cover a wide range of topics including employees' compensation claims and personal injuries, criminal law, family law, wills and probate, mental health and guardianship, landlord and tenancy, and conveyancing and property. For the safety and convenience of the public, participants can pre-register online or register on-site at the event. Please refer to the appendix for registration details.
Free Community Talks
Free community Talks will be held on November 14 and 21 (Saturdays) afternoon and November 20 (Friday) evening. Covered topics include personal injuries and compensation claims, criminal law, family law, wills and probate, and building management. In response to the pandemic, this year's community talks will be held online. Members of the public, regardless of where they are, will be able to interact with the speakers, and get real time responses to their questions.
The Law Society has also invited volunteer lawyers to take part in the shooting of a series of short videos that reflect legal dilemmas the public may encounter during the pandemic. These informative videos will be uploaded online via various Law Week channels. Stay tuned to learn more about your rights!
Law Week Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hklawweek
Law Week Instagram: @lawweekhk
Appendix:
1) Law Week 2020 Key Topics:
Employees' Compensation Claims and Personal Injuries Criminal law |
Family Law Wills & Probate |
1. Mental Health & Guardianship |
Landlord & Tenancy and Conveyancing & Property |
2) Law Week 2020 Activities
i. Free Legal Consultation Services
Date |
October 31 (Saturday) and November 1 (Sunday) |
Time |
10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
Venue |
Covered Piazza, Times Square, Causeway Bay |
Methods of Registration |
Option 1: On-site registration: get a quota tag at the reception desk. Option 2: Pre-register online from 19 October 2020
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* The scope of the consultations only covers the selected Key Topics for Law Week 2020. * Each consultation slot will be limited to 15 minutes. * Pre-registration openings are limited and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. In case of disputes, the decisions of the Law Society shall be final.
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ii. Free Community Legal Seminars
Online Sessions (conducted via Zoom) |
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Date |
November 14 (Saturday) |
November 21 (Saturday) |
November 20 (Friday) |
Time |
2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
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Topic |
Seminar 1: Personal Injuries and Compensation Claims Seminar 2: Family Law |
Seminar 1: Criminal Law Seminar 2: Wills & Probate |
Building Management |
Online Registration |
www.lawweek2020.com/community-talks (Registration opens on 26 October 2020) |
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About the Law Society of Hong Kong
The Law Society of Hong Kong was established in 1907 and is a professional association for solicitors in Hong Kong. As of September 30, 2020, 12,109 solicitors have registered as members of the Law Society. The aims of the Law Society are: 1) to support and protect the character, status and interests of solicitors in Hong Kong; 2) to maintain professional and ethical standards of practice; 3) to ensure solicitors comply with relevant rules, laws and regulations; 4) to help members develop and maintain their businesses and practices; 5) to ensure the accurate communication of the views of solicitors; 6) to provide various services to members; and 7) to consider all issues affecting the interests of the profession, and to strive for reforms of the law or practice on behalf of the industry.
Law Week Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hklawweek
Law Week Instagram: @lawweekhk
