The programme prepares students to enter the legal profession as trainee solicitors or as pupil barristers. Students will learn from experience and through instruction to fulfil the professional and social responsibilities they will be expected to fulfill as members of the legal profession.

Graduates of the programme will be able to communicate at an advanced level, both verbally and in writing; obtain and act upon clients’ instructions and provide practical solutions for clients’ objectives and problems; organize and manage their work to meet deadlines; research and learn independently; demonstrate strategic and critical thinking in their professional work; and identify professional ethical issues which may arise in practice and deal with them professionally. They will have gained experience in simulated transactions and in the skills necessary to carry out the tasks related to delivery of a range of legal services.

Applicants must satisfy one of the following to be eligible for admission:

• hold an LLB or JD degree from City University of Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong or Chinese University of Hong Kong; or
• hold an LLB or JD degree of equivalent level from a recognized overseas institution in a common law jurisdiction; or
• hold a graduate diploma in law or equivalent from a recognized institution in a common law jurisdiction; or
• hold an Advanced Diploma for Legal Executives (Graduate Level) from HKU SPACE. 

Applicants must also supply evidence that:

• they are competent in nine core subjects (or subjects recognised as their equivalent): Contract, Tort, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Land Law, Equity, Evidence, Business Associations and Commercial Law;
• they are competent in three 'Top-up' subjects: Hong Kong Constitutional Law, Hong Kong Legal System and Hong Kong Land Law; AND
• they have obtained an overall score of 7 or above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) from a test taken at the IELTS test centre with no more than 3 years before the closing date of application. This is a requirement of the Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training in Hong Kong. No exemption will be permitted.

For more detailed information, please visit the School of Law PCLL website at: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/slw/prospective-students/postgraduate-programmes/postgraduate-certificate-laws-pcll 

There will be nine core courses*: Interlocutory Advocacy and Interviewing; Trial Advocacy; Mediation and Negotiation; Conveyancing Practice; Wills and Probate Practice; Corporate and Commercial Practice; Civil Litigation Practice; Criminal Litigation Practice; and Professional Conduct and Practice. 

Students must also take electives** worth 6 credits from among the following: Commercial Writing and Drafting; Corporate Fundraising for Lawyers; Bar Course; Family Law Practice; Foundations in Mainland Related Legal Transactions; International Arbitration Practice; Financial Regulatory Practice; Personal Injuries Practice; Chinese for Legal Practice, Law and Technology. Each elective will carry 2 credits. 

Students will receive intensive instruction in a range of legal subjects necessary for legal practice together with instruction and practice in a range of related skills.

Particular attention will be paid to training students in practical legal skills including:

• Advocacy
• Drafting documents, pleadings and opinions
• Interviewing
• Memoranda and letter writing
• Negotiating

* Please note that the offering of core courses may be subject to change.

** Please note that the offering of electives may be subject to change.  The offering of electives will be at the discretion of the School of Law.

Remark: Credit units may be subject to change from time to time. 

The PCLL is a prerequisite for entry to the legal profession in Hong Kong as a trainee solicitor or pupil barrister

Courses are taught in a variety of modes including large groups and small groups, skills seminars, problem-based learning groups, simulations, demonstrations, field trips and presentations by practitioners and guest lecturers.

Course Descriptions
School of Law

PCLL Conversion Examination