The Hong Kong Legal Walk (HKLW) for charity is inspired and endorsed by the phenomenally impactful London Legal Walk, which has raised over HKD 100M for charity since it was founded in 2003. The HKLW is organised by an independent group of volunteers from across the industry in Hong Kong, the Steering Committee. Directly benefiting four charities: the Hong Kong Cancer Fund; the Changing Young Lives Foundation; the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims and HELP for Domestic Workers.
The goal of the initiative is to unite the Hong Kong legal profession in the causes of charity and service for our local communities. Over 35 teams have registered to date with over HKD 190,000 having been raised for charity to date, working towards a fundraising goal of HKD 1M, from 7 major benefactors: Allen & Overy, Maples, Hill Dickinson, M.B. KEMP, CMS, Resolution Chambers, Lewis Silkin and Clyde & Co, along with lead sponsors, Lexology and Ashford Benjamin. The complete list of sponsors, Major Benefactors and firms participating (which includes the 4 main Magic Circle firms in HK) can be found on the HKLW’s website (legalwalkhk.org).
The Closing Ceremony will be held on 19th November at the Hong Kong club. Stay tuned via the Hong Kong Legal Walk LinkedIn Feed for the latest updates.
Since publicly announcing the event in October 2021, various marquis organisations in Hong Kong, such as the HK Association of Corporate Counsel, Hong Kong Bar Association and HKIAC are all supporting the initiative, the latter of which have allocated a half day of Hong Kong Arbitration Week to host an exhibition walk, and have planned a plenary session – currently a ‘fireside chat’ is scheduled with HKLW supporter, Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury.
Lord Neuberger is joined by Lord Philips of Worth Matravers, both former Presidents of the Supreme Court of England & Wales, and Overseas Non-Permanent Judges of the HK Court of Final Appeal, who have publicly shared their support for the initiative. In addition, I. Stephanie Boyce, President of the Law Society of England & Wales, former HKIAC Secretary General, Sarah Grimmer, and HK ACC Acting President, Sharyn Ch’ang, have endorsed the initiative alongside many other industry leaders, also listed in full on the HKLW website.
In the conversation that follows, HKLW Vice Chair, Angel Wong, shares what motivated her to bring the legal walk to HK, as well as what excites her about its chosen charities. Her passion for HK and its people is illuminated clearly in both her words and deeds!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS PROFESSION?
I’m a barrister in Hong Kong. I obtained both my LLB and PCLL at The Chinese University of Hong Kong then completed a 12-month pupillage. I was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar in May 2018.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR PASSION AND GOAL BEHIND BRINGING THE LEGAL WALK TO HK?
I have been a member of the Young Barristers’ Committee for a few years and became the Vice Chairman in 2021. The YBC often hosts volunteering activities to try to give back to the community. When the opportunity arose to bring the legal walk to HK I didn’t hesitate at all!
WHAT ARE YOUR CHARITABLE GOALS FOR HKLW?
I love how the HKLW team chose two charities that pursue the general good for Hong Kong and another two that focus more on helping with the awareness of legal rights and related pro bono services. This cross-section of charities shows just how important basic legal education is in addition to charitable (financial) donations.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT HONG KONG?
The people – the ties that were built up since my childhood and the new connections I’ve been making. I love meeting different people with their own thoughts and passions, and that enriches my life experiences a lot. I was born and raised here, so I have literally an uncountable amount of precious memories in this city!
PLEASE TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF!
I love singing! I used to sing in choruses and acappella groups. Now I enjoy singing pop songs while accompanying myself on the piano. I find this to be a great way to express my emotions and to experience the beauty of my favourite songs myself.
This article was published in the September, 22 issue of the IHC Magazine. To read the fill magazine, please click here
