The Overseas Lawyers Qualification Examination (OLQE) is an annual examination set by the Law Society of Hong Kong. If you are a qualified lawyer from another jurisdiction, by passing the OLQE, you will become eligible to qualify as a lawyer in Hong Kong. Refer to the OLQE Information Package issued by the Law Society of Hong Kong http://www.hklawsoc.org.hk/pub_e/admission/Foreignlawyers/pdf/fl-info.pdf for detailed information regarding the Examination and registration procedures.
SUBJECTS The Examination comprises of FIVE subjects, out of which, four are written examinations and one is oral examination:
Written Examinations: Head I Conveyancing Head II Civil & Criminal Procedure Head III Commercial & Company Law Head IV Accounts a& Professional Conduct
Oral Examination: Head V Principles of Common Law is an oral examination on the Principles of Common Law. *Lawyers admitted in a common law jurisdiction are not required to take Head V.
FORMAT OF THE WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS The four written papers are open-book examinations of 3½ hours duration, with no specific reading time. In Heads I to III, candidates are required to attempt 4 questions out of 5. Head IV is divided into two parts: Part A – Accounts; Part B – Professional Conduct; candidates must pass both parts to achieve a pass in Head IV.
FORMAT OF THE ORAL EXAMINATION
Head V is a closed book, oral examination of 2½ hours duration, which includes 30 minutes reading time. For detailed instructions you should view the past examination papers included in the OLQE Information Package.
ELIGIBILITY TO SIT THE OLQE In order to be eligible to sit the OLQE you must satisfy ALL requirements set by the Law Society below, you: a) are entitled to practise law in a jurisdiction outside Hong Kong; b) are in good standing in that jurisdiction (and any additional jurisdiction in which you are admitted) and; c) have at least: i) 2 years of post-admission experience in the practice of law in a common law jurisdiction (including any period credited in respect of articles or equivalent), ; or ii) 5 years experience in the practice of law in a non-common law jurisdiction.
APPLICATION TO SIT THE EXAMINATION AND EXEMPTIONS The application to sit the examination and for exemptions must be made in Form A in the Information Package and be submitted to the Department of Standards and Development, together with all relevant documentation. A non-refundable processing fee is payable by cheque or telegraphic transfer.
You may apply for exemption from sitting any of the Heads of the examination if you can demonstrate to the Law Society that you have 5 or more years of experience in the practice of law .
APPLY EARLY!!
KEY DATES FOR THE OLQE 2012 COMING SOON
Deadline for lodging application to sit the examination
Closing date for registering to sit the examination
Last day for advising the Law Society of any disability
Last day for withdrawal from the examination to be eligible for a refund of registration fee.