Hong Kong launches legal tech subsidy for small firms and junior barristers
Hong Kong’s Department of Justice has introduced a subsidy scheme to help small law firms and junior barristers adopt legal technology. Eligible applicants can receive up to HK$20,000 for a one-year subscription to approved services. The plan is managed by the Law Society and the Bar Association.
Hong Kong’s Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched a legal technology subsidy scheme to help small law firms and junior barristers adopt digital tools. The plan, announced on 3 November 2026, is a policy measure under the 2026 Chief Executive’s Policy Address and will be administered by the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association.
Sole proprietorships and partnerships with no more than five partners in Hong Kong are eligible, as are barristers who have practised for no more than seven years. Successful applicants can receive up to HK$20,000 on a reimbursement basis to cover a one-year subscription to approved services.
Applicants choose from a list of 14 local, mainland and overseas vendors offering services such as legal research, document generation, workflow management and hearing support. The vendors must provide transparent pricing and ongoing technical support and training.
The application process involves four steps: selecting a vendor and obtaining a written quote; submitting an application to the relevant professional body; receiving written approval and then subscribing to the service; and finally submitting proof of payment for reimbursement.
Deputy Secretary for Justice and Chairman of the Advisory Group on Promoting Legal Technology Development, Dr. Billy Kong, said the scheme responds to concerns about the financial burden of legal technology. He noted that small and medium-sized law firms account for about 88 per cent of all law firms in Hong Kong, and barristers with less than seven years’ experience make up about one-third of the practising bar.
Dr. Kong also said the Hong Kong Legal Tech Festival 2026 will be held during Hong Kong Law Week 2026 from 4 to 6 November. Approved vendors will exhibit and demonstrate their services on the “Insight Stage”. He encouraged the legal sector to attend.
Details and application guidelines have been published on the websites of the Law Society and the Bar Association.