Hong Kong lawyers champion rule of law at global congress in Mexico

The Law Society of Hong Kong made a strong case for protecting judicial independence and battling misinformation at the 69th International Association of Lawyers Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico, reinforcing the city’s role as a leading international legal center through high-level talks and youth engagement.

President Roden Tong led the delegation and addressed the International Bar Leaders’ Senate on October 30, stressing that the rule of law and an independent judiciary form the bedrock of fair societies.

He warned of growing threats from false information spread via social media and artificial intelligence, which erode confidence in courts worldwide.

Tong condemned personal attacks on judges and calls for sanctions, urging legal bodies everywhere to rally in defense of judicial integrity through fact-based public education and professional solidarity.

In a separate session hosted by the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, the society explored lawyer exchange programs, sharing details of its successful internship scheme for young practitioners.

Both sides expressed interest in future cooperation that would expose Japanese lawyers to Hong Kong’s distinctive common law framework, with plans underway to host federation representatives at the city’s Opening of the Legal Year in January 2026.

Two rising stars, Sam Wong and Zoe Chung, joined the trip under the Young Lawyers Exchange Programme, gaining firsthand exposure to global legal discourse and embodying the society’s investment in developing the next generation of talent.

The congress underscored the vital need for cross-border unity among lawyers to safeguard core legal principles in an era of rapid technological and informational change.