What Changed
- The Department of Justice officially launched the LawTech Solution Subscription Scheme on November 3, 2026, with applications open until January 29, 2027.
- The scheme targets sole practitioners, law firms with at most five partners, and barristers with no more than seven years of call, offering up to $20,000 in actual-expense reimbursement.
- A designated list of 14 local, Chinese Mainland, and overseas providers will deliver services including legal research, document generation, workflow management, and hearing support.
On November 3, 2026, the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) officially launched the Funding Scheme for LawTech Solution Subscription by the Hong Kong Legal Sector (Scheme). The initiative aims to encourage adoption of digital lawtech tools to reinforce Hong Kong's role as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.
**Eligibility and Funding Scope**
Originating as a policy initiative under the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, the Scheme is managed by the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association, which are responsible for approving applications and releasing funds. Eligible applicants comprise sole practitioners, Hong Kong law firms with no more than five partners, and barristers with no more than seven years of call. The Scheme operates on an actual-expense reimbursement basis, offering funding of up to $20,000 per applicant for a one-year subscription to designated lawtech services.
**Designated Services and Application Steps**
Applicants can select services from a designated list of 14 local, Chinese Mainland, and overseas lawtech service providers. Covered services include legal research, document generation and drafting, workflow management, and hearing support. Participating providers are required to offer transparent price lists as well as ongoing technical support and training.
The application procedure involves four steps:
1. Obtain a written price quotation from a listed designated service provider;
2. Submit an application to the relevant body (the Law Society of Hong Kong or the Hong Kong Bar Association);
3. Receive written approval notification and subscribe to the chosen service; and
4. Submit proof of subscription and payment to apply for reimbursement.
**Policy Context and Application Deadline**
According to the DoJ, small and medium-sized law firms represent approximately 88 per cent of all Hong Kong law firms, while junior barristers with under seven years of call constitute about one-third of practicing barristers. The Scheme addresses financial barriers to legal technology adoption for these practitioners. Applications are open from November 3, 2026, until January 29, 2027.
Who May Be Affected
Sole practitioners, Hong Kong law firms with no more than five partners, and barristers with no more than seven years of call in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Includes lawtech service providers from the Chinese Mainland and overseas alongside local vendors, facilitating international legal and dispute resolution service integration in Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Review application guidelines and vendor lists uploaded to the dedicated webpages of the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association.
- Attend the Hong Kong LawTech Fest 2026 (November 4 to 6, 2026) during Hong Kong Legal Week 2026 for vendor live demonstrations.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.