Executive Master of Laws (LLM) in Global Practice
The Executive LLM in Global Practice is designed for experienced professionals seeking a deeper understanding of law in today’s interconnected business, governance and regulatory environment. Taught in English by an internationally recognized faculty, this programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to master a rapidly changing global environment.
Introduction and Welcome
Co-Director of the Executive Master of Laws in Global Practice
Welcome to the Executive Master of Laws in Global Practice (LLM (Exec)). Designed for experienced middle to senior level professionals, the LLM (Exec) is intended for practising lawyers, in-house counsel, compliance and regulatory professionals, and senior executives whose responsibilities increasingly involve legal and regulatory issues across jurisdictions. This programme offers an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of law in its global and transnational context, while developing the comparative insight and professional judgment needed to navigate an increasingly complex international environment.
The Programme is offered on a part-time basis with a normative study period of two years, providing a structure that enables experienced professionals to pursue rigorous postgraduate legal study alongside their continuing professional responsibilities. Drawing on the strengths of CUHK LAW in Chinese law, common law, comparative law and transnational legal studies, the Programme brings together academic depth, international perspectives and practice-informed learning.
At the heart of the curriculum are six required courses: Law in Transnational Contexts: Systems, Institutions and Legal Order; Legal Risk, Regulation and Decision-Making Across Jurisdictions; Landmark Common Law Cases and Legal Reasoning; Global Practice in Action: Corporate Structures, Transactions and Accountability; Global Legal Practice and Industry Engagement; and the PRC Legal System in a Global Setting: Global Operations and Regulatory Practice.
Drawing on the importance of global developments, candidates on the programme will also be able to participate in immersion courses at partner institutions in Beijing and London. During these immersion experiences, students will be exposed to perspectives from different jurisdictions and legal systems as well as a focus on management skills essential for executive leadership.
Together with a range of specialised electives, these courses and global immersion experiences provide a strong foundation for understanding and addressing legal and regulatory challenges across jurisdictions. We warmly invite you to explore the Programme and consider joining a community of experienced professionals committed to advancing their capabilities in global legal practice.
Co-Director of the Executive Master of Laws in Global Practice
Welcome to the Executive LLM in Global Practice.
The practice of law today extends far beyond the courtroom and the legal department. Boards, management teams and professional advisers increasingly face issues that cross jurisdictions, industries and regulatory boundaries. Whether the challenge involves governance, technology, cross-border transactions, risk management or international business operations, legal considerations have become an integral part of strategic decision-making.
The Executive LLM in Global Practice has been developed for experienced professionals who wish to broaden their understanding of law in its wider business, institutional and global context. Designed with working professionals in mind, the programme combines academic rigour with practical insight, enabling participants to examine how legal frameworks shape organisations, markets and public policy in an increasingly interconnected world.
Whether you are a legal practitioner, director, business leader, senior executive or policy professional, the programme provides a unique platform to explore the role of law in leadership, governance and strategic decision-making.
The curriculum brings together foundational and contemporary legal subjects with emerging areas of importance, including artificial intelligence, ESG, global governance, private wealth and family offices. Through engagement with distinguished academics, experienced practitioners and industry leaders, participants will be encouraged to broaden their perspectives, sharpen their judgement and gain greater insight into how law influences institutions, transactions and business outcomes.
Equally important is the opportunity to learn alongside accomplished professionals from different sectors and jurisdictions. The exchange of ideas, experiences and perspectives enriches the learning experience and often becomes one of its most valuable aspects.
As Co-Director, I am delighted to welcome you to this exciting new initiative. I hope the programme will not only enhance your professional knowledge, but also provide fresh perspectives, meaningful professional connections and opportunities for continued personal and professional growth.
I look forward to welcoming you to CUHK LAW.
The Executive LLM in Global Practice is designed for middle to senior level professionals, managers and executives in legal related industries.
All applicants must fulfil the General Admission Requirements and the English Language Proficiency Requirement prescribed by the University’s Graduate School.
In addition, applicants must have:
- at least seven years of relevant post-qualification professional experience; and
- hold a responsible management position or equivalent, for example, General Counsel, Head of Compliance, etc.
Application Deadlines for 2027-2028
1st round: 31 January 2027
2nd round: 28 February 2027
3rd round: 9 April 2027
Programme Information
- Medium of Instruction: English
- Campus: The CUHK Graduate Law Centre, 2/F, Bank of America Tower, Central.
- Duration: Two-years (normative study period) to 4 years (maximum study period)
Programme Duration
Full-time mode:
Part-time mode:
two years (normative study period) – three years (maximum study period).
Programme Requirements
24 units, including 9 units of core courses and 15 units of elective courses. Students should pass all the assessments with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in order to be recommended for Graduation.
Full-time mode (1 year)
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Part-time mode (2 years)
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Delivery mode
A 1.5 unit course will usually consist of 19.5 teaching hours.
Classes are generally held on weekends (e.g. Saturday and Sunday) and long weekends (e.g. Thursday to Sunday)
Classes will incorporate a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and class discussion.
Courses
Core Courses:
- Law in Transnational Contexts: Systems, Institutions and Legal Order
Understanding the legal foundations of a connected world- This course provides the intellectual foundation for the programme by examining how legal systems, institutions and transnational norms interact in an increasingly interconnected world. Students explore how international organisations, regulators, courts and other institutions influence the development of legal frameworks across jurisdictions. The course equips participants with the conceptual tools needed to understand legal issues in their wider institutional and global context.
- Legal Risk, Regulation and Decision-Making Across Jurisdictions
Leading through complexity in a multi-jurisdictional world- This course focuses on how legal and regulatory developments influence organisational decision-making. Students examine how regulatory frameworks differ across jurisdictions, how enforcement approaches shape behaviour, and how legal risks emerge in complex operating environments. Through practical scenarios and comparative analysis, participants develop the judgment necessary to make informed decisions amid legal uncertainty and regulatory change.
- Landmark Common Law Cases and Legal Reasoning
Learning how great cases shape legal thinking- This course introduces the distinctive methods of legal reasoning that characterise common law systems through the study of landmark judicial decisions. Students examine how legal principles are developed and applied through precedent, statutory interpretation and judicial reasoning. Drawing on leading cases from Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions, the course strengthens analytical thinking and the ability to evaluate legal arguments effectively.
- Global Practice in Action: Corporate Structures, Transactions and Accountability
Governance, transactions and boardroom judgment in practice.- This course examines how law operates within organisations and business transactions. Students explore corporate structures, governance frameworks, directors’ responsibilities, board oversight and accountability in cross-border environments. Through real-world case studies and industry examples, the course demonstrates how legal, regulatory and commercial considerations come together in strategic business decision-making.
- Global Legal Practice and Industry Engagement
Insights from the professionals shaping global practice- This course provides participants with direct exposure to leading practitioners and institutions across the legal, business and regulatory sectors. Through structured engagement with law firms, corporate legal teams, dispute resolution professionals, regulators and industry leaders, students gain practical insights into how legal expertise is applied in complex commercial and public policy environments. The course bridges academic learning and professional practice, highlighting the evolving role of legal professionals in shaping business, governance and global engagement.
- The PRC Legal System in a Global Setting: Global Operations and Regulatory Practice
Understanding China’s legal landscape in the global economy- This course provides a systematic introduction to the structure, operation and development of the PRC legal system within an increasingly interconnected global environment. Students examine how Chinese legal and regulatory institutions function in practice and interact with international legal and regulatory frameworks. Particular attention is given to legal and regulatory issues affecting global operations involving China, including regulatory governance, compliance, cross-border transactions and dispute resolution. The course equips students with the knowledge and contextual understanding necessary to navigate China-related legal and business matters in a global setting.
Selected Electives:
Global Governance & Leadership
- Environmental, Social and Governance Regulation in a Global Perspective
Navigating the legal and regulatory expectations shaping responsible business- This course examines the legal and regulatory frameworks governing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) obligations across major jurisdictions. Students explore developments in areas including sustainability reporting, climate-related regulation, supply chain due diligence, corporate governance and regulatory enforcement. The course provides practical insight into how global ESG developments influence compliance expectations, legal risk and organisational decision-making.
- International Arbitration and Mediation
Resolving disputes across borders through law, strategy and professional judgment- This course examines international arbitration and mediation as key mechanisms for resolving cross-border commercial disputes. Students explore the institutional, procedural and regulatory frameworks governing dispute resolution, together with practical issues involving strategy, enforcement and risk management. Particular attention is given to developments within Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Business & Finance
- Cross-Border Transactions: Legal Structures and Regulatory Constraints
Structuring deals in a world of complex regulation- This course explores how cross-border transactions are structured, reviewed and implemented within increasingly complex regulatory environments. Students examine legal structures, foreign investment controls, regulatory approvals, sanctions, ownership restrictions and compliance obligations that affect international transactions. The course develops a practical understanding of how legal and regulatory considerations influence deal execution and strategic decision-making.
- International Perspectives on Lending and Finance Law
Understanding the legal foundations of global finance- This course examines lending, financial regulation and credit markets from an international perspective. Students analyse how legal frameworks, regulatory requirements and market developments influence financial institutions and cross-border financing activities. Topics include global lending practices, credit risk, sustainable finance and emerging developments affecting international capital flows.
Technology & AI
- Law, Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Leading through the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies- This course examines the legal and regulatory issues arising from artificial intelligence and related technologies. Students explore topics including governance, accountability, transparency, liability and regulatory oversight, as well as emerging approaches to AI regulation across different jurisdictions. The course provides a practical understanding of how legal systems seek to balance innovation, public interest and regulatory control in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
- Law of Data Governance and Cross-Border Information Flows
Managing data, privacy and information flows across jurisdictions- This course examines the legal frameworks governing the collection, use and transfer of data across borders. Students explore data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, localisation requirements and international regulatory developments affecting digital activities. The course provides insight into how differing legal and regulatory approaches shape the movement of information in today’s global economy.
Private Wealth & Family Offices
- International Trust Law and Wealth Planning
Preserving and transferring wealth across generations and jurisdictions- This course provides an advanced understanding of trust law and wealth planning in an international context. Students examine the legal, regulatory and strategic considerations involved in cross-border asset management, succession planning and fiduciary arrangements. The course explores how trust structures are used to support family wealth preservation, governance and long-term planning objectives.
- Family Law, Family Offices and Governance Across Jurisdictions
Building governance frameworks for enduring family wealth- This course examines the intersection of family law, family office operations and governance structures. Students explore issues relating to succession planning, family relationships, risk management, governance and regulatory compliance in multi-jurisdictional family wealth structures. The course equips participants with practical insights into managing family enterprises and family offices in an increasingly global environment.
Expertise
Professor Steven GALLAGHER
Steven Gallagher is a Professional Consultant, Professor of Practice in Law (by courtesy), and Associate Dean (Academic & Student Affairs). Steven has taught various aspects of property law in England and Hong Kong. In 2013, Steven introduced the Principles of Art, Antiquities, Cultural Heritage and the Law course to the LLM programme at CUHK LAW. Steven presents a range of continuing professional development courses for solicitors in Hong Kong on topics in property law, art law, and law and technology. Steven’s research interests include issues in property law, legal history, the development of policy and law intended to promote and protect art, antiquities and cultural heritage, law and technology, and innovative ways to teach law.
Prof. Hargreaves joined the Faculty in 2013 following the completion of his doctorate in law at the University of Toronto, where his thesis considered the privacy and legal implications of new mapping technologies that record public space for commercial purposes. It was supported by a major grant from the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Prof. Hargreaves also holds a BCL from Oxford University, where his dissertation considered the interaction between proposed privacy standards in APEC and EU laws regulating the outward flow of personal data to non-European states. He also holds a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School and a BA in politics & sociology from McGill University.
Prior to joining CUHK, Prof. Hargreaves taught at Osgoode Hall Law School, worked as a policy advisor to the Canadian Internet Policy & Public Interest Clinic, and practiced law for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General in the constitutional law & policy branch. His areas of research and teaching reflect this background, with a dual focus on information & privacy law and constitutional law & legal theory.
Professor Lee is an expert in intellectual property law and law and technology. He has published on intellectual property and internet law in academic law journals including the Wake Forest Law Review, Oregon Law Review, Columbia Journal of Law & the Arts, Virginia Journal of International Law, Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment & Technology Law, and European Intellectual Property Review (EIPR). He is co-author of the book Intellectual Property Law in China (2nd ed.) (Wolters Kluwer, 2021) (with Peter Ganea, Danny Friedmann, and Douglas Clark), and co-editor of Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property (OUP, 2021) (with Reto M. Hilty and Chung-Chung Liu). Professor Lee’s teaching expertise includes Chinese Intellectual Property Law.
Study options
Students may take elective courses offered in other LLM Programmes and the JD Programme offered by CUHK LAW subject to availability of places. Course Exemptions
Additional learning & development opportunities
HK$370,000 per programme within normative study period, payable by 3 instalments*.
Funding Nature: Self-financed
(*Subject to University’s Approval)
First instalment: HK$92,500
Second instalment: HK$92,500
Third instalment: HK$185,000
Guest Lectures and Conferences
Scholarships and Prizes
For newly admitted students/applicants
For current students
Faculty of Law Postgraduate Scholarships for Academic Excellence 2026/27
Chartered Tax Adviser Prize for International Taxation
The Hong Kong Institute of Trade Mark Practitioners Prize for Intellectual Property
The Asian Patent Attorneys Association (Hong Kong Group) Prizes for Intellectual Property Law
Lee Hysan Foundation Postgraduate Studentships for Mainland China Students
The Executive LLM in Global Practice is designed for experienced professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of law in a broader business, governance and global context. Participants may come from legal, compliance, risk management, policy, financial services, corporate and other professional backgrounds.
No. The programme welcomes applications from both legally trained and non-legally trained professionals. What is important is that applicants possess substantial professional experience and are able to contribute thoughtfully to classroom discussions and peer learning.
Yes. Many senior professionals regularly engage with legal, regulatory, governance and policy issues, even if they do not work as lawyers. The programme is designed to help participants understand how legal considerations influence organisational strategy, governance, business operations and decision-making.
No. One of the distinctive features of the programme is the diversity of professional backgrounds represented within each cohort. Participants may come from private practice, in-house legal teams, compliance and risk functions, financial institutions, corporate leadership roles, government, public bodies and other professional sectors.
Successful applicants are typically experienced professionals who hold positions involving significant responsibility and leadership. They bring practical insights from their own professional environments and contribute actively to classroom discussion and peer learning.
Yes. Many contemporary organisational challenges involve legal, regulatory and governance considerations. The programme is designed to help participants develop a deeper understanding of how legal frameworks influence strategic decisions, corporate governance, risk management and cross-border operations.
Yes. The programme is offered on a part-time basis and is specifically designed for working professionals. Participants are expected to continue their professional responsibilities while pursuing the degree.
The curriculum combines foundational and contemporary legal subjects with a strong practical and international focus. Core courses cover transnational legal systems, legal risk and regulation, common law reasoning, corporate governance and accountability, global legal practice and the PRC legal system in a global setting. Participants may also choose from electives covering areas such as ESG, artificial intelligence, technology, arbitration, finance, private wealth and family offices.
Legal issues today rarely arise within a single jurisdiction. Organisations increasingly operate across borders, legal systems and regulatory environments. The programme examines how law functions in practice in this global context and how legal considerations influence business, public policy, governance and strategic decision-making across jurisdictions.
The programme combines rigorous academic study with learning alongside an accomplished cohort of professionals from different industries and jurisdictions. It is further enriched by overseas immersion opportunities and engagement with leading academics, practitioners and institutions, providing participants with valuable international perspectives beyond the classroom.
LLM Student Testimonials
"The LLM in Common Law Programme advanced my career in finance by providing me with a solid understanding of the law. I learned the skills of legal analysis, most importantly, how to consider issues from a variety of perspectives. The programme has been a rewarding experience for me. I enjoyed the classes, discussions with my fellow classmates, and attending seminars held by leading global legal professionals. Moreover, the Graduate Law Centre is located in the central business district which I found very convenient for part-time students."
"As a part-time LLM student, I can highly recommend CUHK's Part-time LLM in Common Law to (civil law trained) lawyers and business people looking for a more detailed and fundamental understanding of the (Hong Kong) common law system. The teaching is of a very high standard by excellent - mostly international - professors, and the teaching complex is state-of-art and easy to reach in down-town Hong Kong. Learning outcomes are practically relevant and academically stimulating, and therefore, in my opinion, highly valuable and useful both personally and professionally"
"It was always my greatest ambition to study in Hong Kong and thus I am extremely thankful and feel privileged for having the opportunity to study at one of Asia’s best law schools. Especially enlightening is the teaching style at CUHK, which slightly di ers from the one in German universities. CUHK professors are pressing much harder for personal opinions and value interaction, and it helps to study in small but active groups. This new learning experience in a highly international setting will no doubt help me to broaden my own views and perspectives before I return to Germany to work as a lawyer later this year. My fellow students from all around the world have further contributed to the great time I have had at CUHK - I found it to be a particularly enriching experience. I feel very humbled to be part of this year's executive programme and found CUHK to be the perfect place to study, grow as a person, and to make new life-long friends."
"The LLM in Common Law Programme at CUHK provided me with a wonderful and amazing learning experience that deeply enhanced my legal theoretical as well as practical professional knowledge. I had the opportunity to learn more about the Common Law and the how the Common Law functions in various Common Law jurisdictions, especially in Hong Kong. The programme’s professors are all highly skilled and experienced professionals. The professors are also friendly and very approachable. All the lectures are interactive, making them even more engaging. The faculty of law also holds regularly moot court seminars and invites various legal celebrities. I found that this helped students to enhance their understanding of the law."
E-mail: llm-exec@cuhk.edu.hk
Address:
Faculty of Law
6/F, Lee Shau Kee Building
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, New Territories
Hong Kong, China