Young Advocates

by Justice Centre Hong Kong

Where top students explore law, social justice, and community service in Hong Kong

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Young Advocates Programme 

Justice Centre Hong Kong’s Young Advocates Programme is designed for students who want to go further—those ready to think critically, engage with global issues, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Our immersive experiences offer a grounded introduction to law, social justice, and community service—shaped by years of clinical legal education developed in partnership with leading institutions, including local law schools and the University of Cambridge.

Our alumni have gone on to study in top schools and pursue professional careers of excellence and purpose, including work as solicitors, barristers, policy advisors, and research analysts. 

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Based on the frequency of universities alumni have gone on to attend

“I developed my collaborative and communication skills through preparing a strong case with my teammates. I also believed that I got more confident through this, I took risks and utilised my public speaking skills"

- Jocelyn, 2026 Mock Trial

“YASC is a fantastic experience for anyone who is considering pursuing law, wanting to make an impact, or looking to meet some amazing people. You learn so much in two weeks, it’s definitely a worthwhile choice.”

- Julian, 2025 Young Advocate Summer Camp

“The Young Advocates Summer Camp is an eye-opening and insightful program, where you not only delve into the details of refugee law in HK and the process of claiming protection, but also learn key skills for the future through the many activities, such as mock trials. I fully enjoyed the two-week programme, not only learning from the informative sessions, but also helping with actual casework, engaging with the refugee community, meeting different lawyers, and visiting the High Court. This was one of the most thought-provoking and immersive programmes that I have been to, and I would truly recommend this to anyone interested!”

- Kelly, 2024 Young Advocate Summer Camp

“The Young Advocates Summer Camp is truly a unique program. It allowed me to develop my public speaking, legal research, and writing skills. Between mock trials, mock interviews, and screening cases, the YASC gives students an engaging and hands-on learning experience. Additionally, it also granted me with more knowledge regarding international human rights, the legal framework in Hong Kong, as well as refugee law in general. The YASC is a fantastic opportunity that I’d recommend to all students interested in law, human rights, social welfare, or those who’d like to further educate themselves.”

- Joelle, 2024 Young Advocate Summer Camp 

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Young Advocates Summer Camp 

The Young Advocates Summer Camp (YASC) is a highly-selective, immersive, two-week programme designed to equip senior secondary students with the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in university and beyond. Blending legal education, community exposure, and personal development, YASC is more than a traditional summer camp—it's a launchpad for young people who want to make a difference. 

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  • Students work alongside lawyers, counsellors, and community leaders to explore the intersection between law and social justice in Hong Kong and globally, with a focus on asylum law, community lawyering and social and humanitarian issues. Through hands-on workshops, simulations, and contributions to real casework, they strengthen critical thinking, communication, and research skills—while gaining a deeper understanding of social responsibility and the value of inclusive communities. 

    Each participant will also design a personal impact project—an opportunity to take initiative and apply their learning beyond the programme. With one-on-one coaching and mentorship, students are supported in exploring their values, reflecting on future career paths, and taking the next steps towards university applications. 

    With only six places per session, we offer a highly tailored experience that nurtures academic excellence, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to making positive change.

    Programme Dates

    We will be hosting three YASC sessions in 2026:  

    • YASC 1: 22 June – 3 July  

    • YASC 2: 6-17 July  

    • YASC 3: 3-14 August  

    Cost

    The programme carries a fee of $60,000 HKD per student (including a non-refundable deposit of $30,000 HKD).  

    Your contribution will allow us to dedicate staff time and resources to run the programme, as well as provide vital services for refugees seeking legal and psychosocial assistance. Those who apply by the early bird deadline will be entitled to a 5% discount.  

  • The YASC is open to students aged 14-18 who have Hong Kong residency. Applicants should have a keen interest in issues facing refugees and other forced migrants. The YASC is aimed at students considering careers in law, social sciences, politics, or NGO management.  

  • To apply, please complete the application form: https://justicecentre.fillout.com/YASC

    Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; due to the high level of interest and limited spaces available, we strongly recommend submitting applications early.  

    Application Deadlines: 

    • Early Bird Deadline: 25 May 

    • Applicants who apply by the early bird deadline are entitled to a 5% discount on programme fees for any session.

    • YASC 1 (22 June – 3 July) 

    • Final Application Deadline: 15 June 

    • YASC 2 (6-17 July) 

    • Final Application Deadline: 29 June 

    • YASC 3 (3-14 August) 

    • Final Application Deadline: 27 July 

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Mock Trial 

Put your skills to the test in a high-level legal simulation

Students take part in dynamic, hands-on workshops led by Justice Centre Hong Kong’s in-house legal team—designed to build the core skills needed to succeed in our flagship Asylum Law Mock Trial. 

You’ll step into the role of a legal advocate and present arguments in a simulated appeal hearing before the Torture Claims Appeal Board, guided by experienced professionals who offer tailored feedback throughout. The trial concludes before a panel of expert judges, giving you a realistic glimpse of what it means to think critically, speak persuasively, and lead like a legal professional. 

Applications for our 2026 Mock Trial are now closed. 

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School Collaborations

There are lots of ways for your school to collaborate and learn with us.

We offer school talks, and have spoken at assemblies as well as smaller, more intimate cohorts such as legal studies classes and other school groups. We also collaborate in delivering experiential learning modules, with content that can be tailored to what the school is looking for, including a half day, full day or week-long session, or an after-school extracurricular activity.

Our ready-to-go modules are designed and delivered by qualified lawyers, experienced community workers and refugee leaders. They contain first-hand accounts and highly interactive activities, through which students debate contemporary issues, grapple with case studies, and participate in simulations. 

For more information, see…

If you have any questions, thoughts, or your own ideas on how we can work together, we’d love to hear them! Please contact us at YoungAdvocates@ask.org.hk