In Hong Kong, the Courts (Remote Hearing) Ordinance is now in effect, providing a clear legal foundation for judges and judicial officers to direct the use of remote hearings across various levels of courts and tribunals, where appropriate. This milestone signals a pivotal moment in the Judiciary’s efforts to modernise court operations and serve the evolving needs of the legal industry with technology.
A new chapter for remote hearings
The Courts (Remote Hearing) Ordinance formalises what has already been in practice since 2020, during which time the Judiciary has conducted more than 2,100 remote hearings. With this new legislation in place, the Judiciary has signalled its intention to expand the use of remote hearings, particularly for short proceedings and non-trial criminal matters.
This step aligns with global trends, as courts around the world continue to invest in digital transformation efforts. While the pandemic initially drove the adoption, the long-term benefits including reduced delays, improved access for participants, and more efficient use of resources, have made remote hearings in arbitration and litigation a permanent fixture in many jurisdictions across the Asia-Pacific region.
The move to codify remote hearings is a natural progression toward a more flexible and resilient legal system in Hong Kong – one that prioritises access to justice, cost efficiency, and streamlined case management.
Raising the bar at the Hong Kong High Court
Long before the Ordinance came into effect, Opus 2 was already supporting remote proceedings in Hong Kong. A recent example includes a High Court matter that leveraged Opus 2 Hearings for remote court reporting services in a complex, multi-tranche case.
Earlier phases of the case, also supported by Opus 2, required trilingual transcripts integrating English, Cantonese, and Mandarin testimony. For the latest tranche, the court approved Opus 2’s remote court reporting solution to deliver English-only daily transcripts, offering flexibility while upholding the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.
Meeting the challenge
The proceedings presented several challenges: adapting to evolving hearing schedules, the need to maintain high transcription standards, and logistical coordination across jurisdictions. Opus 2 addressed these needs by:
- Deploying a remote court reporting team, supported by an on-site representative to log courtroom audio in line with court protocols.
- Streamlining service delivery to ensure consistent quality and reliability, even with changing schedules.
- Maintaining seamless coordination with the client and court clerk to manage logistics and ensure transcripts were delivered on time.
This hybrid approach, which leveraged both remote and in-person resources, demonstrates how modern hearing technology can adapt to the needs of each matter. By removing the constraints of physical attendance, the Judiciary and legal teams can respond more quickly to procedural developments, schedule adjustments, and unforeseen challenges.
The result
Opus 2 delivered a cost-effective, high-quality transcription service that met the needs of the court and client alike. The client expressed their appreciation for the professionalism, accuracy, and seamless delivery of the English transcripts and noted that the judge also complimented the service provided.
This success demonstrates the real-world value of remote court reporting, not only in maintaining court-approved standards of accuracy and reliability, but also in helping legal teams reduce travel, optimise resources, and align with broader sustainability goals.
Navigating the future of hearings in Hong Kong
As Hong Kong embraces remote hearings more widely under the new Ordinance, legal teams will need to ensure they are ready to operate in a more flexible and hybrid-ready environment. Proven technology, experienced support, and compliance with local protocols will be key.
With more than 15 years of experience, as well as local offices in Hong Kong and Singapore, Opus 2 is proud to partner with firms, courts, and tribunals across Asia-Pacific to deliver hearing solutions that meet the moment, whether in-person, hybrid, or fully remote.
Ready to streamline your next hearing?
Whether you’re planning a remote, hybrid, or in-person matter, our team is here to help. Contact us or get a quote to see how Opus 2 can support your next hearing.
