In the latest instalment of ALB’s analysis of industry associations and their value to lawyers, we speak with Nicholas Turner, senior associate, projects and international construction group at Pinsent Masons. Turner is vice chairman and secretary of the Society of Construction Law Hong Kong (SCLHK).

ALB: Is the SCL the only professional association you are a member of? If not, what other memberships do you hold?
 NT: No, I am also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors.

 ALB:  How active are you – what is your role and how many activities do you participate in?
 NT: I am the Vice Chairman and Secretary of the SCLHK. I attend monthly committee meetings and the AGM. In addition, at the moment I am involved in organising the SCLHK's international construction law conference held 5-7 December 2010, which requires me to attend weekly sub-committee meetings. I try to attend most, if not all, of the regular seminars which the society organises, usually held monthly.

ALB: What is the greatest highlight of membership for you?
NT: The Society offers a number of benefits for me. The events organised by the society are a convenient way to catch-up on issues affecting construction generally and developments in the construction law. Also, the past papers from Hong Kong and the UK's society's offer a great source of reference material for issues that arise in my day to day work, so having easy access to this wealth of information is a great asset. In addition they provide a great platform to meet clients and colleagues and a cheap and easy way for me to satisfy my Law Society of Hong Kong CPD requirements.

ALB: What is the SCL currently doing to entice lawyers to join? How do you find out about the SCL?
NT: The Society actively promotes itself. As a member you are entitled to attend the regular monthly seminars, AGM, the annual Christmas cocktails and annual conference at a discounted rate. Events are generally accredited for CPD points by the Law Society of Hong Kong. In addition refreshments are served free of charge at most of our events which allows colleagues to socialise before and after an event in a relaxed atmosphere. Members also receive copies of the papers of all seminars given to the society, free of charge. Registered members may download local online papers for free and have reciprocal access to the SCL UK website. Additional reciprocal rights with other Society's are being negotiated.
 
ALB: Are there any other social or leisure-type groups which legal professionals that you know of use as an opportunity to meet up and form a relationship which will boost their career?
NT: There are a number of organisations or associations which a legal professional in Hong Kong might join to socialise and network - these include The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, The Lighthouse Club, The Association of Project Managers and Chambers of Commerce. 

ALB: Do you feel more could be done to entice people to join relevant associations or do you feel busy lawyers don’t have the time to devote to this type of networking?
NT: Any busy lawyer should make time to network. Given the compact nature of Hong Kong this is made easier here than many other places. There is plenty of choice and many organisations, associations and clubs welcome non-members as well as members along to their events, so it is easy to go along and check-out whether a particular club is appropriate for the kind of business you are in.

The HKSCL now has 250 members from all sectors of the construction industry. Further information can be found at http://www.scl.hk/. The society also sponsors an annual prize for the best paper(s) on any aspect of construction law relevant to the Hong Kong construction industry.