Haldanes Law Matters

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Thank you for tuning into the Haldanes Law Matters, a podcast where we have conversations about the latest legal developments in Hong Kong. This podcast is brought to you by Haldanes, a Hong Kong-based law firm experienced in serving the needs of clients, both locally and throughout the Asia-Pacific. To find out more about Haldanes, please visit www.haldanes.com

Listen to episodes

33 recent

October 8, 2026Episode 2827 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Hong Kong university students

Jonathan Midgley explores the world of Gen Z Hong Kong style. He speaks to students who publish Bridges Street Column, a student-led initiative dedicated to empowering the next generation. Jonathan seeks an understanding of Gen Z's view of the legal profession and their aspirations for the future. Together, they explore Gen Z’s perspective from the rise of Artificial Intelligence to the evolving opportunities across the Greater Bay Area. Thank you for following our series. We hope these fresh insights provide an inspiring and forward-looking view of the future of our legal profession.

June 3, 2026Episode 3111 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - José-Antonio Maurellet SC

In our final episode of the conversation, Jonathan Midgley and José-Antonio Maurellet SC look toward the horizon. From the influx of international talent to the rise of Artificial Intelligence, they discuss what the future holds for the next generation of practitioners. Jose remains optimistic, describing law not just as a job, but as a "calling" to help people at their most vulnerable moments. Thank you for following this series. We hope these insights from the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association provide a realistic and modern view of our legal landscape.

May 20, 2026Episode 309 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - José-Antonio Maurellet SC

In the latest episode of our "Haldanes Law Matters" podcast series, the conversation between Jonathan Midgley and José-Antonio Maurellet SC turns towards the structural foundations of Hong Kong’s legal system, where they discuss the often-debated concept of an "executive-led" government and its relationship with the judiciary. Jose highlights Article 85 of the Basic Law, which guarantees that courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Listen in for an insightful discussion on how Hong Kong continues to engage with the global legal community. Stay tuned for the final episode of this conversation!

May 13, 2026Episode 295 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - José-Antonio Maurellet SC

In the latest episode of our "Haldanes Law Matters" podcast series, our Partner Jonathan Midgley sits down with José-Antonio Maurellet SC , Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association. They kick off the conversation by "demystifying" one of the most misunderstood areas of our legal system: Judicial Review . Jose provides a clear, layman’s guide to how citizens and companies can challenge the legality of executive decisions. Listen to the full episode to learn why this "tool of the individual" remains vital in a common law jurisdiction. Stay tuned for the next two episodes of this conversation!

January 21, 2026Episode 2833 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Geoffrey Ma

Geoffrey Ma Tao-li GBM KC SC, former Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, has joined our Jonathan Midgley in episode 28 of the Haldane's Law Matters series, reflecting on decades of legal experience navigating some of Hong Kong’s most pivotal moments. From Geoffrey’s early days contemplating a career in history to his distinguished tenure as Chief Justice during turbulent times, this episode offers rare insights into the judiciary’s role, independence, and the evolving legal landscape. For anyone interested in the intersection of law, society, and justice, this episode is not to be missed.

December 19, 2025Episode 2730 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Aaron Pang

In episode 27 of Haldane's Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley speaks to Aaron Pang, founder of the Purpose Club. This episode intriguingly touches on the stress that everyday life so often involves. Undoubtedly, part of the challenge of a modern legal office is managing the expectations and the inevitable tension that the client and the solicitor will experience in navigating the client’s case.

November 12, 2025Episode 2646 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Allan Zeman

In Episode 26 of Law Matters, Jonathan Midgley speaks with Allan Zeman, the "father of Lan Kwai Fong". This Episode touches on our guest’s views regarding Hong Kong's dynamic landscape and its promising future through adaptability and innovation. His thoughts on personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal changes offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

October 2, 2025Episode 2640 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Mahesh Harilela

Join Jonathan Midgley and Mahesh Harilela for part two of their ongoing conversation on “Haldanes Law Matters,” diving deeper into Hong Kong’s ongoing evolution and future direction. With decades of combined experience across law, hospitality, technology, and civic leadership, Jonathan and Mahesh shift the discussion from tradition to transformation, with a special look at how Hong Kong can stay competitive by reimagining education, attracting global talent, and nurturing innovation. Mahesh reflects on the city’s journey as both an insider and driver of change, raising practical questions: Is Hong Kong’s mindset too transactional? How can the city remain truly inclusive and future-ready within China’s vision? And what part could fish balls and Bruce Lee play? The episode offers concrete ideas, from supporting next-gen creativity in schools to leveraging the city’s global position for resilient, long-term growth.

September 4, 2025Episode 2529 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Mahesh Harilela

Join Jonathan Midgley and his guest Mahesh Harilela on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters” for a candid exploration of what keeps Hong Kong dynamic and unique, especially amid changing economic and political landscapes. Mahesh, a senior figure in one of the city’s best-known business families and a lifelong Hongkonger, shares his perspective on everything from Hong Kong’s journey - colonial days to “one country, two systems” - to President Xi Jinping’s call to uphold diversity and internationalism. Jonathan and Mahesh unpack whether Hong Kong’s outlook is too focused on short-term wins, and discuss how the city’s next chapter could leap even further, potentially into new industries like the finance-driven space economy. Their wide-ranging conversation covers why legacy and adaptability matter in a city that never stands still, and how the common law tradition remains central to the city’s global role. Whether you’re invested in Hong Kong’s future or fascinated by international business and law, this is a timely, thoughtful dialogue between two experienced voices you don’t want to miss.

August 11, 2025Episode 2417 min

Haldanes Law Matters With Guest - Brian Wong

After discussing everything from geopolitics, to education, via US-China relations, and explaining why you should think horizontally and diagonally, not just vertically, Jonathan Midgley and his guest Dr. Brian Wong turn their attention to law, Hong Kong and personal integrity on the latest episode of “Haldanes Law Matters.” The two examine the significance of common law to Hong Kong and the surprising comments by President Xi on the subject, also why Hong Kong is far from finished despite being written off by some on a more less regular basis since the 1980s, and the importance of being “a proper person,” with a sense of conviction. Brian is an HKU-100 Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong, but calling him just an academic barely scratches the surface. He researches everything from authoritarian states to AI, advises global investors, and shapes public debate.