The idea that “The law should be readily accessible” lies “at the heart of the development” of PrimeLaw — Wolters Kluwer Hong Kong’s major product in the making for the past year — according to Chloe Lau, Head of Publishing and Product Development for the company. Here’s our recent interview with Ms Lau about PrimeLaw, its’ creation, use and future:
“What inspired the creation of PrimeLaw?”
Lau: Wolters Kluwer Hong Kong specializes in publishing titles for the tax, accounting and legal professions. They have been in the business for over 20 years. We operate under the global Wolters Kluwer group (Euronext: WKL) which possesses over 175 years of experience in professional publishing. Our clients span from accounting firms and law firms to education institutions and multinational corporations. And as our client base expands, we carefully note and respond to their need for an effective and efficient online platform combining accurate information and practical tools in tax, accounting and legal services. With legal and accounting professionals working behind the product, Wolters Kluwer HK presents what our clients are looking for: a unified research platform.
PrimeLaw is Wolters Kluwer Hong Kong’s major product in the making for the past year. The idea “The law should be readily accessible” lies at the heart of its development. We have combined essential legal research tools (legislation, case law and commentary) into one online platform. In comparison to competitors, We have made legal content easier to navigate on a web-based platform. When constructing a database, it’s not just about the content being available, it’s more importantly about how users access such content and utilize them in their businesses and daily operations. Our philosophy underlining years of publishing experience – to provide timely and reliable knowledge – carries onto our new product. Furthermore, we believe it is this that formed us amicable relationships with many local and international professional bodies. It Includes the Hong Kong and Chinese Institutes of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA/CICPA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS).
“Who are PrimeLaw’s ideal users and how can they benefit from using the product?”
Lau: PrimeLaw’s target users include lawyers, accounting firms and companies of various sizes. Practitioners in alternative dispute resolution and company secretaries will also find it useful. The Prime platform is our answer and endeavor to provide information to enable them to make the right decision. PrimeLaw is the first of the platform’s featured products. As of now, it covers both Hong Kong legislation and court judgments, combined with great functionality and user experience. PrimeLaw also integrates many of Wolters Kluwer Hong Kong’s (CCH) best-selling print titles. It integrates Hong Kong Listed Companies: Law and Practice, Hong Kong Company Secretary’s Practice Manual and the flagship Hong Kong Master Tax Guide series. They all integrate into digital format and they accompany professional research as trusted sources.
The Prime Platform aims to be the go-to website for professionals. We think this unification of professional information is much sought after in the market.
“What are your plans for the Asia-Pacific region? What markets are you in at present, and what markets do you foresee entering in the future?”
Lau: With Wolters Kluwer’s global and regional presence our customers are concentrated in Hong Kong and Greater China. But we certainly hope to expand that. A multitude of developments in PrimeLaw’s future functions are underway. For example, integrated workflow solutions, search and compare function across jurisdictions. It also continuous strengthening database content quantity and quality. Seeing the rise of cross-border operations and businesses being present in both China and Hong Kong, we present PrimeLaw as the bridge in the jurisdictional gap both local practitioners and foreign expatriates are looking for. We intend to work closely with our regional head office, Wolters Kluwer China, to bring and localize Chinese legal and regulatory information to users via PrimeLaw. One example might be the China Laws for Foreign Businesses series, an indispensable tool for overseas businesses wishing to work in China.
For more information about the PrimeLaw product, please email Ms. Lau at chloe@cch.com.hk.
