Cross-cultural dialogue
Exchange perspectives across legal systems and build relationships grounded in respect.
Connecting Cultures. Creating Value. Advancing Peace Through Law.
SCLA is a Geneva-based nonprofit organisation connecting people across legal traditions and cultures. Through dialogue, education and public-interest cooperation, we help make law more accessible and strengthen the understanding on which fair and peaceful societies depend.
EstablishedFounded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2019
United NationsECOSOC special consultative status since 2026
Latest
ChinaHong Kong Court Sentences Arriving Passenger to 11 Months' Imprisonment for Importing Duty-Not-Paid Cigarettes and Alternative Smoking Products
ChinaFour Hong Kong SAR Property Owners Fined Over $1.18 Million for Failing to Comply with Removal and Repair Orders
Cross-BorderSpanish Court Orders Maintenance Obligations for Mexican Surrogate Mother Following Filiation Non-Recognition
European UnionEuropean Commission's 'EU Inc.' Proposal Exposes Gaps in Labour Safeguards and Worker Participation
European UnionEU Begins Simplifying Legal Framework Following Draghi Report on Competitiveness
Cross-BorderICC Urges Reopening of Black Sea Maritime Routes to Protect Global Food Security
European UnionEuropean Commission Proposes Exclusion of Conscription-Eligible Ukrainian Men from Temporary Protection Extension
Cross-BorderComparative Study Evaluates Choice of Forum Clauses Across Seven Asian Legal Systems
ChinaHong Kong Court Fines Chun Yuen Engineer (HK) Company Limited $60,000 Over Fatal Occupational Safety Breach
Cross-BorderRedeveloped Huanggang Port Opens with Co-Location Arrangement and HKSAR Jurisdiction Under Cap. 659
ChinaHong Kong Customs Conducts Interdepartmental Anti-Illicit Cigarette Campaign in North District
European UnionEuropean Court of Justice Examines Candidate Deposit Requirements in European Parliament Elections (Case C-438/24)
Law serves people when understanding becomes action
Understanding the law helps people protect their rights, work across borders and find constructive ways through disagreement. We bring legal knowledge and different perspectives together so that cooperation can create lasting public value.
Law connects cultures
Legal traditions reflect different histories, values and ways of life. By learning from one another, legal communities can bridge misunderstandings and build cooperation founded on mutual respect.
Law creates shared value
Fair rules and accessible knowledge help people protect their rights, pursue opportunities and build responsible organisations. We connect professional expertise with the wider needs of society.
Law advances peace
Peace grows through the ability to address differences fairly. We encourage dialogue, mediation and dispute prevention as practical ways to preserve relationships and build trust across borders.
About SCLA
Rooted in Geneva. Open to the world.
Founded in 2019, SCLA grew from legal exchange between Switzerland and China. Today, our purpose connects that foundation with a wider international conversation about access to law, cross-cultural cooperation and the public good.
The Swiss Chinese Law Association is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organisation bringing legal professionals, researchers and civil society into dialogue about law’s role in public life.
Read about SCLA
Our work
Putting knowledge into action
Our work brings legal expertise into conversation with the needs of people, communities and organisations.
Open legal knowledge
Help more people understand changing rules and the questions that affect their rights.
Public-interest collaboration
Connect professional expertise with education, capacity building and community needs.
Mediation and dispute prevention
Explore practical ways to address differences and preserve cooperation.
SCLA Legal Observatory
Understand what is changing and why it matters
Explore legal and policy developments in China, Switzerland and the European Union, with clear explanations, source links and cross-border context.
Hong Kong Court Sentences Arriving Passenger to 11 Months' Imprisonment for Importing Duty-Not-Paid Cigarettes and Alternative Smoking Products
Four Hong Kong SAR Property Owners Fined Over $1.18 Million for Failing to Comply with Removal and Repair Orders
Spanish Court Orders Maintenance Obligations for Mexican Surrogate Mother Following Filiation Non-Recognition
European Commission's 'EU Inc.' Proposal Exposes Gaps in Labour Safeguards and Worker Participation
EU Begins Simplifying Legal Framework Following Draghi Report on Competitiveness
ICC Urges Reopening of Black Sea Maritime Routes to Protect Global Food Security
European Commission Proposes Exclusion of Conscription-Eligible Ukrainian Men from Temporary Protection Extension
Comparative Study Evaluates Choice of Forum Clauses Across Seven Asian Legal Systems
Hong Kong Court Fines Chun Yuen Engineer (HK) Company Limited $60,000 Over Fatal Occupational Safety Breach
Redeveloped Huanggang Port Opens with Co-Location Arrangement and HKSAR Jurisdiction Under Cap. 659
Hong Kong Customs Conducts Interdepartmental Anti-Illicit Cigarette Campaign in North District
European Court of Justice Examines Candidate Deposit Requirements in European Parliament Elections (Case C-438/24)
Investment and Business
Market access, bilateral investment, company governance and cross-border transactions.
Trade and Customs
Imports, exports, tariffs, product rules and the movement of goods.
Finance and Payments
Financial regulation, payment systems and the protection of financial consumers.
AI and Data
Artificial intelligence, privacy, data transfers and digital responsibility.
Sustainability and Responsibility
Environmental rules, supply chains and the social responsibilities of business.
Intellectual Property and Culture
Creative work, brands, geographical indications and cultural knowledge.
Dispute Resolution
Mediation, arbitration, court processes and the prevention of disputes.
Everyday Rights
Work, consumer protection and legal questions in daily and cross-border life.
China and Switzerland
Comparative analysis of parallel developments in both jurisdictions.
China and the European Union
Where EU and Chinese rules meet, diverge or create compliance questions.
Switzerland and the European Union
Bilateral arrangements, equivalence and market access questions.
Comparisons
Side-by-side readings of how different systems approach the same problem.
Clarity begins with the source
We identify the jurisdiction, publication date and legal status of the developments we cover. Articles distinguish between proposals, adopted measures and rules in force. Where information changes, we update the article and record material corrections.
What changedWho may be affectedCross-border contextKey datesOfficial sources
Events and dialogue
Different perspectives. A shared space for dialogue.
Join discussions on law, culture and public responsibility. Find opportunities to learn from different experiences and contribute your own.
25Jun 2026
The CAS in Arbitration Course 2026
25 June 2026 – 12 April 2027
01Oct 2026
John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition
1 October 2026 – 18 November 2026
11Oct 2026
Australian Arbitration Week 2026
11 October 2026 – 16 October 2026
13Oct 2026
Public lectures
Accessible introductions to legal questions and their wider social implications.
Professional roundtables
Focused exchanges on cross-border practice, policy and legal developments.
Youth and academic exchange
Conversations that connect emerging professionals, students and researchers.
Public-interest workshops
Practical learning on legal knowledge, organisational responsibility and community needs.
News and impact
The public value of legal expertise
Discover the people, conversations and collaborative efforts that make legal knowledge useful beyond professional circles.
Stay connected to law and its wider impact
Receive selected legal updates, public-interest stories and opportunities to participate in SCLA activities.
Put your knowledge to work for others
Contribute your experience to a discussion, a research project or a public-interest initiative. Help make legal understanding available to more people.