申請人必須︰
(a) 在《律政人員條例》(第87章)第2A條及附表2所規定的認可司法管轄區*內取得大律師或律師資格；
* 認可司法管轄區包括香港、英國、澳大利亞聯邦各州及領地、加拿大各領地及省(魁北克除外)、新西蘭、愛爾蘭共和國、津巴布韋和新加坡。
(b) 對香港或上述任何認可司法管轄區的高層法律草擬工作具備豐富知識和經驗；
(c) 有能力在制訂法律草擬政策方面提出有建設性的意見；
(d) 具有卓越的判斷力、領導才能和管理技巧；
(e) 具備出色的溝通和人際關係技巧；以及
(f) 精通英文書面語和口語，而懂得聽講、閱讀和書寫中文者會佔優。

非香港特別行政區永久性居民也可以申請，但只在物色不到合適和合資格的永久性居民時才會獲聘。

Candidates should -
(a) be qualified either as barristers or solicitors in a recognised jurisdiction* as stipulated under Section 2A and Schedule 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap. 87);
*The recognised jurisdictions are Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the States and Territories of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Territories and Provinces of Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Zimbabwe and Singapore.
(b) have substantial knowledge of and experience in legislative drafting work in Hong Kong or any one of the above jurisdictions at a senior level;
(c) be able to put up constructive ideas in developing drafting policy;
(d) have excellent judgement, leadership and management skills;
(e) be strong in communication and people skills; and
(f) have outstanding command of written and spoken English. An ability to speak, read and write in Chinese would be an advantage.

Persons who are not permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) may also apply but will be appointed only when no suitable and qualified candidates who are permanent residents are available.