Hong Kong Bar Association
Encyclopedia
The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) is the professional regulatory body for barristers in Hong Kong
, and was founded in 1949. Like other professional bodies, the HKBA has the authority to take disciplinary action to the members who breach the Code of Conduct
of the Association. The Law Society of Hong Kong is the equivalent association for solicitor
s in Hong Kong.
Russell Coleman SC
is the current Chairman of the Council of the HKBA, having been elected in 2009.
(LLB), Juris Doctor
(JD) or convert from another first degree with the Common Professional Examination
(CPE).
They must then complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
(PCLL) at the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong
or the Chinese University of Hong Kong
. From 2008 onwards, all overseas applicants to the PCLL must satisfy each element of the PCLL conversion programme.
After finishing PCLL, prospective barristers will enter pupillage
with a pupilmaster for a year; after half a year they will gain rights of audience
in court
.
Overseas barristers may, having at least three years' experience, take the Barristers Qualification Examination to officially become a Hong Kong barrister.
Additionally, lawyers of at least three years' qualified experience may apply to switch membership of either the HKBA or the Law Society of Hong Kong
. However, one may not enjoy membership of both entities at once. For example, the No. 1 ranked barrister in seniority in 2007, Sir John Swaine SC, switched to become a solicitor
in 2002, but switched back in 2004.
may be nominated to become a Senior Counsel
(S.C.). In colonial Hong Kong
before 1997, the title was instead Queen's Counsel
(Q.C.) (御用大律師). After the transfer of sovereignty, the rank of Queen's Counsel
has been replaced by Senior Counsel
.
As of August 2009, there are 85 Senior Counsel
(77 male, 8 female), out of a total of about 1000 practising barristers in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, and was founded in 1949. Like other professional bodies, the HKBA has the authority to take disciplinary action to the members who breach the Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the responsibilities of or proper practices for an individual, party or organization. Related concepts include ethical codes and honor codes....
of the Association. The Law Society of Hong Kong is the equivalent association for solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who traditionally deal with any legal matter including conducting proceedings in courts. In the United Kingdom, a few Australian states and the Republic of Ireland, the legal profession is split between solicitors and barristers , and a lawyer will usually only hold one title...
s in Hong Kong.
Russell Coleman SC
Senior Counsel
The title of Senior Counsel or State Counsel is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, typically equivalent to the title "Queen's Counsel" used in Commonwealth Realms...
is the current Chairman of the Council of the HKBA, having been elected in 2009.
Route to entry
Students must first complete a basic degree in law, such as the Bachelor of LawsBachelor of Laws
The Bachelor of Laws is an undergraduate, or bachelor, degree in law originating in England and offered in most common law countries as the primary law degree...
(LLB), Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
(JD) or convert from another first degree with the Common Professional Examination
Common Professional Examination
The Common Professional Examination is a postgraduate law course in England and Wales that is taken by non-law graduates wishing to become either a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales...
(CPE).
They must then complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
Postgraduate Certificate in Laws
PCLL redirects here. For the lacrosse league in the northeastern United States, see Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League.The Postgraduate Certificate in Laws is an intensive one-year full-time professional legal qualification programme in Hong Kong...
(PCLL) at the University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong
City University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive research university in Hong Kong. It was founded in 1984 as City Polytechnic of Hong Kong and became a fully accredited university in 1994. It has achieved fast growth in recent years and received international recognition for its academic achievements...
or the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a research-led university in Hong Kong.CUHK is the only tertiary education institution in Hong Kong with Nobel Prize winners on its faculty, including Chen Ning Yang, James Mirrlees, Robert Alexander Mundell and Charles K. Kao...
. From 2008 onwards, all overseas applicants to the PCLL must satisfy each element of the PCLL conversion programme.
After finishing PCLL, prospective barristers will enter pupillage
Pupillage
A pupillage, in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland, is the barrister's equivalent of the training contract that a solicitor undertakes...
with a pupilmaster for a year; after half a year they will gain rights of audience
Rights of audience
In common law, a right of audience is generally a right of a lawyer to appear and conduct proceedings in court on behalf of their client. In English law, there is a fundamental distinction between barristers, who have a right of audience, and solicitors, who traditionally do not ; there is no such...
in court
Court
A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law...
.
Overseas barristers may, having at least three years' experience, take the Barristers Qualification Examination to officially become a Hong Kong barrister.
Additionally, lawyers of at least three years' qualified experience may apply to switch membership of either the HKBA or the Law Society of Hong Kong
The Law Society of Hong Kong
Established in 1907, the Law Society of Hong Kong is the professional association and law society for solicitors in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Bar Association is the equivalent association for barristers in Hong Kong....
. However, one may not enjoy membership of both entities at once. For example, the No. 1 ranked barrister in seniority in 2007, Sir John Swaine SC, switched to become a solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitors are lawyers who traditionally deal with any legal matter including conducting proceedings in courts. In the United Kingdom, a few Australian states and the Republic of Ireland, the legal profession is split between solicitors and barristers , and a lawyer will usually only hold one title...
in 2002, but switched back in 2004.
Senior Counsel
After gaining ten years' experience, a barristerBarrister
A barrister is a member of one of the two classes of lawyer found in many common law jurisdictions with split legal professions. Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy, drafting legal pleadings and giving expert legal opinions...
may be nominated to become a Senior Counsel
Senior Counsel
The title of Senior Counsel or State Counsel is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, typically equivalent to the title "Queen's Counsel" used in Commonwealth Realms...
(S.C.). In colonial Hong Kong
Colonial Hong Kong
In the 19th century the British, Dutch, French, Indians and Americans saw Imperial China as the world's largest untapped market. In 1840 the British Empire launched their first and one of the most aggressive expeditionary forces to claim the territory that would later be known as Hong Kong.In a few...
before 1997, the title was instead Queen's Counsel
Queen's Counsel
Queen's Counsel , known as King's Counsel during the reign of a male sovereign, are lawyers appointed by letters patent to be one of Her [or His] Majesty's Counsel learned in the law...
(Q.C.) (御用大律師). After the transfer of sovereignty, the rank of Queen's Counsel
Queen's Counsel
Queen's Counsel , known as King's Counsel during the reign of a male sovereign, are lawyers appointed by letters patent to be one of Her [or His] Majesty's Counsel learned in the law...
has been replaced by Senior Counsel
Senior Counsel
The title of Senior Counsel or State Counsel is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, typically equivalent to the title "Queen's Counsel" used in Commonwealth Realms...
.
As of August 2009, there are 85 Senior Counsel
Senior Counsel
The title of Senior Counsel or State Counsel is given to a senior barrister or advocate in some countries, typically equivalent to the title "Queen's Counsel" used in Commonwealth Realms...
(77 male, 8 female), out of a total of about 1000 practising barristers in Hong Kong.
List of chairpersons
- 1949 Harold Sheldon KC
- 1950 Charles Loseby KC
- 1951 Leo D'Almada KC
- 1952 John McNeill QC
- 1953 Charles Loseby QC
- 1954 Leo D'Almada QC
- 1955 John McNeill QC
- 1956 John McNeill QC
- 1957 Leo D'Almada QC
- 1958 John McNeill QC
- 1959 Leo D'Almada QC
- 1960 Hin Shing Lo
- 1961 Leo D'Almada QC
- 1962 Leo D'Almada QC
- 1963 Brook BernacchiBrook BernacchiBrook Antony Bernacchi, OBE, QC, JP , was a lawyer and politician in Hong Kong. He was also the founder of the Reform Club, the oldest political group in Hong Kong...
QC - 1964 S.V. Gittins
- 1965 S.V. Gittins
- 1966 Oswald Cheung QC
- 1967 S.V. Gittins QC
- 1968 Gerald de Basto QC
- 1969 Gerald de Basto QC
- 1970 Gerald de Basto QC
- 1971 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1972 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1973 Gerald de Basto QC
- 1974 A. Zimmern QC
- 1975 Charles ChingCharles ChingCharles Ching was a judge in Hong Kong.Born Charles Arthur Ching into an intellectual family in Hong Kong, Ching was educated in Hong Kong and England...
QC - 1976 Charles ChingCharles ChingCharles Ching was a judge in Hong Kong.Born Charles Arthur Ching into an intellectual family in Hong Kong, Ching was educated in Hong Kong and England...
QC - 1977 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1978 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1979 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1980 Martin LeeMartin LeeMartin Lee , QC, SC, JP, was the founding chairman of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong. He was a directly-elected Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Island geographical constituency...
QC - 1981 Martin LeeMartin LeeMartin Lee , QC, SC, JP, was the founding chairman of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong. He was a directly-elected Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Island geographical constituency...
QC - 1982 Martin LeeMartin LeeMartin Lee , QC, SC, JP, was the founding chairman of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong. He was a directly-elected Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Island geographical constituency...
QC - 1983 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1984 Henry LittonHenry LittonHenry Litton CBE, GBM is a retired judge in Hong Kong.Born into a Eurasian family in Hong Kong, Henry Litton excelled in school during his early years in England and was educated in King's College, Taunton and Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with honors in jurisprudence.After passing...
QC - 1985 Denis Chang QC
- 1986 Denis Chang QC
- 1987 Denis Chang QC
- 1988 Robert Tang QC
- 1989 Robert Tang QC
- 1990 Anthony Rogers QC
- 1991 Anthony Rogers QC
- 1992 Jacqueline Leong QC
- 1993 Jacqueline Leong QC
- 1994 Ronny Wong QC
- 1995 Gladys Li QC
- 1996 Gladys Li QC
- 1997 Audrey EuAudrey EuYuet Mee Audrey Eu , LLB, LLM, SC, JP is a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and the former leader of the Civic Party.-Education and legal career:...
SC - 1998 Audrey EuAudrey EuYuet Mee Audrey Eu , LLB, LLM, SC, JP is a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and the former leader of the Civic Party.-Education and legal career:...
SC - 1999 Ronny TongRonny TongRonny Tong Ka-wah QC, SC is a Senior Counsel and current member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong , representing the New Territories East constituency. He is also a member of the Civic Party Executive Committee....
SC - 2000 Ronny TongRonny TongRonny Tong Ka-wah QC, SC is a Senior Counsel and current member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong , representing the New Territories East constituency. He is also a member of the Civic Party Executive Committee....
SC - 2001 Alan LeongAlan LeongKah Kit Alan Leong , SC is a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, representing the Kowloon East geographical constituency and leader of the Civic Party. He is also vice-chairperson of the Independent Police Complaints Council.-Early career:...
SC - 2002 Alan LeongAlan LeongKah Kit Alan Leong , SC is a member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, representing the Kowloon East geographical constituency and leader of the Civic Party. He is also vice-chairperson of the Independent Police Complaints Council.-Early career:...
SC - 2003 Edward Chan SC
- 2004 Edward Chan SC
- 2005 Philip Dykes SC
- 2006 Philip Dykes SC
- 2007 Rimsky YuenRimsky YuenRimsky Yuen is a Hong Kong lawyer. He studied law as an undergraduate at the University of Hong Kong and as a master's student at the City University of Hong Kong. He was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 1987. In 1995, he became qualified as a solicitor and advocate in Singapore...
SC - 2008 Rimsky YuenRimsky YuenRimsky Yuen is a Hong Kong lawyer. He studied law as an undergraduate at the University of Hong Kong and as a master's student at the City University of Hong Kong. He was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 1987. In 1995, he became qualified as a solicitor and advocate in Singapore...
SC - 2009 Russell Coleman SC
See also
- Law Society of Hong Kong
- Bar associationBar associationA bar association is a professional body of lawyers. Some bar associations are responsible for the regulation of the legal profession in their jurisdiction; others are professional organizations dedicated to serving their members; in many cases, they are both...
- Bar councilBar councilA bar council , in a Commonwealth country and in the Republic of Ireland, the Bar Council of Ireland is a professional body that regulates the profession of barristers together with the King's Inns. Solicitors are generally regulated by the Law society....
- Postgraduate Certificate in LawsPostgraduate Certificate in LawsPCLL redirects here. For the lacrosse league in the northeastern United States, see Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League.The Postgraduate Certificate in Laws is an intensive one-year full-time professional legal qualification programme in Hong Kong...
External links
- Hong Kong Bar Association Official homepage
- Code of Conduct of the Hong Kong Bar