| Status | Company limited by guarantee |
|---|---|
| Territory | Hong Kong |
| Leadership | Mr Russell Coleman SC |
| Appointment | 2009 |
| Founded | 1949 |
| HQ | LG2, High Court, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong |
| Website | http://www.hkba.org |
The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) (traditional Chinese: 香港大律師公會) 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 solicitors in Hong Kong.
Russell Coleman SC is the current Chairman of the Council of the HKBA, having been elected in 2009.
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Route to entry
Students must first complete a basic degree in law, such as the Bachelor of Laws (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.
Senior Counsel
After gaining ten years' experience, a barrister 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 After the transfer of sovereignty, the rank of Queen's Counsel has been replaced by Senior Counsel.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.
List of chairpersons
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References
See also
External links
- Hong Kong Bar Association Official homepage
- Code of Conduct of the Hong Kong Bar
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