Welcome to the web-site of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

I am honoured to be its Chairman and will do my utmost to protect and preserve the Bar’s objects. It may be worth remembering that this provides that “The objects for which the Bar Association is established are to consider all matters affecting the profession and the administration of justice and to take such action thereon as it deems proper”.

Such matters are expressly stated to include amongst others: the maintenance of the honour and independence of the Bar and the defence of the Bar in its relations with the Judiciary and the Executive; the defence, maintenance, upholding and improvement, in Hong Kong, of the independence of the Judiciary, the Rule of Law, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, the administration of justice, procedure, the arrangement of business, law reporting, and trial by jury; the establishment and maintenance of a system of prompt and efficient legal advice and aid for those persons in need thereof, irrespective of their capacity to pay; the promotion and support of law reform; the prescribing of rules of professional conduct, discipline and etiquette; the furtherance of good relations and co-operation between the two branches of the legal profession; the furtherance of good relations and understanding between the Bar and (a) the Judiciary, (b) the Law Officers of the Department of Justice, (c) the public.

The Bar thus plays an important part in the administration of justice in Hong Kong both by virtue of its statutory role in a number of important functions and its customary role in educating and informing the public about legal issues as well as defending the rule of law and the independence of the Judiciary.

I look forward to working with all members to fulfil our stated objects above.

Victor Dawes SC
Chairman