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Published: 17:22, May 20, 2023 | Updated: 17:59, May 20, 2023
CJ urges lawyers to speak out, defend HK's legal system
By Wang Zhan
Published:17:22, May 20, 2023 Updated:17:59, May 20, 2023 By Wang Zhan

Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Andrew Cheung Kui-nung (center) poses for a photograph with newly appointed Senior Counsels Bruce Tse Chee-ho (second left), Anthony Chan Ho-ki (second right), Mike Lui Sai-kit (first left), and Christopher Chain Siao-liang. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung on Saturday reminded all lawyers of their duty to protect the city’s rule of law “against those who would seek to undermine it”.

“It is their duty to speak out in defense of Hong Kong's legal system, including the independence of the Judiciary, and to stand up against any attempt to interfere with the due administration of justice by our judges,” Cheung said at a ceremony to admit four new senior counsels.

The new senior counsels are: Anthony Chan Ho-ki, Christopher Chain Siao-liang, Bruce Tse Chee-ho, and Mike Lui Sai-kit. Cheung appointed them in April.

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The role of senior counsel is far more significant than just a rank superior to that of an ordinary counsel, the Chief Justice stressed

It is equally important to show to our enemies our solidarity, resilience and determination to rise up to challenges, and that we will not be deterred.

Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice, HKSAR

“The maintenance of the split profession between the (Inner) Bar and solicitors ensures that clients have the benefit of independent legal advice and representation, particularly at trial. The cab-rank rule ensures the availability of legal representation to all, even those whose cases public opinion might be against,” he said.

Congratulating the new senior counsels, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok said their appointment as senior counsel shows that their ability and integrity are well known and recognized.

He cautioned against overlooking the reality that not all people wish to see the continued success of the special administrative region’s legal system.

“We have seen and heard false accusations, as well as malicious threats, being made against members of the Judiciary and the legal profession. They are apparently aimed at undermining people's trust and confidence in Hong Kong's legal and judicial system, and deterring judicial officers and legal professionals from discharging their professional duties,” said Lam.

READ MORE: Courts told to uphold HK’s constitutional order

Urging legal professionals to “speak out together loudly and clearly” to defend the city’s legal and judicial system, he said: “It is important to ensure that people will not be misled or lose confidence in our legal and judicial system.”

“It is equally important to show to our enemies our solidarity, resilience and determination to rise up to challenges, and that we will not be deterred.”

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