Andrew Li Kwok-nang took over as Hong Kong's top judge at a time of great uncertainty about the future of the city's legal system.
The highly-respected barrister faced the unprecedented task of embracing a new constitutional era under the 'one country, two systems' concept, while maintaining public confidence in the city's judicial system.
During his 12 years at the helm, Li has tackled some of the toughest challenges and biggest controversies to flow from Hong Kong's return to China. But as he looks ahead to early retirement next year, the judge can take comfort from being widely credited with ensuring that the judiciary's reputation for independence, integrity and strict adherence to the law remains intact.
A senior barrister said yesterday: 'He took over at a time when everybody was worried about what was going to happen with the legal system, and he steadied it in a very dignified manner ... which led the public to realise things would not change. History will look back kindly on his 12 years.'
Born in Hong Kong into one of the city's best known families, Li studied at Cambridge University, before returning to the city to pursue a successful career as a barrister. He joined last governor Chris Patten's executive council in 1992 and was named chief justice in May 1997, only weeks before the handover, giving up his British citizenship to qualify for the job.
His appointment was, at the time, seen as a reassuring sign, given his high standing among the legal profession. But serious doubts were still being expressed about whether the rule of law would survive. The new chief justice quickly conveyed the message that legal traditions were not about to be swept away. The wigs and gowns worn by judges were to stay, along with the ceremonial opening of the new legal year.
But his first priority was to place the newly - and controversially - established Court of Final Appeal on a firm footing. This meant finding top-class judges from Hong Kong and overseas.