New measures to open up the mainland's justice system to Hong Kong lawyers should speed up reform of the profession in the SAR, the Bar Association's vice-chairman said yesterday.
Alan Leong, SC said increased participation in the mainland market, where there is no distinction between barristers and solicitors, would fuel debate over changes that may be introduced in Hong Kong.
Speaking after a press conference to mark the return of a Bar Association delegation from Beijing, Mr Leong said: 'The new opportunities open to barristers in the mainland may hasten the way for us to think about where we are heading in Hong Kong. That may mean we cannot delay any more embarking on an overall review of the provision of legal services. It will act as a catalyst.'
The new measures announced on Tuesday will allow barristers greater access to work on the mainland, including giving them the right to practise and register as 'Hong Kong law lawyers', to become China-appointed attesting officers and to join the All China Lawyers' Association.
The Law Society last week secured a similar relaxation of the rules relating to Hong Kong solicitors operating on the mainland.
The new measures come at a time of intense debate over the Hong Kong legal profession's future, in particular over issues such as whether barristers should be allowed direct access to the public and whether solicitors should have the right to present cases in the higher courts, now available only to barristers.
