Advertisement

Lawyers to face tough new code

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP

SOLICITORS who refuse politically sensitive cases could have their licences suspended under a new code of conduct.

Advertisement

The rules are being introduced after Legislative Councillor Martin Lee Chu-ming's difficulty in finding a firm to handle a libel action against former Appeal Court judge Simon Li Fook-sean, an adviser to China.

The Law Society said introduction of the revision would make it a pioneer in common law jurisdiction around the world. It said it was unethical to reject any prospective client on the grounds of his or her political beliefs.

Law firms are being consulted about the code of conduct which will take effect at the end of the year.

About 190 of Hong Kong's 400 law firms have returned their questionnaires and some two-thirds said they were prepared to take cases involving sensitive issues.

Advertisement

Law Society president Roderick Woo Bun said Mr Lee's difficulties had created concern among some sections of the public. People feared that ''unpopular'' individuals or politically sensitive causes might be denied proper legal representation.

loading
Advertisement