Hong Kong will this weekend host a gathering of legal eagles from as far away as Zimbabwe, Ireland and New Zealand as part of the World Bar Conference. The International Council of Advocates and Barristers is kicking off its third world conference in true Hong Kong style, with a cup race at the Sha Tin Racecourse followed by a two-day meeting. The delegates will then travel to Shanghai for a final day focusing on the mainland legal system. Chief Justice Andrew Li Kwok-nang, Secretary for Justice Wong Yan-lung and other local legal notables, including judges, lawmakers and lawyers, will be joining leaders of the profession from other countries, such as New South Wales Attorney-General Bob Debus, on the podium. The council aims to promote and maintain the rule of law and the effective administration of justice worldwide. The conference is due to tackle such issues, as well as technical matters affecting the practices of barristers. Bar Association chairman Philip Dykes, who is due to speak on the rule of law, said it was an honour for Hong Kong to be hosting the conference, along with co-host Shanghai. Secretary for Justice Mr Wong will also speak on maintaining the rule of law. Mr Justice Patrick Chan Siu-oi, of the Court of Final Appeal, will speak on jurisdictions with more than one official language, and Equal Opportunities Commission chairman and solicitor Raymond Tang Yee-bong will speak on advocacy and disability. The council has as its members the bar associations of Australia, England and Wales, Hong Kong, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Zimbabwe, all countries with a split legal profession comprising solicitors and barristers.
