Grenville Cross, the city's longest-serving director of public prosecutions, described his post in his article to the latest issue of Hong Kong Lawyer magazine as one that 'is not for those who want a quiet life'.
Few of his seven predecessors, none of whom stayed longer than four years in the job, 'emerged unscathed'.
'The office broke the health of some, while others were brought low by controversy,' he wrote.
During the tenure of the first director of public prosecutions, David Boy QC (1979-1982), the city was rocked by a series of sex scandals. The legal world was badly shaken after a prosecutor stood trial for gross indecency, wrote Mr Cross. Mr Boy, who was ailing and in hospital periodically, decided to retire early at the age of 49.
Mr Boy's successor, Max Lucas QC (1982-1984), was described by Mr Cross as a committed prosecutor and an advocate of the first rank. Unfortunately, he died at the age of 48. Then came the problem of the 'gumleaf mafia' , a loosely formed group of Australian and New Zealand prosecutors known for their good humour and confidence, but also their arrogance and unruly behaviour.
Mr Cross said the third DPP, Joseph Duffy QC (1984-1986), issued a directive in a bid to impose some discipline on his team. But it was not well received by the 'mafia'.