Hong Kong barristers face growing call for compulsory continuing education
Critics say compulsory continuing education for top lawyers is needed to keep up with world standards and other professions in Hong Kong
Hong Kong barristers are under mounting pressure to introduce compulsory continuing education to meet world standards and fall in line with other professions, including solicitors.
Critics say education is needed to ensure barristers maintain their skills and keep up with legal developments.
Bar Association chairman Paul Shieh Wing-tai SC says the association will study the need for compulsory continuing professional development (CPD) but it has yet to reach a conclusion.
Like doctors, accountants and insurers, local solicitors have been obliged to do CPD courses (since 2003).
University of Hong Kong law professor Simon Young Ngai-man says the bar should set up a committee to study the issue and deliberate on how best to deliver CPD courses.
"It's not even a question of whether to do it but how best to organise efforts and funds to deliver continuing education to its members," he said.
Barristers are among the few groups of professionals in Hong Kong who are not required to undertake continuing education, which is the norm for peers in many countries including Britain, Canada and Australia.