Hong Kong’s chief justice stresses importance of senior counsel, as 5 barristers appointed to prestigious rank
- Andrew Cheung says institution goes back centuries under common law, as five barristers ‘took silk’
- Cheung calls appointment ‘of great significance to the upholding of the rule of law and due administration of justice in Hong Kong’
Hong Kong’s chief justice has highlighted the importance of the common law institution of senior counsel under the “one country, two systems” principle in a speech to mark the appointment of five barristers to the prestigious rank.
At a ceremony on Saturday, Andrew Cheung Kui-nung said the institution of senior counsel went back centuries under common law.
“Nonetheless, the values embodied by the institution remain just as significant and important in modern day Hong Kong under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement, as at other times,” the top judge said, referring to the principle under which Beijing governs the city.
The five barristers who “took silk” – out of 17 applications received – were Mairéad Rattigan, Johnny Ma Ka-chun, Sara Tong See-pui, Tony Li Chung-yin and Victor Joffe. The term referred to the material of their new barrister gowns as opposed to the wool or cotton ones worn by their junior counterparts.
The chief justice grants the title to the most outstanding barristers annually in recognition of their ability and standing in the profession, as well as their knowledge of law. They must have practised in Hong Kong for at least 10 years in total.