Editorial | Independence of Hong Kong legal profession integral to preserving rule of law
- As the Hong Kong Bar Association turns 75, improved relations with Beijing have allowed it to express its views on pressing legal issues, including the new domestic national security law
The role of Hong Kong’s independent legal profession has never been more important, amid changes and challenges. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Bar Association, responsible for Hong Kong’s 1,673 barristers.
The association’s chairman, Victor Dawes, this month took the opportunity to highlight the role played by the Bar in maintaining the rule of law.
He said the values of the professional body have not changed over time and pledged it would continue to speak out on legal issues. Over the years, the Bar has made a valuable contribution, with authoritative statements and position papers that draw on the expertise of barristers.
Its voice must continue to be heard.
But there have been times in the Bar’s history when its role has been questioned, with occasional calls for barristers to be fused with solicitors, the other branch of the profession. There was a five-year freeze in the association’s relations with Beijing from 2018, partly due to the pandemic but also because of the organisation’s vocal criticism of government measures.
Thankfully, ties were restored following the election of Dawes in 2022. The ice was broken when a Bar delegation visited Beijing last year and met with senior officials.