The Law Society is the professional association for solicitors in Hong Kong performing a representative and regulatory role.
Aim
The aims of the Law Society are set out in its Memorandum of Association. In summary, they are as follows:
- to support and protect the character, status and interests of solicitors in Hong Kong
- to promote good standards of practice and maintain ethical practice
- to ensure compliance by solicitors with relevant laws, codes, regulations and practice directions
- to develop and maintain the work of solicitors in all areas of the law, legal practice and procedures
- to ensure the view of solicitors is accurately and purposefully communicated
- to provide services to its members
- to consider all questions affecting the interests of the profession, and to represent the profession to procure changes of law or practice
Function
The Articles of Association deal with the machinery of government of the Law Society: election of the Council, delegation of responsibilities to committees, employment of staff and investigation of complaints regarding professional misconduct.
Under the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap. 159, Laws of Hong Kong), the Law Society has a certificating role in the admission procedure and it is empowered to:
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issue annual practising certificates and certificates of registration to Hong Kong solicitors, foreign lawyers and foreign law firms
- investigate and refer allegations of professional misconduct to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
- intervene in a solicitor's practice in cases of dishonesty, undue delay, bankruptcy or other causes
- establish rules for the conduct and education of solicitors and trainee solicitors
- arrange and maintain a compulsory Professional Indemnity Scheme