Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 1

Chapter: 159 LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE Gazette Number Version Date

Long title L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005


To make amended provision for the admission and registration of legal practitioners and their employees, the
appointment and registration of notaries public, and for purposes connected therewith.

(Amended 27 of 1998 s. 2)


[1 August 1964] L.N. 107 of 1974

(Originally 16 of 1964)

Part: I SHORT TITLE AND INTERPRETATION 30/06/1997




Section: 1 Short title 30/06/1997


This Ordinance may be cited as the Legal Practitioners Ordinance.

Section: 2 Interpretation L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires-
"accountant's report" (會計師報告) means a report delivered in accordance with the provisions of section 8;

(Replaced 25 of 1968 s. 2)
"Assessment Board" (評核委員會) means the Higher Rights Assessment Board established by section 39E; (Added

2 of 2010 s. 3)
"Association" (聯營組織) means an Association registered under Part IIIA; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 2)
"Bar Council" (執委會) means the Council of the Hong Kong Bar Association; (Amended 70 of 1991 s. 2)
"barrister" (大律師) means a person who is enrolled as a barrister on the roll of barristers and who, at the material

time, is not suspended from practice;
"client" (當事人), except in relation to non-contentious business, includes any person who as principal or on behalf of

another person retains or employs, or is about to retain or employ, a solicitor, and any person who is or may be
liable to pay a solicitor's costs;

"common law jurisdiction" (普通法司法管轄區) means a jurisdiction in which the law is substantially based on the
common law; (Added 2 of 2010 s. 3)

"contentious business" (爭訟事務) includes any business done by a solicitor in any court, whether as a solicitor or as
an advocate;

"costs" (訟費、事務費) includes fees, charges, disbursements, expenses and remuneration;
"Costs Committee" (事務費委員會) means the Costs Committee appointed under section 74;
"Council" (理事會) means, in relation to the Law Society, the council of the Society elected in accordance with the

provisions of its articles of association; (Added 52 of 1980 s. 2. Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
"Council of the Society of Notaries" (公證人協會理事會) means the Council of Management of that society

appointed in accordance with the provisions of its articles of association; (Added 27 of 1998 s. 5)
"Court" (法院) means the Court of First Instance; (Amended 92 of 1975 s. 59; 25 of 1998 s. 2)
"employee" (僱員) includes a former employee; (Added 25 of 1968 s. 2)
"foreign firm" (外地律師行) means a law firm or sole practitioner that is registered as a foreign firm under Part IIIA;

(Added 60 of 1994 s. 2. Amended 23 of 1998 s. 2)
"foreign jurisdiction" (外地司法管轄區) means a jurisdiction other than Hong Kong; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 2.

Amended 23 of 1998 s. 2)
"foreign law" (外地法律) means the law of a foreign jurisdiction; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 2. Amended 23 of 1998 s. 2)



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 2

"foreign lawyer" (外地律師) means a person registered as a foreign lawyer under Part IIIA; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 2.
Amended 23 of 1998 s. 2)

"higher rights of audience" (較高級法院出庭發言權) has the meaning given by section 39H(3); (Added 2 of 2010
s. 3)

"higher rights of audience certificate" (較高級法院出庭發言權證書) means a certificate issued under section 39P;
(Added 2 of 2010 s. 3)

"Hong Kong firm" (香港律師行) means a law firm in which-
(a) all of the partners are solicitors; or
(b) the sole practitioner of which is a solicitor; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 2. Amended 42 of 2000 s. 2)

"non-contentious business" (非爭訟事務) includes any business connected with sales, purchases, leases, mortgages
and other matters of conveyancing;

"notary public" (公證人) means a person who is registered on the register of notaries public and who, at the material
time, is not suspended from practice;

"partnership" (合夥) includes a limited liability partnership as defined by section 7AA; (Added 22 of 2012 s. 3)
"Postgraduate Certificate in Laws" (法學專業證書) means a Postgraduate Certificate in Laws awarded by the

University of Hong Kong, the City University of Hong Kong, the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong or The
Chinese University of Hong Kong; (Added 1 of 1992 s. 2. Amended 100 of 1994 s. 5; 10 of 2008 s. 34)

"practising certificate" (執業證書) means-
(a) a certificate issued by the Society under section 6; (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
(b) a certificate issued by the Bar Council under section 30; and (Replaced 58 of 1976 s. 2. Amended 70

of 1991 s. 2; 27 of 1998 s. 5)
(c) a certificate issued by the Society of Notaries under section 40E; (Added 27 of 1998 s. 5)

"qualified person" (合資格人士) means a person qualified for admission as a solicitor; (Added 50 of 1982 s. 2)
"register of notaries public" (公證人註冊紀錄冊) means the register kept by the Registrar in accordance with the

provisions of section 40C; (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
"Registrar" (司法常務官) means the Registrar of the High Court and any senior deputy registrar, deputy registrar or

assistant registrar of the High Court; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 10 of 2005 s. 175)
"roll of barristers" (大律師登記冊) means the roll kept by the Registrar in accordance with the provisions of section

29;
"roll of solicitors" (律師登記冊) means the roll kept by the Registrar in accordance with the provisions of section 5;
"Society" and "Law Society" (律師會) mean The Law Society of Hong Kong; (Replaced 14 of 1970 s. 2. Amended

27 of 1998 s. 5)
"Society of Notaries" (公證人協會) means the body known as Hong Kong Society of Notaries incorporated with

limited liability under the Companies Ordinance (Cap 32) as in force at the time and having among its objects
the promotion of proper professional standards among notaries public, the regulation of the practice of notaries
public and the performance or discharge of such duties or responsibilities as may be conferred on it under this
Ordinance; (Added 27 of 1998 s. 5. Amended L.N. 206 of 2003; 28 of 2012 ss. 912 & 920)

"solicitor" (律師) means a person who is enrolled on the roll of solicitors and who, at the material time, is not
suspended from practice;

"solicitor advocate" (訟辯律師) means a person who has higher rights of audience under Part IIIB; (Added 2 of 2010
s. 3)

"trainee solicitor contract" (實習律師合約) means a contract in writing, whether entered into before or after the
commencement of this Ordinance, under which a person is employed as an articled clerk or trainee solicitor for
the purpose of being admitted as a solicitor; (Added 70 of 1991 s. 2)

"unqualified person" (不合資格人士) means a person who is not a solicitor.
(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 2; 61 of 1992 s. 2)

(1A) In this Ordinance, a reference to the Department of Justice shall, in relation to any period of time before 1
July 1997, be deemed to be a reference to the then Legal Department. (Added 11 of 1999 s. 3)

(2) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that any conduct of a trainee solicitor or employee of a
solicitor which would reasonably be regarded as disgraceful, dishonourable or discreditable by a solicitor of good



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 3

repute shall be deemed misconduct. (Added 25 of 1968 s. 2. Amended 1 of 1981 s. 2; 70 of 1991 s. 13)
(3) Any rules made under section 73(1)(d) or (f) shall, subject to section 73(3) and unless the context otherwise

requires, apply to a qualified person as they apply to a solicitor. (Added 50 of 1982 s. 2)

Part: II Solicitors E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(*Format changes—E.R. 1 of 2015)
____________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* The format of Part II has been updated to the current legislative styles.

Section: 3 Power of Court to admit solicitors E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1)-(1B) (Repealed 60 of 1994 s. 3)
(2) Every solicitor shall be an officer of the Court and shall be subject to the jurisdiction thereof in accordance with

the provisions of the High Court Ordinance (Cap 4) and of this Ordinance. (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, the Court or any judge thereof may, in so far as it is not inconsistent

with the Basic Law, exercise the same jurisdiction in respect of any person admitted to practise as a solicitor in
the Court as was exercisable immediately before 1 July 1997 by the then High Court or any judge thereof, as the
case may be, in respect of any person admitted to practise as a solicitor in the then High Court. (Replaced 11 of
1999 s. 3)


Section: 4 Qualifications for admission E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) The Court may, in such manner as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice, admit as a solicitor of the High Court
a person who the Court considers is a fit and proper person to be a solicitor and who- (Amended 25 of 1998 s.
2)
(a) has complied with requirements prescribed by the Council with respect to employment as a trainee solicitor,

the passing of examinations and the completion of courses; or
(b) in the case of a person who seeks admission on the basis of qualifications acquired outside Hong Kong,

qualifies for admission under requirements prescribed by the Council. (Replaced 60 of 1994 s. 4)
(1A) The Court shall not admit a person under this section unless it has received from the Society a certificate to the

effect that the Society is satisfied that the person-
(a) has resided in Hong Kong for at least 3 months immediately before his admission;
(b) intends to reside in Hong Kong for at least 3 months immediately after his admission;
(c) has been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for at least 7 years; or
(d) has been present in Hong Kong for at least 180 days of each of at least 7 years. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 4)

(1B) The court may, when admitting a person as a solicitor, sit in chambers. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 4)
(2) A person shall not be disqualified from admission as a solicitor by reason only that-

(a) a solicitor who employed him or acted as his principal for the whole term or such part of a term of a trainee
solicitor contract as may be prescribed by the Council has neglected or omitted to take out a practising
certificate; or (Amended 50 of 1982 s. 3; 70 of 1991 s. 13; 60 of 1994 s. 4)

(b) the name of the solicitor who employed him as a trainee solicitor or acted as his principal for any period has
after the termination of that period been removed from or struck off the roll of solicitors. (Amended 70 of
1991 s. 13; 60 of 1994 s. 4)

(3) Where a person who was admitted as a solicitor on the basis of an intention referred to in subsection (1A)(b)
fails to reside in Hong Kong for at least 3 months immediately after his admission, the Court may, on the
application of the Society, order that the person's name be removed from or struck off the roll of solicitors.
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 4)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 3 U.K.]

Section: 5 Roll of solicitors E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) The Registrar shall keep a roll of all solicitors admitted by the Court under section 4 and shall have the custody
of the roll of solicitors and of all documents relating thereto and shall allow any person to inspect the roll during



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 4

office hours without payment.
(2) The Registrar, upon production of a certificate of admission signed by a judge and upon payment to the

Registrar and to the Society of such fees as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice, shall enter on the roll of
solicitors the name of the person admitted.

(3) The Chief Judge may, if he thinks fit, at any time order the Registrar to replace on the roll of solicitors the name
of a solicitor whose name has been removed or struck off the roll of solicitors. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 99)

(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 5)
[cf. 1957 c. 27 ss. 6, 7 & 8 U.K.]


Section: 6 Practising certificates-solicitors L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) The Society, on application in writing by a solicitor in the month of November in any year in a form approved
by the Council and on payment of such fee as may be so prescribed, shall, subject to subsection (3), issue to the
applicant a practising certificate as a solicitor for the period of one calendar year from 1 January next following
the date of the application. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 6)

(1A) A practising certificate issued to a solicitor admitted under section 3(1AD) before the repeal of that provision by
the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance 1994 (60 of 1994) is subject to the condition that the solicitor
shall not practise on his own account or in partnership. (Added 46 of 1989 s. 3. Amended 60 of 1994 s. 6)

(2) A practising certificate issued under subsection (1) shall be in such form as may be prescribed by the Council.
(3) A practising certificate shall not be issued under subsection (1) unless the applicant has, where necessary,

delivered to the Council an accountant's report under section 8, complied with any indemnity rules made by the
Council under section 73A (other than subsection (3)(fa)) or is exempt from them and has paid to the Society the
membership subscription in respect of the year for which the practising certificate is to be issued. (Amended 75
of 1980 s. 2; 22 of 2012 s. 4)

(4) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Society may, upon such conditions as it thinks fit, permit an application for
a practising certificate to be made under this subsection at any time and upon such application may issue to the
applicant a practising certificate for any period not exceeding one calendar year and ending on 31 December in
the year in which it is issued.

(5) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Society may-
(a) refuse to issue a practising certificate on such grounds as may be prescribed by the Council;
(b) issue a practising certificate to an applicant subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Council;
(c) issue a practising certificate to an applicant subject to the condition that he shall comply with any

continuing legal education rules made under section 73; (Added 70 of 1991 s. 4)
(d) refuse to issue a practising certificate if the applicant has not complied with any continuing legal education

rules made under section 73; or (Added 70 of 1991 s. 4)
(e) amend an already issued certificate by adding such conditions as may be prescribed by the Council. (Added

70 of 1991 s. 4. Amended 23 of 2002 s. 100)
(5A) Where the Society considers that a solicitor has not complied with conditions imposed under subsection (5) or

(6) it may, after affording the solicitor the opportunity to make representations, suspend or cancel the solicitor's
practising certificate with or without refunding the certificate fee. (Added 70 of 1991 s. 4)

(6) It shall be a condition of a practising certificate issued for the first time on or after 1 August 1976 to any solicitor
who does not satisfy the Council that since being admitted as a solicitor he has been bona fide employed in the
practice of a solicitor in Hong Kong for at least 2 years prior to his application for such practising certificate,
that he shall not practise as a solicitor on his own account or in partnership until he satisfies the Council that
since being admitted as a solicitor he has been bona fide employed in the practice of a solicitor in Hong Kong
for at least 2 years. (Amended 22 of 1979 s. 2; 46 of 1989 s. 3)

(6A) If the Council considers that an applicant has acquired substantial experience in the law either in Hong Kong or
elsewhere, the Council may waive the 2 year employment requirement in subsection (6) or it may reduce the
period of 2 years to a period it considers appropriate. (Replaced 60 of 1994 s. 6)

(7) Where the name of a solicitor is removed from or struck off the roll of solicitors or where a solicitor becomes
bankrupt, the practising certificate of that solicitor shall automatically determine and in any such case no part of
the fee paid in respect thereof shall be repayable. (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 7)

(8) The publication in the Gazette by the Society of a list of the names and addresses of those solicitors who have
obtained practising certificates for the period stated therein shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that
each person named therein is a person qualified under section 7 to act as a solicitor and to whom a practising



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 5

certificate for the period stated in such list has been issued under this section; and the absence from any such list
of the name of any person shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that such person is an unqualified
person.

(9) Where the Society, in the exercise of the powers conferred on it under subsection (5) or (5A), refuses to issue a
practising certificate, issues a certificate subject to conditions, amends a certificate by adding conditions or
suspends or cancels a certificate, the solicitor may appeal to the Chief Judge against the decision of the Society
within 1 month of being notified of it. (Amended 70 of 1991 s. 4; 23 of 2002 s. 100)

(10) Where the Council refuses to disapply subsection (6) in the case of an applicant who claims to have acquired
substantial experience in the law, either in Hong Kong or elsewhere, the applicant may appeal to the Chief Judge
against the decision of the Council within 1 month of being informed of that decision. (Amended 60 of 1994 s.
6; 23 of 2002 s. 100)

(11) On an appeal to the Chief Judge under subsection (9) or (10) he may- (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 100)
(a) affirm the decision of the Society or Council;
(b) direct the Society to issue a practising certificate to the appellant free from conditions or subject to such

conditions as he thinks fit; or (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 100)
(c) remit the matter to the Society or Council for reconsideration with such directions as he thinks fit. (Added

23 of 2002 s. 100)
(12) Where the Chief Judge affirms a decision of the Society or Council under paragraph (a) of subsection (11) or

directs the Society to issue a practising certificate under paragraph (b) of that subsection, the decision of the
Chief Judge shall be final. (Added 23 of 2002 s. 100)

(Replaced 58 of 1976 s. 4. Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2)

Section: 7 Qualifications for practising as solicitor L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


No person shall be qualified to act as a solicitor unless-
(a) his name is for the time being on the roll of solicitors;
(b) he is not suspended from practice;
(c) he has in force a current practising certificate; and (Replaced 46 of 1989 s. 4)
(d) he is complying with any indemnity rules made by the Council under section 73A (other than subsection

(3)(fa)) that apply to him or is exempt from them. (Added 75 of 1980 s. 3. Amended 23 of 2002 s. 101; 22
of 2012 s. 5)

[cf. 1975 c. 27 s. 1 U.K.]

Section: 7A Solicitors may exercise functions of commissioner for oaths E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) For the purpose of administering and receiving an oath, affidavit or affirmation any solicitor who holds a current
practising certificate shall possess and may exercise all the powers of a commissioner for oaths that are
conferred by or under any law.

(2) A document containing an oath, affidavit or affirmation administered and received under subsection (1) and
purporting to be signed by a solicitor shall be admitted in evidence without proof of the signature of the solicitor,
and without proof that he is a solicitor who holds a current practising certificate.

(Added 29 of 1977 s. 2. Amended 60 of 1994 s. 7)

Part: IIAAA LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIPS L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(Part IIAAA added 22 of 2012 s. 6)

Section: 7AA Definitions (Part IIAAA) L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) In this Part—
"default" (失責行為) means any negligent or wrongful act or omission, or any misconduct;
"distribution" (分發), in relation to partnership property, means a transfer of money or other partnership property by a

partnership to a partner, whether as a share of profits, return of contributions to capital, repayment of advances
or otherwise;



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 6

"limited liability partnership" (有限法律責任合夥), except for the reference in section 7AL(3) to a limited liability
partnership under the law of a foreign jurisdiction, has the meaning given by section 7AB;

"partnership obligation" (合夥義務), in relation to a partnership, means any debt, obligation or liability of the
partnership, other than debts, obligations or liabilities of the partners as between themselves, or as between
themselves and the partnership;

"partnership property" (合夥財產) has the same meaning as in the Partnership Ordinance (Cap 38).
(2) If a law firm is constituted as a limited liability partnership when it commences business in Hong Kong, a

reference in this Part to the date on which it becomes a limited liability partnership is a reference to the date on which
it commences business in Hong Kong.

Section: 7AB Limited liability partnership L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


For the purposes of this Part, a limited liability partnership is a partnership that is for the time being—
(a) a Hong Kong firm or a foreign firm; and
(b) designated by written agreement between the partners as a partnership to which this Part applies.


Section: 7AC Protection from liability of partners in limited liability

partnership
L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016



(1) A partner in a limited liability partnership is not, solely by reason of being a partner, jointly or severally
liable for any partnership obligation (whether founded on tort, contract or otherwise) that arises from the provision of
professional services by the partnership as a limited liability partnership as a result of a default of—

(a) another partner; or
(b) an employee, agent or representative of the partnership.

(2) Subsection (1) applies irrespective of whether the liability is in the form of indemnification, contribution or
otherwise.

(3) Subsection (1) applies only if at the time of the default—
(a) the partnership was a limited liability partnership;
(b) the client knew or ought reasonably to have known that the partnership was a limited liability

partnership;
(c) the partnership had complied with section 7AD; and
(d) the partnership had complied with section 7AE(2) for the matter in respect of which the default

occurred.

Section: 7AD Top-up insurance requirement for limited liability

partnership
L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016



(1) In this section—
"Indemnity" (基本彌償) has the same meaning as it has in the Solicitors (Professional Indemnity) Rules (Cap 159

sub. leg. M);
"prescribed amount" (訂明款額) means the maximum amount of the Indemnity specified in subparagraph (1) of

paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Solicitors (Professional Indemnity) Rules (Cap 159 sub. leg. M) without
reducing that amount for any deductibles referred to in subparagraph (2) of that paragraph.
(2) Every limited liability partnership that is a Hong Kong firm must have in existence, in addition to the

Indemnity, a policy of insurance—
(a) under which the partnership is entitled to be indemnified to the specified extent against any loss arising

from any claim in respect of any default; and
(b) which complies with any indemnity rules made under section 73A(3)(fa).

(3) A reference to indemnifying against a loss to the specified extent in subsection (2) means indemnifying
against the part of the loss that exceeds the prescribed amount up to an amount not less than $10000000 in respect of
any one claim.

(4) Every limited liability partnership that is a foreign firm must have in existence a policy of insurance—
(a) under which the partnership is entitled to be indemnified to the specified extent against any loss arising



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 7

from any claim in respect of any default; and
(b) which complies with any indemnity rules made under section 73A(3)(fa).

(5) A reference to indemnifying against a loss to the specified extent in subsection (4) means indemnifying
against the part of the loss that exceeds the limit of insurance coverage required under section 6 of the Foreign
Lawyers Registration Rules (Cap 159 sub. leg. S) up to an amount not less than $10000000 in respect of any one
claim.

(6) A policy of insurance maintained by a partnership under subsection (2) or (4) must not be subject to any
limit as to the amount of liability of an insurer for claims in the aggregate or as to the number of claims.

(7) The Council may, subject to the prior approval of the Chief Justice, by notice published in the Gazette
amend subsections (3) and (5) by substituting another amount that is not less than $10000000 for the amount in each
of those subsections.

Section: 7AE Requirements relating to overall supervising partners L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) For each matter handled by a limited liability partnership for a client there must, throughout the time it is
handled, be at least one partner who is responsible for the overall supervision of the matter (“overall supervising
partner”).

(2) For each matter handled by a limited liability partnership for a client, the partnership must—
(a) not later than 21 days after the partnership accepts instructions on the matter, inform the client of the

identity of at least one overall supervising partner for the matter; and
(b) subject to paragraph (a), throughout the time that the matter is handled by the partnership, keep the

client informed of the identity of at least one overall supervising partner for the matter.
(3) During the period when a limited liability partnership is handling a matter for a client or after that period,

the client may request a person specified in subsection (4) to provide the client with a list of the names of—
(a) all other partners (if any) who are or were (as appropriate) overall supervising partners for the matter;

and
(b) all other partners (if any) who are or were (as appropriate) responsible for the supervision of any

particular parts of the matter.
(4) The following persons are specified for the purposes of subsection (3)—

(a) any overall supervising partner for the matter, as last informed to the client by the partnership;
(b) if each person last informed to the client by the partnership to be an overall supervising partner for the

matter is no longer a partner in the partnership, the partnership.
(5) A person specified in subsection (4) must, not later than 21 days from receiving a request under subsection

(3), provide the client with the list referred to in subsection (3) to the best of the knowledge of the person.

Section: 7AF Limitations on section 7AC(1) protection L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) Section 7AC(1) does not protect a partner from liability if the partner—
(a) knew of the default at the time of its occurrence; and
(b) failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent its occurrence.

(2) Section 7AC(1) does not protect a partner from liability arising from a default in respect of a matter handled
by the partnership if the default is—

(a) the partner’s default; or
(b) a default of an employee, agent or representative of the partnership who was under the direct

supervision of the partner in respect of the matter at the time of the default.
(3) Section 7AC(1) does not protect any interest of a partner in the partnership property from claims against the

partnership.

Section: 7AG Indemnification under partnership agreement not affected L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


Nothing in this Part affects any right of a partner in a limited liability partnership to be indemnified by another
partner, or any obligation of a partner to indemnify another partner, under a written agreement made between the
partners.




Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 8

Section: 7AH Effect of section 7AC(1) on proceedings L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


If a partner is protected from liability by section 7AC(1)—
(a) the partner is not, separately, a proper party to any proceedings brought against the partnership for the

purpose of recovering damages or claiming other relief in respect of the liability; and
(b) the proceedings may, if they could apart from this section be brought against the partnership, continue

to be so brought.

Section: 7AI Advance notice to Society in respect of limited liability

partnership
L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016



(1) A law firm must ensure that, at least 7 days before the date on which it becomes a limited liability
partnership, a written notice of the following particulars is given to the Society—

(a) the date on which the firm becomes a limited liability partnership;
(b) the name of the partnership;
(c) in the case of a Hong Kong firm—

(i) the name of each partner in the partnership;
(ii) each address at which the partnership carries on its business;

(d) in the case of a foreign firm—
(i) the name of each partner in the partnership who is ordinarily resident in Hong Kong;
(ii) each address at which the partnership carries on its business in Hong Kong;

(e) any other particulars prescribed by rules made under section 73.
(2) A law firm must ensure that, at least 7 days before the date on which it ceases to be a limited liability

partnership, a written notice of that date is given to the Society.

Section: 7AJ Name of limited liability partnership L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


A limited liability partnership must—
(a) if it has a Chinese name, include the words “有限法律責任合夥” as part of that Chinese name;

and
(b) if it has an English name, include the following as part of that English name—

(i) the words “Limited Liability Partnership”; or
(ii) the abbreviation “LLP” or “L.L.P.”.


Section: 7AK Notification of name by limited liability partnership L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) A limited liability partnership must display its name, in a clearly visible and legible manner, at or outside
every office or place in which it carries on its business.

(2) A limited liability partnership must state its name, in a clearly visible and legible manner, in its
correspondence, notices, publications, invoices and bills of costs, and on its websites.

Section: 7AL Notice by limited liability partnership to existing clients L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a law firm must, within 30 days after it becomes a limited liability
partnership, by written notice inform each of its existing clients of that fact.

(2) A specified foreign firm must, within 30 days after it becomes a limited liability partnership, by written
notice inform each of its existing clients in Hong Kong of that fact.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), a foreign firm is a specified foreign firm if, before becoming a limited
liability partnership, it has been carrying on, in a foreign jurisdiction, the practice of law as a limited liability
partnership under the law of that jurisdiction.

(4) A written notice issued under this section must be in a form specified by the Council.
(5) The form specified under subsection (4) must include a brief statement stating how liabilities of partners in

a law firm are affected under sections 7AC, 7AD, 7AE and 7AF by the law firm becoming a limited liability



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 9

partnership.
(6) In this section, “existing client” (現有當事人), in relation to a law firm, means a person who is a client

of the firm at the time the firm becomes a limited liability partnership.
(7) For the purposes of subsection (2), an existing client of a specified foreign firm is its existing client in Hong

Kong if—
(a) the client is a body corporate, and it has its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong; or
(b) the client is not a body corporate, and the last correspondence address provided by the client to the

firm is in Hong Kong.
(8) This section does not apply to a law firm that is constituted as a limited liability partnership when it

commences business in Hong Kong.

Section: 7AM Other requirements relating to practice of law firm not

affected
L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016



Sections 7AD, 7AE, 7AI, 7AJ, 7AK and 7AL are in addition to, and do not affect, any other provisions relating
to the practice of a law firm as prescribed by rules made under section 73 or 73A or contained in The Hong Kong
Solicitors’ Guide to Professional Conduct.

Section: 7AN Provisions regulating distribution of partnership property L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) If a limited liability partnership makes a distribution of any of its partnership property to one or more
persons (each being a partner or an assignee of a partner’s share in the partnership), and immediately after the
distribution—

(a) the partnership is unable to pay its partnership obligations as they become due; or
(b) the value of the remaining partnership property is less than the partnership obligations,

then each of the persons is liable to the partnership to the extent specified in subsection (4).
(2) However, a person who receives a distribution as described in subsection (1) is not liable under that

subsection if the person proves that—
(a) immediately before making the distribution, the limited liability partnership made a reasonable

assessment that the financial position of the partnership would not be as described in subsection (1)
immediately after the distribution; and

(b) the partnership arrived at the assessment after exercising reasonable diligence and based on
information obtained for the purpose of the assessment or otherwise available at the time of the
assessment.

(3) In determining whether the partnership made a reasonable assessment as referred to in subsection (2)(a), a
court may have regard to all the circumstances of the case including, without limitation, whether the assessment was
based—

(a) on financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting practices and principles that are reasonable
in the circumstances;

(b) on a fair valuation; or
(c) on any other method that is reasonable in the circumstances.

(4) A person who is liable under subsection (1) is liable to the partnership for—
(a) the value of the property received by the person as a result of the distribution; or
(b) the amount necessary to discharge the partnership obligations at the time of the distribution,

whichever is the lesser.
(5) Proceedings to enforce any of the liabilities arising under this section as a result of the distribution may be

brought by—
(a) the partnership;
(b) any partner in the partnership; or
(c) any person to whom the partnership owes any partnership obligation at the time of the distribution.

(6) In this section, a reference to partnership obligation is a reference to partnership obligation whether actual
or contingent.

(7) This section does not affect a payment made as reasonable compensation for current services provided by a



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 10

partner to the partnership, to the extent that the payment would be reasonable if paid to a person who is an employee
of, but not a partner in, the partnership as compensation for similar services.

(8) No proceedings to enforce a liability under this section may be commenced later than 2 years after the date
of the distribution to which the liability relates.

Section: 7AO List of limited liability partnerships L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) The Council must keep a list of law firms that are or have been limited liability partnerships.
(2) The list must, in relation to each such law firm, contain—

(a) its name;
(b) each address at which it carries on its business or, if it has ceased its business, each address at which it

last carried on its business; and
(c) the date on which it first became a limited liability partnership and, if applicable, the dates from which

or periods during which it has ceased to be a limited liability partnership.
(3) As soon as practicable after becoming aware of any matter that would require the list to be updated, the

Council must update the list accordingly.
(4) For the purpose of enabling any member of the public to ascertain whether a law firm is, or has been, a

limited liability partnership and to ascertain the particulars of the partnership, the Council must make the list available
for public inspection, free of charge, at the office of the Council during office hours.

Section: 7AP No dissolution of partnership, etc. L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) The fact that a partnership becomes, or ceases to be, a limited liability partnership—
(a) does not cause the partnership—

(i) to be dissolved; or
(ii) to cease continuing in existence as a partnership; and

(b) does not affect any of the rights and liabilities (whether actual or contingent) of the partnership, or of
any person as a partner, that have been acquired, accrued or incurred before the partnership becomes,
or ceases to be, a limited liability partnership.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) operates subject to any written agreement between the partners to the contrary.

Section: 7AQ This Part to prevail over inconsistent agreement L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) In relation to a limited liability partnership, this Part prevails over any inconsistent provisions in any
agreement between any persons, whether as partners in the partnership or otherwise.

(2) To avoid doubt, this section does not affect the operation of sections 7AG and 7AP(2).

Section: 7AR Law not inconsistent with this Part applies L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) All relevant laws, except so far as they are inconsistent with this Part, apply in relation to a partnership that
is a limited liability partnership.

(2) In this section, “relevant laws” (有關法律) means the Partnership Ordinance (Cap 38) and every other
law that applies in relation to a partnership (whether an enactment, or a rule of equity or of common law).

Section: 8 Accountant's reports E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) Every solicitor and foreign lawyer shall once in each period of 12 months ending with 31 October or such other
date as may be prescribed by the Council, unless he satisfies the Council that owing to the circumstances of his
case it is unnecessary so to do, deliver by post or otherwise to the Council a report signed by an accountant
(hereinafter referred to as an accountant's report) and containing such information as may be prescribed by
rules made by the Council under section 73(1)(b):

Provided that an accountant's report shall be delivered to the Council not more than 6 months (or such other
period as any rules made under section 73(1)(b) may prescribe) after the end of the accounting period specified
in that report. (Replaced 25 of 1968 s. 4) [cf. 1965 c. 31 s. 9 U.K.]



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 11

(2) Subject as may be prescribed by the Council, the accounting period for the purposes of an accountant's report
shall-
(a) begin at the expiry of the last preceding accounting period for which an accountant's report has been

delivered;
(b) cover not less than 12 months;
(c) terminate not more than 6 months, or such lesser period as may be prescribed by the Council, before the

date of the delivery of the report to the Council; and
(d) where possible, consistently with paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) correspond to a period or consecutive periods

for which the accounts of the solicitor, or foreign lawyer, or his firm, are ordinarily made up. (Amended 25
of 1968 s. 4) [cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 30 U.K.]

(3) If a solicitor or foreign lawyer fails to comply with the provisions of this section or any requirements relating to
accounts which may be prescribed by the Council any person may make a complaint in respect of that failure to
the Council.

(Amended 58 of 1976 s. 5; 52 of 1980 s. 2; 60 of 1994 s. 8)

Section: 8A Council may examine documents if solicitor or foreign

lawyer is unfit
E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015



(1) Where the Council considers that a solicitor or foreign lawyer may be unfit to practise the Council may, if it
considers it necessary for the purpose of investigating the matter, require the solicitor, the foreign lawyer or his
firm to produce or deliver to a person appointed by the Council, at a time and place fixed by the Council, all
documents in the possession of the solicitor, the foreign lawyer or his firm that the Council specifies either
particularly or generally.

(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the Council may take the following factors into account in deciding whether to
act under subsection (1)-
(a) the solicitor's or foreign lawyer's mental and physical health;
(b) the solicitor's or foreign lawyer's ability to supervise his practice;
(c) the nature and frequency of complaints made against the solicitor or foreign lawyer;
(d) the solicitor's or foreign lawyer's financial position;
(e) conviction of the solicitor or foreign lawyer for an offence for which a sentence of imprisonment is

possible; and
(f) the number of successful claims made against the solicitor or foreign lawyer for negligence or breach of

duty.
(3) After considering a report of the person appointed under subsection (1) and any written representations made by

or on behalf of the solicitor or foreign lawyer, if the Council considers that the solicitor or foreign lawyer is unfit
to practise, the Council shall submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
Panel and may suspend the solicitor from practice or suspend the foreign lawyer's registration pending a decision
of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal constituted to deal with the matter.

(4) On an application-
(a) made in writing by or on behalf of the solicitor or foreign lawyer; and
(b) supported by relevant documents,

the Council may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances that gave rise to the suspension under subsection (3) no
longer exist or otherwise considers appropriate, revoke the suspension at any time before the Solicitors
Disciplinary Tribunal makes a decision. (Added 18 of 2014 s. 57)

(5) The Council may, if it is satisfied that the circumstances that gave rise to the revocation under subsection (4) no
longer exist or otherwise considers appropriate, restore the suspension at any time after the revocation but before
the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal makes a decision. (Added 18 of 2014 s. 57)

(6) The Council may take into account any of the factors set out in subsection (2)(a) to (f) in deciding whether to act
under subsection (4) or (5). (Added 18 of 2014 s. 57)

(Added 61 of 1992 s. 4. Amended 60 of 1994 s. 9)

Section: 8AA Appointment and powers of inspector E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) The Council may appoint a person as an inspector to assist the Council-
(a) in verifying compliance by a solicitor, a foreign lawyer, a trainee solicitor or an employee of a solicitor or



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 12

foreign lawyer with the provisions of this Ordinance or any practice direction issued by the Society;
(b) in determining for the purpose of section 9A whether the conduct of any solicitor, foreign lawyer, trainee

solicitor or employee of a solicitor or foreign lawyer should be inquired into or investigated; or
(c) in relation to an inquiry or investigation under section 9B.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an inspector may-
(a) in relation to any person who acts or purports to act as an employee of a solicitor in the premises of any

court or place of lawful detention-
(i) question there and then the person as to his name, identity card number, the identity of any client for

whom he acts or purports to act on that occasion and the name of the firm of which he acts or purports
to act as the employee; and

(ii) require the person to produce for inspection there and then all documents in his possession that the
inspector reasonably suspects to be relevant to any matter referred to in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) and
copy or seize any of the documents; and

(b) (i) subject to subsection (3), require a solicitor, a foreign lawyer or an employee of a solicitor or foreign
lawyer to produce or deliver to him for inspection, at a time and place specified by him, all documents
in the possession of the solicitor, foreign lawyer or employee of a solicitor or foreign lawyer that the
inspector reasonably suspects to be relevant to any matter referred to in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) and
specifies particularly or generally; and

(ii) copy or seize any of the documents produced or delivered under subparagraph (i).
(3) An inspector shall not exercise his power under subsection (2)(b)(i) except under a direction of the Council to do

so.
(4) No liability shall be incurred by any person in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him in good

faith in the exercise of any power under this section.
(5) In this section, identity card (身分證 ) means an identity card issued under the Registration of Persons

Ordinance (Cap 177).
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 10)


Section: 8AAA Additional powers of an inspector E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) In this section inspector (調查員) means an inspector appointed under section 8AA.
(2) The Council may direct an inspector to assist it in gathering evidence in respect of a matter the Council is

considering for the purpose of deciding whether or not it should be submitted to the Tribunal Convenor of the
Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Panel.

(3) For the purposes of this section, an inspector may question-
(a) persons who are, or were at the material time, members or employees of any law firm; or
(b) where authorized by the Council, any other persons whom the inspector considers may be able to assist the

Council.
(Added 42 of 2000 s. 3)


Section: 8B Document production and privilege E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) For the purpose of enforcing the production of documents required by the Council under section 8A, section 11
applies and references in section 11 to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and to the Chairman of the Solicitors
Disciplinary Tribunal shall be deemed to be references respectively to the Council and to the President of the
Society.

(2) Documents required by the Council under section 8A or by an inspector under section 8AA shall be produced or
delivered notwithstanding any claim of solicitor-client privilege but documents that are subject to a solicitor-
client privilege may only be used for the purposes of an inquiry or investigation under this Ordinance.
(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 11)

(Added 61 of 1992 s. 4)

Section: 9 Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Panel E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) The Chief Justice shall appoint a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Panel consisting of not more than 120



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 13

practising solicitors of at least 10 years' standing, not more than 10 foreign lawyers and not more than 60 lay
persons who are not, in the opinion of the Chief Justice, connected in any way with the practice of law.
(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 12; 42 of 2000 s. 4)

(2) A member of the Council is not eligible to be appointed to or remain on the Panel.
(3) A person appointed to the Panel shall be appointed for a term specified by the Chief Justice not to exceed 5 years

but may be reappointed for a further term or terms.
(4) The Chief Justice shall appoint a solicitor as the Tribunal Convenor for a 3 year term and he may appoint one or

more solicitors on the Panel and one or more foreign lawyers on the Panel as Deputy Tribunal Convenors for 3
year terms. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 12; 23 of 2002 s. 102)

(5) If the Tribunal Convenor is precluded by illness, absence from Hong Kong or any other cause from exercising
his functions under this Ordinance, a Deputy Tribunal Convenor may act in his place. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 12)

(6) The Tribunal Convenor and a Deputy Tribunal Convenor who acts in the place of the Tribunal Convenor in
circumstances mentioned in subsection (5) may be remunerated by the Society. (Added 23 of 2002 s. 102)

(Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 5)

Section: 9A Complaint about conduct of solicitor, foreign lawyer, etc. E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) Where the Council considers that the conduct of a person who is, or was at the relevant time, a solicitor, a
foreign lawyer, a trainee solicitor or an employee of a solicitor or foreign lawyer should be inquired into or
investigated as a result of a complaint being made to it or otherwise, the Council shall submit the matter to the
Tribunal Convenor of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Panel. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 13)

(1A) Notwithstanding subsection (1), if the conduct involves an alleged breach of-
(a) a provision of this Ordinance;
(b) a practice direction issued by the Society; or
(c) a principle of professional conduct contained in The Hong Kong Solicitors' Guide to Professional Conduct,

prescribed in rules made by the Council, and the Council considers that that matter is suitable for disposal by the
Tribunal Convenor under section 9AB, the Council may submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor for such
disposal subject to the conditions mentioned in subsection (1) of that section being satisfied. (Added 23 of 2002
s. 103)

(1B) In considering whether a matter is suitable for disposal by the Tribunal Convenor under section 9AB, the
Council may take into account the following-
(a) whether the alleged breach is deliberate;
(b) whether the alleged breach has been committed with a dishonest intent;
(c) the gravity of the alleged breach;
(d) any other factor it considers relevant. (Added 23 of 2002 s. 103)

(2) Where a complaint is made to the Council and the Council does not submit a matter to the Tribunal Convenor
under subsection (1) within 6 months after receiving the complaint the Chief Judge may, on application by any
person or on his own initiative, submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor if he considers that the Council
ought to have done so. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 103)

(Added 61 of 1992 s. 5)

Section: 9AB Power of Tribunal Convenor to dispose of certain

complaints
E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015



(1) The Tribunal Convenor of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal Panel shall dispose of a matter submitted under
section 9A(1A) if the person in respect of whom the submission is made-
(a) admits liability for the breach of a prescribed provision, practice direction or principle of professional

conduct as alleged; and
(b) agrees to the matter being disposed of by the Tribunal Convenor under this section,
in the manner prescribed in rules made by the Council.

(2) The Tribunal Convenor shall dispose of a matter by making an order requiring the person concerned to pay,
within the time specified in the order, the fixed penalty and the Council's fixed investigation costs prescribed in
rules made by the Council for a breach of the relevant prescribed provision, practice direction or principle of
professional conduct.

(3) The fixed penalty shall be paid into the general revenue.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 14

(4) The Tribunal Convenor shall sign an order made under this section and file a copy of the signed order with the
Secretary General of the Society.

(5) Payment of an amount ordered to be paid by the Tribunal Convenor may be enforced as if it were an order
issued out of the Court on the production of a copy of the order signed by the Tribunal Convenor and the rules of
the Court, so far as applicable, apply to the order.

(6) An order filed with the Secretary General of the Society shall be available for inspection by any person affected
during such hours as the Council may decide.

(Added 23 of 2002 s. 104)

Section: 9B Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) On receipt of a submission under section 8A(3) or 9A in respect of a person who is, or was at the relevant time, a
solicitor, a trainee solicitor or an employee of a solicitor the Tribunal Convenor of the Solicitors Disciplinary
Tribunal Panel shall, unless it is a matter that is to be disposed of by the Tribunal Convenor under section 9AB,
appoint from the Panel 2 solicitors and one lay person to constitute a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to inquire
into and investigate the matter. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 14; 23 of 2002 s. 105)

(1A) On receipt of a submission under section 8A(3) or 9A in respect of a person who is, or was at the relevant time, a
foreign lawyer or an employee of a foreign lawyer the Tribunal Convenor of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
Panel shall, unless it is a matter that is to be disposed of by the Tribunal Convenor under section 9AB, appoint
from the Panel 2 solicitors, one foreign lawyer and one lay person to constitute a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
to inquire into and investigate the matter. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 14. Amended 23 of 2002 s. 105)

(2) The Tribunal members shall elect as chairman one of its members who is a solicitor.
(3) The Council may be represented at proceedings before the Tribunal.
(4) The Tribunal shall sit in camera in the places and at the times it directs.
(5) A member of the Tribunal who becomes a member of the Council may continue as a member of the Tribunal

notwithstanding section 9(2).
(Added 61 of 1992 s. 5)


Section: 10 Powers of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) A Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall have power to inquire into and investigate the conduct of any person in
respect of which it was appointed.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, on completion of its inquiry and investigation, a Solicitors
Disciplinary Tribunal shall have power to make such order as it thinks fit and any such order may, in particular,
include provision for all or any of the following matters-
(a) striking off the roll of solicitors the name of the solicitor to whom the inquiry or investigation relates;
(b) suspending that solicitor from practice for such period as the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall think fit;
(ba) permitting the solicitor to continue practice, but subject to conditions which may be imposed for up to 3

years; (Added 61 of 1992 s. 7)
(bb) payment by that solicitor or foreign lawyer to the complainant of an amount not exceeding the amount paid

to the solicitor or foreign lawyer by way of fees and disbursements in relation to the complainant's matters
in dispute; (Added 61 of 1992 s. 7. Amended 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(bc) payment by that solicitor to a fund established under section 73A of an amount not greater than an amount
paid out of the fund in respect of that solicitor; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(c) payment by that solicitor of a penalty not exceeding $500000 which shall be paid into the general revenue;
(d) censure of that solicitor or, if the inquiry or investigation relates to a solicitor's employee or a trainee

solicitor, of such employee or trainee solicitor; (Amended L.N. 153 of 1988)
(e) payment by any party of the costs of and incidental to the proceedings of the Tribunal and the costs of any

prior inquiry or investigation in relation to the matters before the Tribunal, to be taxed by a Master of the
High Court on a full indemnity basis, or payment of an amount that the Tribunal considers is a reasonable
contribution towards those costs; (Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 7. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(f) cancellation or suspension of the trainee solicitor contract of the trainee solicitor to whom the inquiry or
investigation relates; (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(g) prohibition of employment by any solicitor or foreign lawyer of any solicitor's employee or trainee solicitor
or foreign lawyer's employee, to whom the inquiry or investigation relates, for such period as the Solicitors



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 15

Disciplinary Tribunal may decide. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 15)
(h) cancelling the registration of the foreign lawyer to whom the inquiry or investigation relates; (Added 60 of

1994 s. 15)
(i) suspending the registration of the foreign lawyer for a period that the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal

considers appropriate; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 15)
(j) imposing conditions for the continued registration of the foreign lawyer for up to 3 years; (Added 60 of

1994 s. 15)
(k) payment by the foreign lawyer to the complainant of an amount not exceeding the amount paid to the

foreign lawyer by way of fees and disbursements in relation to the complainant's matters in dispute;
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(l) payment by the foreign lawyer of a penalty not exceeding $500000 which shall be paid into the general
revenue; and (Added 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(m) censure of the foreign lawyer or, if the complaint or investigation relates to a foreign lawyer's employee,
censure of the employee. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(3) Every order made under subsection (2) shall be filed with the secretary of the Society and shall be available for
inspection by any person affected during such hours as the Council may prescribe. (Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2;
60 of 1994 s. 15)

(4) An order that may be made under subsection (2) may also be made in respect of a person who was, at the
relevant time, a solicitor, a foreign lawyer, a trainee solicitor or an employee of a solicitor or foreign lawyer.
(Replaced 60 of 1994 s. 15)

(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 13; 61 of 1992 ss. 6 & 7)

Section: 11 Ancillary powers of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) For the purpose of conducting any such inquiry or investigation, a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall have all
such powers as are vested in the Court or in any judge in the course of any action or suit in respect of the
following matters- (Amended L.N. 162 of 1993)
(a) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them upon oath or otherwise;
(b) compelling the production of documents;
(c) punishing persons guilty of contempt;
(d) ordering an inspection of any property;
(e) conducting the examination of witnesses; and
(f) adjourning any meeting from time to time and from one place to another,

and a summons under the hand of the Chairman of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal may be substituted for and
shall be equivalent to any form of process capable of being issued in any action or suit for compelling the
attendance of witnesses or the production of documents and any warrant of committal to prison issued for the
purpose of enforcing any such powers as aforesaid shall be under the hand of such Chairman and shall not
authorize the imprisonment of any offender for a period exceeding 1 month.

(2) The Commissioner of Police and all police officers, officers of the court, gaolers and bailiffs of the court are
required to give their utmost assistance to every Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and to every chairman thereof,
in the enforcement of documents, warrants and orders issued in accordance with subsection (1) or otherwise.

(3) Every member of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall have the like protection and privileges, in relation to
any action or suit brought against him for any act done or omitted to be done in the execution of his duties as
such member, as is given by any law to a magistrate acting in the execution of his office.

(4) All proceedings of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and any order made in accordance with the provisions of
section 10 shall be privileged.

(Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6)

Section: 12 Findings of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) An order made by a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall include a statement of its findings in relation to the
facts of the case and shall be signed by the chairman or by a member authorized by the Tribunal.

(2) A signed copy of an order of a Tribunal in relation to a solicitor shall be filed with the Registrar who shall enter
a note of the order on the roll of solicitors in connection with the name of the solicitor and, where the order so
directs, the Registrar shall strike off the name and shall publish an order for suspension or striking off in the



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 16

Gazette within 14 days after receiving a copy of the order.
(2A) A signed copy of an order of a Tribunal in relation to a foreign lawyer shall be filed with the Secretary General

of the Society and, where the order so directs, the Secretary General shall publish an order for suspension or
cancellation of the registration in the Gazette within 14 days after receiving a copy of the order. (Added 60 of
1994 s. 16)

(3) The Tribunal that heard the matter or a Tribunal constituted for the purpose by the Tribunal Convenor may, on
the application of a party against whom an order for payment is made, order that payment may be paid by
instalments or be deferred for a period the Tribunal considers appropriate.

(4) An application for an order for payment by instalments, or for the deferring of payment, may be made at the
hearing or, within 14 days after the date of the order for payment, by notice in writing to the Tribunal Convenor
and to all parties who were represented at the Tribunal hearing.

(5) On receipt of a notice under subsection (4), the Tribunal Convenor shall, within 14 days, notify the applicant and
the other parties of the date on which the application will be heard by a Tribunal.

(6) There is no right of appeal from the decision of the Tribunal on an application under subsections (4).
(7) Payment of an amount ordered to be paid by the Tribunal may be enforced as if it were an order issued out of the

Court on the production of a copy of the order signed by the chairman or other authorized member of the
Tribunal and the rules of the Court, so far as applicable, apply to the order.

(8) No order under subsection (7) shall be enforced until after the 14 days referred to in subsection (4) has elapsed
or until after the Tribunal has made its decision under subsection (3).

(9) A signed copy of every order made by a Tribunal under section 10 shall be filed with the Secretary of the
Society of Notaries within 14 days after it is made by the Tribunal. (Added 27 of 1998 s. 5)

(Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 8)

Section: 13 Appeal and saving E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) Subject to section 12(6), an appeal against any order made by a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall lie to the
Court of Appeal and the provisions of Order 59 of the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg. A) shall apply to
every such appeal save that the time for serving notice of motion of appeal shall be 21 days from the date of the
decision and not 28 days as provided in the said Order. (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6; 25 of 1998 s. 2; 10 of 2005 s.
57; 10 of 2008 s. 31)

(2) Subject to subsection (2A), in any appeal under subsection (1) the Society shall be the respondent. (Amended 42
of 2000 s. 5)

(2A) The Council may, with leave of the Court of Appeal, appeal an order of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal under
subsection (1), in which case the Society shall be the appellant and the person whose conduct was the subject of
the inquiry by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal shall be the respondent. (Added 42 of 2000 s. 5)

(3) Nothing herein contained shall affect the jurisdiction of the Court under sections 3(2) and 45.
(4) The hearing of every appeal under this section shall be in open court unless, and to the extent to which, the Court

of Appeal may otherwise direct.
(Amended 92 of 1975 s. 59; 61 of 1992 s. 9)


Section: 13A Publication of findings of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) Unless, on application by the solicitor, the Court of Final Appeal, the Court of Appeal or the Solicitors
Disciplinary Tribunal otherwise orders, the Society may, after the expiry of the time for filing an appeal under
section 13 or, if such an appeal has been made, after the appeal is finally determined, as the case may be, publish
a summary of the finding and order of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and the name of the solicitor who was
the subject of the finding and order in any publication produced by, or at the direction of, the Society.
(Amended 10 of 2005 s. 59)

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), an appeal to the Court of Appeal shall be deemed to be finally determined
when the earliest of the following events occurs, whichever is applicable in the circumstances-
(a) when the appeal to the Court of Appeal is withdrawn or abandoned;
(b) when the specified period expires without an application for leave to appeal having been made to the Court

of Appeal;
(c) if, before the expiry of the specified period, an application for leave to appeal is made to the Court of

Appeal-



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 17

(i) when the application is withdrawn or abandoned;
(ii) if the application is refused, when the specified period expires without an application for leave to

appeal having been made to the Court of Final Appeal; or
(iii) if the application is granted, when the appeal to the Court of Final Appeal is withdrawn, abandoned or

disposed of; or
(d) if, before the expiry of the specified period, an application for leave to appeal is made to the Court of Final

Appeal-
(i) when the application is withdrawn, abandoned or refused; or
(ii) if the application is granted, when the appeal to the Court of Final Appeal is withdrawn, abandoned or

disposed of. (Added 10 of 2005 s. 59)
(3) In subsection (2)-
application for leave to appeal (上訴許可申請) means an application made to the Court of Appeal or the Court of

Final Appeal under section 24 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap 484) for leave to appeal
to the Court of Final Appeal from a judgment of the Court of Appeal;

specified period (指明限期)-
(a) in the case of an application for leave to appeal made to the Court of Appeal, means-

(i) subject to subparagraph (ii), the period of 28 days within which the notice of motion referred to in
section 24(2) of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap 484) is required to be filed; or

(ii) if, on an application made within the 28-day period referred to in subparagraph (i), the Court of Appeal
extends that period, the period as so extended; or

(b) in the case of an application for leave to appeal made to the Court of Final Appeal, means-
(i) subject to subparagraph (ii), the period of 28 days within which the notice of motion referred to in

section 24(4) of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance (Cap 484) is required to be filed; or
(ii) if, on an application made within the 28-day period referred to in subparagraph (i), the Court of Final

Appeal extends that period, the period as so extended. (Added 10 of 2005 s. 59)
(Added 42 of 2000 s. 6)


Section: 14 (Repealed 61 of 1992 s. 10) 30/06/1997




Section: 15 (Repealed 61 of 1992 s. 10) 30/06/1997




Section: 16 Restrictions on powers to strike names off roll E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) No solicitor shall be liable to have his name struck off the roll of solicitors on account of any failure to comply
with such requirements with respect to employment as a trainee solicitor as may be prescribed by the Chief
Justice or on account of any defect in his admission and enrolment, unless the application to strike his name off
the roll of solicitors is made within 12 months after the date of his enrolment:

Provided that this subsection shall not apply in any case where fraud is proved to have been committed in
connection with the failure or defect.

(2) No solicitor shall be liable to have his name struck off the roll of solicitors by reason only that-
(a) a solicitor who employed him or acted as his principal for the whole term or such part of a term of a trainee

solicitor contract as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice has neglected or omitted to take out a practising
certificate in accordance with the provisions of section 6; or

(b) the name of a solicitor who employed him as a trainee solicitor or acted as his principal for any period has
after the termination of that period been struck off the roll of solicitors. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 17)

(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 13)
[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 54 U.K.]


Section: 17 Council may inspect proceedings in bankruptcy E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


The Council shall be entitled, without payment of any fee, to inspect the file of proceedings in bankruptcy relating to
any solicitor or foreign lawyer against whom proceedings in bankruptcy have been taken, and to be supplied with



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 18

office copies of the proceedings on payment of the usual charges for such copies.
(Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2; 60 of 1994 s. 18)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 83 U.K.]

Section: 18 Winding-up, etc. of business of solicitors struck off or

suspended
E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015



(1) The Court may make an order for the winding-up of the business of any solicitor who is struck off the roll of
solicitors or of any foreign lawyer whose registration is cancelled in such terms and appointing such solicitor or
firm of solicitors or the Official Receiver under the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6) or both as it thinks fit for that
purpose. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 19)

(2) The Court may make an order appointing any solicitor or firm of solicitors or the Official Receiver or both to
manage the business of any solicitor, whose practising certificate is suspended, for the duration of such
suspension.

(3) The Court may make an order appointing a solicitor, firm, foreign lawyer, foreign firm, the Official Receiver or
any combination of them to manage the business of a foreign lawyer whose registration is suspended, for the
duration of the suspension. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 19)


Section: 19 Removal from roll E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) Upon reasonable cause being shown to the Council by a solicitor the Council may direct the Registrar to remove
the name of such solicitor from the roll of solicitors and the Registrar shall thereupon remove such name from
the roll of solicitors. (Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2)

(1A) Upon reasonable cause being shown to the Council by a foreign lawyer or foreign firm, the Council may direct
the Secretary General of the Society to cancel the registration of the foreign lawyer or foreign firm and the
Secretary General shall then cancel the registration. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 20)

(2) With effect from the date of removal of a name under this section the person whose name is so removed shall
cease to be a solicitor. (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 5)

(3) Upon application being made for removal or cancellation as aforesaid the Council may advertise or require the
solicitor, foreign lawyer or foreign firm to advertise the application inviting any person who objects thereto to
make objection to the Council. (Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2; 60 of 1994 s. 20)

(4) Where the Registrar is satisfied that a person who was admitted as a solicitor under section 3(1AD) before the
repeal of that provision by the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance 1994 (60 of 1994) would no longer
be qualified under paragraph (a) of that provision if it were still in force, he shall, unless the person has become
qualified otherwise under this Ordinance, remove his name from the roll of solicitors. (Added 46 of 1989 s. 5.
Amended 60 of 1994 s. 20)

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), where a person admitted under section 3(1AB) before that
and related provisions ceased to have effect by virtue of section 75(2) does not commence practice as a solicitor
within a period of 12 months after his admission, it shall be a cause for the removal of his name from the roll of
solicitors under this section. (Added 46 of 1989 s. 5. Amended 60 of 1994 s. 20)


Section: 20 Restrictions on employing trainee solicitors E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) No person who has not at some time been in continuous practice as a solicitor in Hong Kong for a period of 5
years shall, without the special leave in writing of the Society, employ a trainee solicitor or act as his principal.
(Amended 25 of 1968 s. 6)

(2) No person shall employ or act as principal for more than 2 trainee solicitors at the same time.
(3) No person shall employ a trainee solicitor or act as his principal unless he is practising as a solicitor on his own

account or in partnership, without the special leave in writing of the Society. (Replaced 60 of 1994 s. 21)
(4) If any solicitor employs or acts as principal for a trainee solicitor in contravention of any of the provisions of

subsection (1), (2) or (3), the Council may terminate the trainee solicitor's contract upon such terms as it thinks
fit. (Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2)

(4A) It is not a contravention of subsection (1), (2) or (3) for a person other than a solicitor to employ a trainee
solicitor so along as-
(a) the trainee solicitor is assigned to a solicitor who acts as his principal;



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 19

(b) the solicitor who acts as principal is qualified under and complies with subsections (1), (2) and (3); and
(c) the solicitor is employed by the same person as the trainee solicitor. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 21)

(5) Any-
(a) solicitor; or
(b) qualified person,
serving in the-
(i) Department of Justice; or (Amended L.N. 362 of 1997)
(ii) the Legal Advisory and Conveyancing Office of the Lands Department; or (Replaced 8 of 1993 s. 20.

Amended L.N. 291 of 1993)
(iia) the Land Registry; or (Added 8 of 1993 s. 20)
(iib) the Companies Registry; or (Added 8 of 1993 s. 20)
(iii) Legal Aid Department; or (Amended 39 of 1992 s. 11)
(iv) Official Receiver's Office; or (Added 39 of 1992 s. 11. Amended 60 of 1992 s. 6)
(v) Intellectual Property Department, (Added 60 of 1992 s. 6)

of the Government shall, for the purpose of this section, be deemed to be practising as a solicitor on his own
account; and this subsection shall apply in relation to periods before as well as periods after the commencement
of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance 1982 (50 of 1982). (Added 50 of 1982 s. 4)

(6)-(7) (Repealed 70 of 1991 s. 13)
(Amended 50 of 1982 ss. 4 & 8; 70 of 1991 s. 13; 60 of 1994 s. 21)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 41 U.K.]

Section: 21 Power to prohibit employing trainee solicitors E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) Where the Society refuses to issue a practising certificate to a solicitor under section 6, the Council may by
notice in writing to that solicitor prohibit him from employing a trainee solicitor or acting as the principal of a
trainee solicitor. (Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2; 70 of 1991 s. 13; 60 of 1994 s. 22)

(2) (Repealed 61 of 1992 s. 11)
(Replaced 58 of 1976 s. 6)


Section: 22 Power to discharge articles in certain cases E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


If either-
(a) during the term of a trainee solicitor contract a trainee solicitor has been continuously absent from the place

of business of his principal for a period of 3 months or such longer period as may be prescribed by the
Council except for such reason as may be prescribed by the Council; or

(b) the Council is for any other reason of the opinion that a trainee solicitor contract ought to be terminated,
the Council may, on application of the solicitor, the trainee solicitor or any other person, terminate the trainee solicitor
contract on such terms as it shall think fit and may determine what, if any, of the period of employment of the trainee
solicitor shall be effective for the purposes of this Ordinance.

(Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2; 70 of 1991 s. 13)

Section: 23 Termination of trainee solicitor contracts in cases of

bankruptcy, etc.
E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015



If a solicitor who employs a trainee solicitor or acts as his principal becomes bankrupt before the expiration of the
trainee solicitor contract or is imprisoned for debt and remains in prison for more than 21 days, the Court, on the
application of any person, may order the trainee solicitor contract to be terminated or to be assigned to another
solicitor on such terms and in such manner as the Court thinks fit.

(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 13; 60 of 1994 s. 23; 27 of 1998 s. 7)

Section: 24 Society's general right of audience E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


The Society shall have a general right of audience by any member of the Society appointed for that purpose by the
Society or by any counsel, before-



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 20

(a) a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal; and (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6)
(b) the Court on the hearing of any matter under this Ordinance that does not solely affect barristers, (Replaced

60 of 1994 s. 24)
and in any such case, whether the Society has or is seeking audience or not, the Society shall be served with a copy of
every necessary document filed with the Registrar.

Section: 25 Expenses of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and of Society E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


(1) The expenses incurred by-
(a) a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal; and
(b) the Society, in connection with proceedings before a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, the Court of Appeal

and the Court of Final Appeal,
may be paid to the Society out of general revenue upon a certificate issued by the Secretary for Justice.

(2) The Secretary for Justice shall only issue a certificate under subsection (1) if he is satisfied that-
(a) the expenses were necessarily incurred by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal or the Society, as the case

may be, in exercise of the powers or duties conferred or imposed by this Ordinance;
(b) the amount of such expenses is reasonable; and
(c) the expenses could not reasonably be recovered from the person whose conduct is the subject of the

proceedings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, the Court of Appeal or the Court of Final Appeal,
as the case may be. (Amended 92 of 1975 s. 59; 46 of 1989 s. 6)

(3) In this section, expenses (開支) includes witnesses' expenses and fees, counsel's fees, solicitor's fees, auditor's
fees and other charges and disbursements.

(Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6; L.N. 362 of 1997; 26 of 2012 s. 6)

Section: 26 Statutory provisions to prevail over Society's articles E.R. 1 of 2015 29/01/2015


In the case of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Ordinance and the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of the Society the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.

Section: 26AA (Repealed 70 of 1991 s. 13) 30/06/1997




Part: IIA CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH LAW SOCIETY MAY
INTERVENE

30/06/1997



(Part IIA replaced 68 of 1995 s. 12)

Section: 26A Circumstances in which powers conferred by Schedule 2

exercisable
L.N. 29 of 1999 01/02/1999



(1) Subject to subsection (2), the powers conferred by Schedule 2 shall be exercisable where-
(a) the Council has reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of-

(i) a solicitor or foreign lawyer; or
(ii) an employee or a trainee solicitor of a solicitor or foreign lawyer; or
(iii) the personal representatives of a deceased solicitor or foreign lawyer, in connection with that

solicitor's or foreign lawyer's practice or in connection with any trust of which that solicitor or
foreign lawyer immediately before the date of his death or formerly was a trustee,

and the Council considers the exercise of those powers is in the interests of the public or the clients of
the solicitor or foreign lawyer;

(b) the Council considers that there has been undue delay on the part of the personal representatives of a
deceased solicitor or foreign lawyer who immediately before his death was practising as a solicitor in
his own name or as a sole solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name in connection with that
solicitor's or foreign lawyer's practice or in connection with any controlled trust;

(c) the Council is satisfied that a solicitor or foreign lawyer has failed to comply with rules made by virtue



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 21

of section 73(1)(b) or 73A;
(d) a solicitor or foreign lawyer has become bankrupt or has entered into a voluntary arrangement with his

creditors within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6); (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 7)
(e) a solicitor or foreign lawyer has been committed to prison in any civil or criminal proceedings;
(f) the Council is satisfied that a solicitor or foreign lawyer who practises as a solicitor in his own name or

as a sole solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name is incapacitated by illness or accident to such an
extent as to be unable to attend to his practice;

(g) the powers conferred by section 10D of the Mental Health Ordinance (Cap 136) (emergency powers)
or section 11 of that Ordinance (appointment of committee) have been exercised in respect of a
solicitor or foreign lawyer; (Replaced 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(h) the name of a solicitor has been removed from or struck off the roll or a solicitor has been suspended
from practice or the registration of a foreign lawyer is cancelled or suspended;

(i) the Council is satisfied that a solicitor or foreign lawyer who practises as a solicitor in his own name or
as a sole solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name has abandoned his practice;

(j) the Council is satisfied that a solicitor or foreign lawyer who practises as a solicitor in his own name or
as a sole solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name is incapacitated by age to such an extent as to be
unable to attend to his practice;

(k) any power conferred by this Part and Schedule 2 has been exercised by virtue of paragraph (a) in
relation to a solicitor or foreign lawyer who practises as a solicitor in his own name or as a sole
solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name and he has acted as a solicitor or foreign lawyer who
practises as a solicitor in his own name or as a sole solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name
within the period of 18 months beginning with the date on which it was so exercised;

(l) the Council is satisfied that a person has acted as a solicitor at a time when he did not have a practising
certificate which was in force;

(m) the Council is satisfied that a solicitor has failed to comply with any condition, subject to which his
practising certificate was granted or otherwise has effect, to the effect that he may act as a solicitor
only-
(i) in employment which is approved by the Council in connection with the imposition of that

condition;
(ii) as a member of a partnership which is so approved; or
(iii) in any specified combination of those ways;

(n) the Council is satisfied that a solicitor or foreign lawyer has failed to make satisfactory arrangements
within 21 days from the date of the closure of his practice.

(2) The powers conferred by Schedule 2 shall only be exercisable under subsection (1)(c), (j), (k), (l) and (m) if
the Council has given the solicitor notice in writing that the Council is satisfied that he has failed to comply with rules
specified in the notice and also (at the same or any later time) notice that the powers conferred by Schedule 2 are
accordingly exercisable in his case.

(3) In this Part and Schedule 2-
"controlled trust" (受控制信託), in relation to a solicitor or foreign lawyer, means a trust of which he is a sole trustee

or co-trustee only with one or more of his partners, employees or trainee solicitors;
"trust" (信託) includes an implied or constructive trust and a trust where the trustee has a beneficial interest in the

trust property, and also includes the duties incidental to the office of a personal representative, and "trustee" (受
託人) shall be construed accordingly.


Section: 26B Death of sole solicitor or foreign lawyer 30/06/1997


On the death of a solicitor or foreign lawyer who practises as a solicitor in his own name or as a sole solicitor or
foreign lawyer under a firm name sections 2, 3 and 4 of Schedule 2 shall apply to the client accounts of his practice.

Section: 26C Undue delay by solicitors or foreign lawyers in connection

with clients' instructions
30/06/1997



The powers conferred by Schedule 2 shall also be exercisable, subject to sections 1(4) and 8(3) of that Schedule,
where-



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 22

(a) a complaint is made to the Council that there has been undue delay on the part of a solicitor or foreign
lawyer in connection with any matter in which the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm
was instructed on behalf of a client or with any controlled trust; and

(b) the Council by notice in writing invites the solicitor or foreign lawyer to give an explanation within a
period of not less than 8 days specified in the notice; and

(c) the solicitor or foreign lawyer fails within that period to give an explanation which the Council regards
as satisfactory; and

(d) the Council gives notice of the failure to the solicitor or foreign lawyer and (at the same or any later
time) notice that the powers conferred by Schedule 2 are accordingly exercisable.


Section: 26D Powers conferred by Schedule 2 exercisable after death of

solicitor
30/06/1997



(1) Where the powers conferred by Schedule 2 are exercisable in relation to a solicitor or foreign lawyer, they
shall continue to be exercisable after his death or after his name has been removed from or struck off the roll (in the
case of a solicitor) or his registration is cancelled or suspended (in the case of a foreign lawyer).

(2) The references to the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm in sections 1(1), 2(2) and (3), 3,
7(1) and (5) and 8(1) of Schedule 2 include, in any case where the solicitor or foreign lawyer has died, references to
his personal representatives.

[cf. 1974 c. 47 Sch. 1 Pt. I U.K. as amended by 1990 c. 41 s. 91 U.K.]

Part: III Barristers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(*Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)
____________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* The format of Part III has been updated to the current legislative styles.

Section: 27 Power of Court to admit barristers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Court may, in such manner as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice, admit as a
barrister of the High Court in Hong Kong, a person whom it considers a fit and proper person to be a barrister,
provided such person has-
(a) complied with the requirements;
(b) passed the examinations; and
(c) paid the fees,
prescribed by the Bar Council.

(2) The Court shall not admit a person under subsection (1) unless it is satisfied that that person-
(a) is not in practice as a solicitor either on his own account or as a partner or salaried employee in a firm of

solicitors practising in Hong Kong; and
(b) satisfies one of the following requirements-

(i) has resided in Hong Kong for at least 3 consecutive months immediately before the date of his
application for admission;

(ii) has been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for at least 7 years;
(iii) has been physically present in Hong Kong for at least 180 days of each of at least 7 years within the 10

years immediately preceding the date of his application for admission.
(3) If at the time of his admission under subsection (1) the person is a solicitor, the Registrar shall remove the

person's name from the roll of solicitors.
(4) Notwithstanding that a person does not satisfy all the requirements specified in subsections (1) and (2)(b), where

the Court considers that he is a fit and proper person to be a barrister and is satisfied that he has-
(a) the qualification acquired outside Hong Kong to engage in work that would, if undertaken in Hong Kong,

be similar to that undertaken by a barrister in the course of ordinary practice as a barrister in the High Court
or Court of Final Appeal; and

(b) substantial experience in advocacy in a court,
the Court may admit such person as a barrister under this section for the purpose of any particular case or cases



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 23

and may impose such restrictions and conditions on him as it may see fit.
(5) The Court may, when admitting a person as a barrister, sit in chambers.

(Replaced 42 of 2000 s. 7)
______________________________________________________________________
Note:
Please see the savings provision contained in s. 17 of 42 of 2000, which section is reproduced as follows:

"17. Savings Provision


Notwithstanding the repeal of section 27(1)(a)(i), (ii) and (v) of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance
(Cap 159) by section 7 of this Ordinance, a barrister who was admitted under that provision shall not
have his name removed from the roll of barristers because of such repeal.".


Section: 27A (Repealed 42 of 2000 s. 8) L.N. 87 of 2003 28/03/2003




Section: 28 Formalities for admission as a barrister E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


Except as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice, no person shall be admitted as a barrister unless he has deposited
with the Registrar documentary evidence together with an affidavit showing the manner in which he satisfies the
requirements specified in section 27(1) and (2).

(Replaced 42 of 2000 s. 9)

Section: 29 Roll of barristers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Registrar shall keep a roll of all barristers admitted by the Court under sections 27 and 27A and shall have
custody of the roll of barristers and of all documents relating thereto and shall allow any person to inspect the
roll of barristers during office hours without payment. (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 15)

(2) The Registrar, upon production of a certificate of admission signed by a judge and upon payment to the
Registrar of such fee as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice, shall enter upon the roll of barristers the name of
the person enrolled. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 31)

(2A) A barrister who was admitted pursuant to section 27(1) or section 27A may-
(a) apply by motion to have his name removed from the roll of barristers; and
(b) where he has had his name removed under paragraph (a), on giving at least 7 days' notice to the Bar

Council, apply by motion to have his name restored to the roll of barristers. (Added 42 of 2000 s. 10)
(2B) A barrister who was admitted pursuant to section 27(4) for a particular case or cases shall, on completion of such

case or cases including any appeal relating thereto, be deemed to have had his name removed from the roll of
barristers. (Added 42 of 2000 s. 10)

(2C) Where a barrister has had his name removed from the roll of barristers under subsection (2A) or (2B), he shall
forthwith surrender to the Bar Council any current practising certificate. (Added 42 of 2000 s. 10)

(3) (Repealed 61 of 1992 s. 15)

Section: 30 Practising certificates-barristers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Bar Council, upon application in writing by a barrister and upon payment of such fee as may be prescribed
by the Bar Council and upon being satisfied in such manner as may be prescribed by the Bar Council that the
person to whom the application relates is qualified to practise as a barrister or is qualified to practise to a limited
extent under section 31 (2), shall issue to the applicant a practising certificate as a barrister in such form as may
be prescribed by the Bar Council for the period of one calendar year from 1 January next following the date of
the application: (Amended 25 of 1968 s. 10; 58 of 1976 s. 95; 42 of 2000 s. 11)
Provided that-
(a) the Bar Council, in its absolute discretion and upon such condition as it may consider necessary, may

permit the application for a practising certificate to be made under this subsection at any time and upon
such application may issue to the applicant a practising certificate for any period not exceeding one
calendar year and ending on 31 December in any year; and

(b) where the name of a barrister is removed from or struck off the roll of barristers, the practising certificate of



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 24

that barrister shall automatically determine without any entitlement to any refund of the prescribed fee or of
any part thereof.

(2) The publication in the Gazette by the Bar Council of a list of the names and addresses of those barristers who
have obtained practising certificates for the period therein stated shall be prima facie evidence that each person
named therein is a person qualified under section 31 to practise as a barrister and to whom a practising certificate
for the period specified in such list has been issued under this section and the absence from any such list of the
name of any person shall be prima facie evidence that such person is not so qualified.

(3) A practising certificate may only be issued to an applicant who has paid to the Hong Kong Bar Association-
(a) except where the Bar Council has exempted the applicant therefrom, the membership subscription; and
(b) except where the applicant has been admitted as a barrister under section 27(4) and the Bar Council has

exempted him therefrom, the premium prescribed for insurance of the applicant under the current master
policy for professional indemnity insurance effected by the Hong Kong Bar Association,

in respect of the period for which the practising certificate is to be issued. (Replaced 42 of 2000 s. 11)
(3A) On application by a barrister admitted under section 27(4), the Bar Council may waive part of the membership

subscription. (Added 42 of 2000 s. 11)
(4) (Repealed 42 of 2000 s. 11)

(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 6)

Section: 31 Qualifications for practising as a barrister E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A barrister shall not be qualified to practise as such-
(a) subject to subsection (2), unless he has completed the prescribed qualifying period of active practice;
(b) unless he holds a valid practising certificate;
(c) having qualified for admission as a barrister by virtue of section 27(1)(a)(i) or (ii) (as that section existed

before its repeal by the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance 2000 (42 of 2000)), unless he
continues to be a barrister in England or Northern Ireland or an advocate in Scotland and is not there
suspended from practice as such; (Amended 42 of 2000 s. 12)

(d) if he is suspended from practice under section 37; (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 16)
(e) if he is on the roll of solicitors; (Replaced 70 of 1991 s. 7. Amended 61 of 1992 s. 16; 42 of 2000 s. 12)
(f) if he is an employed barrister within the meaning of section 31C(1). (Added 42 of 2000 s. 12)

(2) After the expiry of the first 6 months of the prescribed qualifying period of active practice, a barrister shall be
qualified to practise as a barrister to such limited extent as the Bar Council may determine.

(Replaced 58 of 1976 s. 10. Amended 70 of 1991 s. 7)

Section: 31A Appointment of Senior Counsel E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Chief Justice may, after consultation with the chairman of the Bar Council and the president of the Society,
appoint as Senior Counsel barristers who satisfy the eligibility requirements of subsection (2).

(2) A barrister is eligible for appointment as a Senior Counsel if he-
(a) has, in the opinion of the Chief Justice, sufficient ability and standing as a barrister, and sufficient

knowledge of the law, to be accorded that status; and
(b) has the requisite experience; and
(c) is practising at the bar in Hong Kong or is practising as an advocate while he holds office as a legal officer

within the meaning of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87).
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)(b), a barrister has the requisite experience for appointment as a Senior

Counsel if he has, for not less than 10 years in aggregate, done one or both of the following-
(a) practised at the bar in Hong Kong; or
(b) practised as an advocate while he holds office as a legal officer within the meaning of the Legal Officers

Ordinance (Cap 87).
(4) The Chief Justice may, after consultation with the chairman of the Bar Council and the president of the Society,

appoint a barrister as honorary Senior Counsel if he-
(a) is a member of the academic staff of a faculty or school of law of a university in Hong Kong; or
(b) holds office as Director of Legal Aid or as a Deputy Director or Assistant Director of Legal Aid; or
(c) holds office as Official Receiver or an office specified in Part I of Schedule 2 to the Bankruptcy Ordinance

(Cap 6); or



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 25

(d) holds office as Director of Intellectual Property or an office specified in Part I of Schedule 1 to the Director
of Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 412),

and who has, in the Chief Justice's opinion, provided distinguished service to the law of Hong Kong.
(5) The appointment of a person as a Senior Counsel in an honorary capacity does not confer on the person a right to

act as an advocate in proceedings before the courts of Hong Kong and will not accord precedence before the
courts.

(Added 94 of 1997 s. 7)
_______________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Please see the savings and transitional provisions contained in s. 2 of Schedule 2 to 94 of 1997, which
section is reproduced as follows:

"2. Status of existing Queen's Counsel


(1) This section applies to-
(a) a barrister of the Supreme Court of Hong Kong who, immediately before the commencement

of this section, is holding an appointment as a Queen's Counsel in Hong Kong; and
(b) a barrister called to the bar in England or Northern Ireland, or an advocate admitted in

Scotland, who, immediately before that commencement-
(i) is holding an appointment as a Queen's Counsel in the United Kingdom; and
(ii) is admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Hong Kong otherwise than for the

purpose of appearing in a specific legal proceeding.
(2) A barrister to whom this section applies is, on the commencement of this section, taken to have

been appointed as a Senior Counsel under section 31A of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap 159)
with the same precedence as the barrister would have had if-

(a) the barrister had been appointed under that section as a Senior Counsel on the date when the
barrister was appointed as a Queen's Counsel; and

(b) that section had been in force on that date.
(3) Nothing in this section or section 31A of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap 159)-

(a) affects the appointment, before the commencement of this section, of a barrister as a
Queen's Counsel in Hong Kong; or

(b) precludes a barrister from being appointed as a Queen's Counsel in Hong Kong after that
commencement but before 1 July 1997.".


Section: 31B Status of visiting Queen's Counsel E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


A Queen's Counsel of another jurisdiction who is appearing in legal proceedings before a court in Hong Kong is
entitled to use the title, and to be accorded the status, of Senior Counsel for the purposes of those proceedings.

(Added 94 of 1997 s. 7)

Section: 31C Employed barristers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) In this section employed barrister (受僱大律師) means a barrister who, under a contract of employment,
provides legal services exclusively to his employer.

(2) An employed barrister may apply to the Bar Council for an employed barrister's certificate if-
(a) at any time, he has been issued a practising certificate under section 30; or
(b) he has completed the prescribed qualifying period of active practice; or
(c) he has been an employed barrister in Hong Kong for at least 12 months immediately preceding the date of

his application.
(3) An employed barrister may be issued an employed barrister's certificate and the provisions of sections 29(2C)

and 30 (except section 30(3)(b)) respecting practising certificates apply to employed barrister's certificates
issued under this section and, for the purposes of this section, references in those sections to a barrister or a
practising certificate shall be deemed to be references to an employed barrister and an employed barrister's
certificate respectively. (Amended 26 of 2012 s. 3)

(4) The publication in the Gazette by the Bar Council of a list of the names and addresses of those barristers who
have obtained employed barrister's certificates for the period therein stated shall be prima facie evidence that
each person named therein is the holder of such a certificate for the period specified in such list, and the absence
from any such list of the name of any person shall be prima facie evidence that the person does not hold such a



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 26

certificate.
(5) An employed barrister who holds a current employed barrister's certificate may, on behalf of his employer but

for the purpose of obtaining a legal opinion only, instruct a barrister who holds a current practising certificate,
without retaining a solicitor.

(Added 42 of 2000 s. 13)

Section: 32 (Repealed 61 of 1992 s. 17) 30/06/1997




Section: 33 Bar Council - general right of audience E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


The Bar Council shall have a general right of audience, by any member of the Bar Council appointed for that purpose
by the Bar Council or by any other counsel-

(a) before a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal; and
(b) before the Court on the hearing of-

(i) any application to the Court for admission and enrolment as a barrister; and
(ii) any proceedings in the Court relating to, affecting or touching any matter affecting the qualification or

examination of a person seeking to be a barrister or affecting the privileges, restrictions or offences in
connection with the professional practice, conduct and discipline of a barrister,

and in any such case, whether the Bar Council has or is seeking audience or not, the Bar Council shall be served with a
copy of every necessary document filed with the Registrar.

(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 8; 61 of 1992 s. 18)

Section: 34 Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Chief Justice is required to appoint a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel consisting of-
(a) no fewer than 6 and no more than 15 practising Senior Counsel of Hong Kong; and
(b) no fewer than 6 and no more than 20 other practising barristers of at least 7 years' standing; and
(c) no fewer than 5 and no more than 25 lay persons who are not, in the opinion of the Chief Justice, in any

way connected with the practice of the law. (Replaced 94 of 1997 s. 8)
(2) A member of the Bar Council is not eligible to be appointed to or remain on the Panel.
(3) A person appointed to the Panel shall be appointed for a term specified by the Chief Justice not to exceed 5 years

but may be reappointed for a further term or terms.
(4) The Chief Justice shall appoint one of the barristers on the Panel as the Tribunal Convenor for a 3 year term and

he may appoint one or more other barristers on the Panel as Deputy Tribunal Convenors for 3 year terms.
(5) A Deputy Tribunal Convenor designated by the Tribunal Convenor may act in place of the Tribunal Convenor

whenever the Tribunal Convenor is prevented from exercising the Tribunal Convenor's functions because of
illness, absence from Hong Kong or any other cause. (Added 94 of 1997 s. 8)

(Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 19)
______________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Please see the savings and transitional provisions contained in s. 3 of Schedule 2 to 94 of 1997, which
section is reproduced as follows:

"3. Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel


The substitution of section 34(1) of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap 159) by section 8 of this
Ordinance does not affect the appointment of any person who was, immediately before the
commencement of the last-mentioned section, holding office as a member of the Barristers Disciplinary
Tribunal Panel.".


Section: 35 Complaint about barrister's conduct E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Where the Bar Council considers that the conduct of a barrister should be inquired into as a result of a complaint
being made to it or otherwise, the Bar Council shall submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor of the Barristers
Disciplinary Tribunal Panel.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 27

(2) Where a complaint is made to the Bar Council and the Bar Council does not submit a matter to the Tribunal
Convenor under subsection (1) within 6 months after receiving the complaint the Chief Judge may, on
application by any person or on his own initiative, submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor if he considers
that the Bar Council ought to have done so. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 107)

(3) A matter submitted to the Tribunal Convenor must include or be accompanied by particulars of the conduct that
is to be inquired into and by particulars of any associated allegations of misconduct. (Added 94 of 1997 s. 9)

(Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 19)

Section: 35A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) On receiving a submission under section 35, the Tribunal Convenor of the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel
is required to appoint from the Panel-
(a) a Senior Counsel; and
(b) a barrister who is not a Senior Counsel; and
(c) a lay person.

(2) The persons so appointed constitute a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal to inquire into the conduct of the barrister
concerned.

(3) When constituting a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal, the Tribunal Convenor is also required to appoint one of
its members as chairman of the Tribunal.

(4) A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal may be constituted by the chairman and by one other member designated by
the chairman for the purposes only of-
(a) giving directions or making orders for the conduct of an inquiry under section 36; and
(b) announcing the findings of the Tribunal with respect to the inquiry.

(5) A member of a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal who becomes a member of the Bar Council ceases to be a
member of the Tribunal.

(Replaced 94 of 1997 s. 10)

Section: 35B Sittings of Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal is required to sit at such places and at such times as the chairman of the
Tribunal directs.

(2) A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal is required to hold its proceedings in camera, except when the barrister whose
conduct is being inquired into requests that the proceedings be open to the public.

(Added 94 of 1997 s. 11)

Section: 36 Powers of Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1A) A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal may inquire into the conduct of any person in respect of which it was
constituted. (Added 61 of 1992 s. 20)

(1) For the purpose of conducting an inquiry, a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal shall have all such powers as are
vested in the Court or in any judge in the course of any action or suit in respect of the following matters-
(a) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them upon oath or otherwise;
(b) compelling the production of documents;
(c) punishing persons guilty of contempt;
(d) ordering an inspection of any property;
(e) conducting every examination of witnesses; and
(f) adjourning any meeting from time to time and from one place to another,
and a summons under the hand of the chairman of a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal may be substituted for and
shall be equivalent to any form of process capable of being issued in any action or suit for compelling the
attendance of witnesses or the production of documents and any warrant of committal to prison issued for the
purpose of enforcing any such powers must be signed by the chairman but must not authorize the imprisonment
of any offender for a period exceeding 1 month. (Amended 94 of 1997 s. 12)

(2) The Commissioner of Police and all police officers, officers of the court, gaolers and bailiffs of the court are
required to give their utmost assistance to every Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal and to every chairman thereof,
in the enforcement of documents, warrants and orders issued in accordance with subsection (1) or otherwise.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 28

(3) Every member of a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal shall have the like protection and privileges, in relation to
any action or suit brought against him for any act done or omitted to be done in the execution of his duties as
such member, as is given by any law to a magistrate acting in the execution of his office.

(4) All proceedings of a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal are privileged. (Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 20)
(5) A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal constituted to inquire into the conduct of a person may inquire into other

conduct of the person, but only if-
(a) the person has been given reasonable notice and adequate particulars of that other conduct; and
(b) the Tribunal is satisfied that that other conduct is related to the first-mentioned conduct. (Added 94 of 1997

s. 12)
(6) The power conferred by subsection (5) is exercisable only on the application of-

(a) the Bar Council in the case of a matter submitted to the Tribunal Convenor under section 35(1); or
(b) the Chief Judge in the case of a matter submitted to the Tribunal Convenor under section 35(2). (Added 94

of 1997 s. 12. Amended 23 of 2002 s. 108)
(7) Notice is not reasonable for the purposes of subsection (5) if it is less than 7 days. (Added 94 of 1997 s. 12)
(8) A Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal may make such order as to the payment by a party to an inquiry of the costs

incurred in conducting the inquiry as it thinks just. Such an order may direct that the costs are to be taxed by a
Master of the High Court on a full indemnity basis. (Added 94 of 1997 s. 12. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(Amended 61 of 1992 s. 20)

Section: 37 Disciplinary powers of Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


On completion of its inquiry, the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal may do one or more of the following-
(a) censure the barrister;
(b) suspend the barrister from practising for a period it specifies;
(c) order that the barrister's name be struck off the roll of barristers;
(d) order the barrister to pay to the complainant an amount not exceeding the amount or amounts paid or

payable to the barrister in relation to the complainant's matters in dispute;
(e) order the barrister to pay a penalty not exceeding $500000, which shall be paid into the general revenue;
(f) order the barrister to pay the costs of and incidental to the proceedings of the Tribunal and the costs of any

prior inquiry or investigation in relation to the matters before the Tribunal, to be taxed by a Master of the
High Court on a full indemnity basis, or an amount that the Tribunal considers to be a reasonable
contribution towards those costs; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)

(g) make any other order it thinks fit.
(Replaced 61 of 1992 s. 21)


Section: 37A Findings of a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) An order made by a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal shall include a statement of its findings in relation to the
facts of the case and shall be signed by the chairman or by a member authorized by the Tribunal.

(2) A signed copy of an order of a Tribunal shall be filed with the Registrar who shall enter a note of the order on
the roll of barristers against the name of the barrister and, where the order so directs, the Registrar shall strike off
the name and shall publish an order for suspension or striking off in the Gazette within 14 days after receiving a
copy of the order.

(3) The Tribunal that heard the matter or a Tribunal constituted for the purpose by the Tribunal Convenor may, on
the application of a party against whom an order for payment is made, order that payment may be paid by
instalments or be deferred for a period the Tribunal considers appropriate.

(4) An application for an order for payment by instalments, or for the deferring of payment, may be made at the
hearing or, within 14 days after the date of the order for payment, by notice in writing to the Tribunal Convenor
and to all parties who were represented at the Tribunal hearing.

(5) On receipt of a notice under subsection (4), the Tribunal Convenor shall, within 14 days, notify the applicant and
the other parties of the date on which the application will be heard by a Tribunal.

(6) There is no right of appeal from the decision of the Tribunal on an application under subsection (4).
(7) Payment of an amount ordered to be paid by the Tribunal may be enforced as if it were an order issued out of the

Court on the production of a copy of the order signed by the chairman or other authorized member of the
Tribunal and the rules of the Court, so far as applicable, apply to the order.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 29

(8) No order under subsection (7) shall be enforced until after the 14 days referred to in subsection (4) has elapsed
or until after the Tribunal has made its decision under subsection (3).

(Added 61 of 1992 s. 21)

Section: 37B Appeal to Court of Appeal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A person who is the subject of an order under section 37 or 38 may appeal to the Court of Appeal and Order 59
of the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg. A) applies to the appeal except that the time for serving the
notice of appeal is 21 days from the date of the decision and not 28 days as provided in Order 59. (Amended 25
of 1998 s. 2; 10 of 2005 s. 58; 10 of 2008 s. 32)

(2) In an appeal under this section the Bar Council shall be the respondent.
(3) The hearing of an appeal under this section shall be in open court unless, and to the extent to which, the Court of

Appeal otherwise directs.
(Added 61 of 1992 s. 21)


Section: 38 Variation of order of the Barrister Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Any barrister who has been suspended from practising or whose name has been struck off the roll may apply to
the Tribunal Convenor of the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel to have a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal
constituted for the purpose of hearing his application to vary or discharge the order suspending him or striking
his name off the roll.

(2) No application shall be made under subsection (1)-
(a) in the case of an order of suspension, until the expiration of 2 years from the date of such order or of half

the period of suspension, whichever is the less; or
(b) in the case of an order striking the name of the barrister off the roll, until the expiration of 2 years from the

date of such order,
and in either case where such an application has been made and determined, no further application shall be made
until the expiration of 2 years from the date of such determination:
Provided that the barrister may at any time apply on the grounds that new material facts have come to light since
the making of the order which it is sought to vary or discharge, and where the Tribunal Convenor is of the
opinion that such facts should be placed before a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal, he shall grant such
application.

(3) At the hearing of the application the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal may-
(a) reduce the period of suspension; or
(b) discharge the order of suspension or the order striking the name of the barrister off the roll, as the case may

be; or
(c) confirm the original order; and
(d) make such order as to costs as it shall see fit.

(Amended 92 of 1975 s. 59; 61 of 1992 s. 22)

Section: 39 Expenses of Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal and of Bar

Council
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) The expenses incurred by-
(a) a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal; and
(b) the Bar Council, in connection with proceedings before a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal, the Court of

Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal,
may be paid to the Bar Council out of general revenue upon a certificate issued by the Secretary for Justice.

(2) The Secretary for Justice shall only issue a certificate under subsection (1) if he is satisfied that-
(a) the expenses were necessarily incurred by the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal or the Bar Council, as the

case may be, in exercise of the powers or duties conferred or imposed by this Ordinance;
(b) the amount of such expenses is reasonable; and
(c) the expenses could not reasonably be recovered from the barrister whose conduct is the subject of the

proceedings before the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal, the Court of Appeal or the Court of Final Appeal,
as the case may be.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 30

(3) In this section, expenses (開支) includes witnesses' expenses and fees, counsel's fees, solicitor's fees, auditor's
fees and other charges and disbursements.

(Amended 70 of 1991 s. 8; 61 of 1992 s. 23; L.N. 362 of 1997; 26 of 2012 s. 7)

Part: IIIA Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Firms E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(Part IIIA added 60 of 1994 s. 32)


(*Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)
____________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* The format of Part IIIA has been updated to the current legislative styles.

Section: 39A Foreign lawyers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Society may register as a foreign lawyer a person who, not being a solicitor who holds a practising
certificate or a barrister who holds a practising certificate, is qualified to practise foreign law.

(2) Solicitor-client privilege exists between a foreign lawyer and his client to the same extent as the privilege exists
between a solicitor and his client.

(3) Where a foreign lawyer becomes bankrupt the registration of the foreign lawyer is automatically cancelled.
(Amended 27 of 1998 s. 7)


Section: 39B Foreign firms E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Society may register as a foreign firm a firm-
(a) in which all of the partners who intend to practise in Hong Kong are foreign lawyers or the sole practitioner

of which is a foreign lawyer; and
(b) that intends to have within 2 months after registration, a place of business in Hong Kong for the purpose of

practising or advising on foreign law.
(2) Where a firm was registered as a foreign firm on the basis of an intention referred to in subsection (1)(b) but

fails to establish a place of business in Hong Kong within 2 months after its registration, the Society may cancel
the firm's registration.


Section: 39C Associations E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Society may register as an Association a Hong Kong firm and one or more foreign firms if the Hong Kong
firm and the foreign firm or firms have, or intend to have within 2 months after the registration, an agreement
under which fees, profits, premises, management or employees are shared between the Hong Kong firm and the
foreign firm or firms.

(2) Where the Hong Kong firm and the foreign firm or firms fail to enter into an agreement referred to in subsection
(1) within 2 months after registration of the Association, the Society may cancel the Association's registration.


Section: 39D Hong Kong firms may employ foreign lawyers E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


Subject to rules made under section 73(1)(dc), a Hong Kong firm may employ a foreign lawyer.

Part: IIIB Solicitor Advocates E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(Part IIIB added 2 of 2010 s. 4)


(*Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)
____________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* The format of Part IIIB has been updated to the current legislative styles.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 31


Section: 39E Higher Rights Assessment Board E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A board to be known as the Higher Rights Assessment Board is established.
(2) The Assessment Board-

(a) has the functions conferred on it by or under this or any other Ordinance; and
(b) has the powers conferred on it by or under this or any other Ordinance, and all other powers necessary to

perform its functions.
(3) The Assessment Board consists of-

(a) a chairperson appointed by the Chief Justice, who must be an eligible person;
(b) 9 other members appointed by the Chief Justice, of whom-

(i) 2 must be eligible persons;
(ii) 3 must be solicitors who engage in litigation work in the course of ordinary practice;
(iii) 3 must be Senior Counsel; and
(iv) one must be a Law Officer or a Principal Government Counsel of the Department of Justice; and

(c) one other member selected by the chairperson from among the members of the panel appointed by the Chief
Justice under subsection (5).

(4) Before making an appointment under subsection (3)(b)(ii), (iii) or (iv), the Chief Justice must consult-
(a) in the case of an appointment under subsection (3)(b)(ii), the President of the Society;
(b) in the case of an appointment under subsection (3)(b)(iii), the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association;

or
(c) in the case of an appointment under subsection (3)(b)(iv), the Secretary for Justice.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (3)(c), the Chief Justice may appoint a panel of persons whom the Chief Justice
considers suitable for selection as members of the Assessment Board and who are not, in the opinion of the
Chief Justice, connected in any way with the practice of law.

(6) A person who is appointed as the chairperson of the Assessment Board under subsection (3)(a) may be paid from
the general revenue any remuneration that the Chief Executive considers appropriate, but only if the person is an
eligible person under that subsection by reason of being-
(a) a non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the Court of Final Appeal (other than a non-permanent Hong Kong

judge of the Court of Final Appeal who is also a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal); or
(b) a person who was formerly a judge of the High Court (other than a recorder or a deputy judge of the Court

of First Instance) but who is not a permanent judge or a non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the Court of
Final Appeal.

(7) In this section, eligible person (合資格人士)-
(a) means-

(i) a permanent judge or a non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the Court of Final Appeal;
(ii) a judge of the High Court (other than a recorder or a deputy judge of the Court of First Instance); or
(iii) a person who was formerly a judge of the High Court (other than a recorder or a deputy judge of the

Court of First Instance) but who is not a permanent judge or a non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the
Court of Final Appeal; and

(b) for the purposes of subsection (3)(b)(i), includes a judge of the District Court (other than a deputy judge of
the District Court).


Section: 39F Further provisions relating to members of Assessment

Board or of panel appointed under section 39E(5)
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) A member of the Assessment Board or of the panel appointed under section 39E(5) holds office for a term not
exceeding 3 years, but may be reappointed or reselected.

(2) A member of the Assessment Board or of the panel appointed under section 39E(5) may at any time resign from
office by giving notice in writing to the Chief Justice.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), the Chief Justice may at any time remove from office any member of the Assessment
Board or of the panel appointed under section 39E(5) by giving notice in writing to the member.

(4) Before removing from office any member of the Assessment Board appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(ii), (iii)
or (iv), the Chief Justice must consult-
(a) in the case of a member appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(ii), the President of the Society;



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 32

(b) in the case of a member appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(iii), the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar
Association; or

(c) in the case of a member appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(iv), the Secretary for Justice.

Section: 39G Further provisions relating to proceedings of Assessment

Board
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) The quorum for a meeting of the Assessment Board is 7 members, of whom-
(a) one must be the chairperson of the Board or a member appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(i);
(b) one must be a member appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(ii); and
(c) one must be a member appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(iii).

(2) At a meeting of the Assessment Board-
(a) subject to paragraph (b), the chairperson of the Board must preside; or
(b) if the chairperson is not present at the meeting, a member of the Board appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(i)

and nominated by the chairperson must preside.
(3) Each member of the Assessment Board present at a meeting of the Board has one vote.
(4) A decision on any matter at a meeting of the Assessment Board must be supported-

(a) in the case of a decision to make any rules under section 73CA, by the votes of at least 6 members of the
Board present and voting on that matter; or

(b) in any other case, by a majority of votes of the members of the Board present and voting on that matter.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4)(b), if on any matter the votes are equally divided, the person presiding at the

meeting of the Assessment Board, in addition to having one vote under subsection (3), has a casting vote.
(6) Subject to the other provisions of this Ordinance, the Assessment Board may regulate its own procedure.

Section: 39H Application to Assessment Board for higher rights of

audience
15 of 2014 21/11/2014



(1) A solicitor who satisfies the eligibility requirements under section 39I may apply to the Assessment Board for
higher rights of audience.

(2) The applicant must specify in the application one of the following classes of proceedings as the class of
proceedings in respect of which the applicant is applying for higher rights of audience-
(a) civil proceedings;
(b) criminal proceedings;
(c) both civil and criminal proceedings.

(3) For the purposes of this Ordinance, higher rights of audience (較高級法院出庭發言權) means rights of
audience before the Competition Tribunal, the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal, whether in civil
proceedings, criminal proceedings, or both, but does not include any of those rights that solicitors generally may
from time to time have apart from this Ordinance. (Amended 15 of 2014 s. 14)


Section: 39I Eligibility requirements E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) An applicant under section 39H satisfies the eligibility requirements if the applicant-
(a) holds a current practising certificate as a solicitor;
(b) has the requisite experience;
(c) has complied with the requirements prescribed by rules made under section 73CA(1)(a)(i); and
(d) has not, in the same calendar year in which the application is made, made any other application under

section 39H (whether in respect of the same or a different class of proceedings).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), the applicant has the requisite experience if, during the period of 7 years

immediately before the date of the application, the applicant-
(a) has, for not less than 2 years in the aggregate, done one or more of the following-

(i) practised as a solicitor in Hong Kong;
(ii) practised as a barrister in Hong Kong;
(iii) practised as a legal officer within the meaning of section 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87) or

held a similar office; and



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 33

(b) has, for not less than 3 further years in the aggregate, done one or more of the following-
(i) practised as a solicitor in Hong Kong;
(ii) practised as a barrister in Hong Kong;
(iii) practised as a legal officer within the meaning of section 2 of the Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87) or

held a similar office;
(iv) practised the law of any other common law jurisdiction while being qualified to do so under the law of

that jurisdiction, whether or not also under this Ordinance.
(3) Despite subsection (1)(c)-

(a) the applicant may elect to make the application on the basis of exemption from the requirements referred to
in that subsection by stating in the application that the applicant has so elected; and

(b) on the applicant making the election under paragraph (a), that subsection does not apply to the applicant.
(4) In this section, similar office (相類職位) means-

(a) an office held by a person by an appointment under section 3(1) of the Legal Aid Ordinance (Cap 91); or
(b) an office the holder of which is deemed to be a legal officer for the purposes of the Legal Officers

Ordinance (Cap 87) under section 3(3) of the Director of Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance
(Cap 412) or section 75(3) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6).


Section: 39J Further requirements concerning application E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) An application under section 39H must be-
(a) in the form specified by the Assessment Board;
(b) supported by the information prescribed by rules made under section 73CA(1)(a)(ii);
(c) accompanied by the fee prescribed by rules made under section 73CA(1)(a)(iii); and
(d) made within any of the periods specified under subsection (3).

(2) The fee referred to in subsection (1)(c) is payable to the Government.
(3) The Assessment Board must, in relation to each calendar year, specify, by notice published in any manner that it

considers appropriate, one or more periods during which applications may be made under section 39H.

Section: 39K Determination of application by Assessment Board E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) As soon as practicable after an application is made to it under section 39H, the Assessment Board must consider
the application, and decide whether to grant or refuse the application.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), if the class of proceedings in respect of which the applicant is applying for
higher rights of audience is that specified in section 39H(2)(c), the Assessment Board may grant the application-
(a) without modifications to the class of proceedings to which the application relates; or
(b) only in respect of a class of proceedings specified in section 39H(2)(a) or (b).

(3) As soon as practicable after a decision is made under subsection (1), the Assessment Board must-
(a) notify the applicant of-

(i) the decision; and
(ii) if it grants the application under subsection (2)(b) or refuses the application, the reasons for the

decision; and
(b) notify the Council of the decision.


Section: 39L Conditions for granting application E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Without affecting any other requirements applicable to an application made under section 39H, the Assessment
Board may grant the application only if it is satisfied that the applicant-
(a) if the applicant has elected to make the application on the basis of exemption from the requirements referred

to in section 39I(1)(c), has complied with the alternative requirements prescribed by rules made under
section 73CA(1)(a)(iv);

(b) has acquired sufficient experience in litigation work in the course of ordinary practice within the period of 3
years immediately before the date of the application, so as to be a suitable person to have the higher rights
of audience in respect of which the Board is to grant the application; and

(c) is in all other respects a suitable person to have the higher rights of audience in respect of which the Board



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 34

is to grant the application.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Assessment Board-

(a) in considering whether the applicant satisfies the requirement under subsection (1)(b), must accord due
weight to the applicant’s experience in advocacy work, whether written or oral; and

(b) in considering whether the applicant satisfies the requirement under subsection (1)(c), may have regard to-
(i) the applicant’s competence in advocacy work, whether written or oral;
(ii) the applicant’s professional conduct and integrity; and
(iii) any other matters that the Board considers relevant.


Section: 39M Further provisions applicable to determination of

application
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) In considering an application under section 39H, the Assessment Board may-
(a) for the purpose of ascertaining whether the applicant satisfies the eligibility requirements under section 39I

or the further requirements described in section 39L(1)(a), (b) and (c), make any enquiries with the Council
that the Board considers appropriate; and

(b) require the applicant to provide it with any further information relating to the application that it considers
appropriate, whether at any interview before it or in any other manner that it considers appropriate.

(2) In considering the application, the Assessment Board may have regard to-
(a) any matter made available to it under this Part; and
(b) any other matters that it considers relevant.

(3) If the Assessment Board proposes to grant the application under section 39K(2)(b) or to refuse the application, it
must give the applicant an opportunity to make representations, whether in writing or in any other manner that it
considers appropriate.


Section: 39N Applicant having higher rights of audience on grant of

application
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



On the granting by the Assessment Board of an application made under section 39H-
(a) the applicant has the higher rights of audience in respect of which the Board has granted the application;

and
(b) those rights are exercisable by the applicant as a solicitor.


Section: 39O Loss of higher rights of audience E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A person who has higher rights of audience under this Part ceases to have those rights on-
(a) the person being adjudged bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6);
(b) the person’s name ceasing to be on the roll of solicitors-

(i) as a result of an order made under section 10(2)(a);
(ii) under section 19(1); or
(iii) under any other provision of this Ordinance; or

(c) the person being suspended from practice as a solicitor-
(i) as a result of an order made under section 10(2)(b); or
(ii) under any other provision of this Ordinance.

(2) Despite subsection (1), the person reacquires the higher rights of audience-
(a) if the person has been adjudged bankrupt as described in subsection (1)(a), on the person being discharged

from bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6);
(b) if the person’s name has ceased to be on the roll of solicitors as described in subsection (1)(b), on-

(i) in the case of subsection (1)(b)(i), the person’s name being restored to the roll of solicitors on an
appeal against the order referred to in that subsection; or

(ii) in the case of subsection (1)(b)(i), (ii) or (iii), the person’s name being restored to the roll of
solicitors under section 5(3); or

(c) if the person has been suspended from practice as a solicitor as described in subsection (1)(c), on-
(i) in the case of subsection (1)(c)(i), the person’s suspension being set aside on an appeal against the



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 35

order referred to in that subsection; or
(ii) in the case of subsection (1)(c)(i) or (ii), the period of the person’s suspension having expired.


Section: 39P Higher rights of audience certificate E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) As soon as practicable after being notified under section 39K(3) of the granting by the Assessment Board of an
application in respect of any higher rights of audience, the Council must issue to the person by whom the
application has been made a certificate in respect of those rights.

(2) If under section 39O(1) the person ceases to have higher rights of audience (whether or not only for a specified
period), any certificate issued to the person under this section in respect of those rights also ceases to have effect.

(3) If, after any certificate issued to the person has ceased to have effect under subsection (2), the person reacquires
under section 39O(2) the higher rights of audience covered by the certificate, the certificate is again to have
effect on the reacquisition by the person of those rights.

(4) If the Council is required to issue a certificate to any person under subsection (1), and the person also has higher
rights of audience under this Part in respect of any class of proceedings other than those to which the certificate
relates, the Council may, where it considers appropriate, issue to the person a certificate in respect of all higher
rights of audience that the person has under this Part.

(5) If a certificate is issued to a person under subsection (4), any earlier certificate issued in respect of any of the
higher rights of audience covered by the certificate ceases to have effect.

(6) A certificate issued under this section must be in a form prescribed by rules made under section 73(1)(de).

Section: 39Q List of persons with higher rights of audience E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council must keep a list of all persons who have acquired higher rights of audience under this Part, whether
or not they have subsequently ceased to have those rights.

(2) The list must, in relation to those persons, contain-
(a) their respective names and, in relation to any of the persons who have not ceased to have the higher rights

of audience, the respective addresses at which they carry on their businesses of practising as a solicitor;
(b) the respective dates from which they have acquired the higher rights of audience and, where applicable, the

respective dates from which or during which they have ceased to have those rights; and
(c) the respective classes of proceedings to which the higher rights of audience relate.

(3) As soon as practicable after becoming aware of any matter that would reasonably require the list to be updated,
the Council must update the list accordingly.

(4) As soon as practicable after updating the list, the Council must provide a copy of the updated list to the
Registrar.

(5) For the purpose of enabling any member of the public to ascertain whether a person has acquired higher rights of
audience under this Part and to ascertain the particulars of those rights, the Council must make the list available
for public inspection at the office of the Council during office hours without payment.


Section: 39R Code of conduct for solicitor advocates E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Council may, in consultation with the Chief Justice and the Bar Council, issue a code of conduct for the
purpose of setting out standards of professional conduct to be observed by solicitor advocates.

(2) The Council may, in consultation with the Chief Justice and the Bar Council, from time to time revise the code.
(3) The Council must publish the code and any revision to the code under subsection (2) in any manner that it

considers appropriate.

Part: IV Notaries Public* E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(Part IV replaced 27 of 1998 s. 3)


(#Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)
____________________________________________________________________________
Note:



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 36

1. # The format of Part IV has been updated to the current legislative styles.


2. * Please see the saving provision contained in s. 6 of 27 of 1998, which section reads as follows-


"6. Saving


(1) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the rights of any person who immediately before the
commencement# of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance was a notary public by virtue of registration
on the register of notaries public under Part IV of the Ordinance as then in force to practise as a
notary public on and after that commencement and, subject to any order or entry on the register as
is referred to in subsection (2), such person may continue to practise as a notary public in the same
manner as if he had been appointed as a notary public, and was registered on the register of
notaries public, under Part IV of the Ordinance as in force on and after that commencement.

(2) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the force and effect of any order of the Chief Justice or the
Court, or any entry on the register of notaries public, made under Part IV of the Ordinance as in
force immediately before the commencement of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance, and such orders
and entries shall continue to be given effect on and after that commencement in the same manner
as if made by the appropriate authority or on the register of notaries public, as the case may be,
under Part IV of the Ordinance on or after that commencement.".


# Commencement date: 30 June 2005.


Section: 40A Qualifications for appointment E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Chief Judge may appoint as a notary public in Hong Kong a person whom he considers to be a fit and
proper person to be a notary public and who- (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)
(a) satisfies the following requirements-

(i) his name has been on the roll of solicitors continuously for the whole of the period of 7 years
immediately before the date of his application for appointment;

(ii) he has practised as a solicitor for a period or periods in aggregate of not less than 7 years;
(iii) he has, within the period of 1 year ending on the date of his application for appointment, passed any

examination prescribed by the Council of the Society of Notaries under section 73D; and
(b) has complied with any requirements prescribed by the Council of the Society of Notaries under section 73D

with respect to persons applying for appointment as a notary public.
(2) The Chief Judge may designate a judge of the Court to exercise the powers conferred on him under subsection

(1) to appoint a notary public. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a)(i), a person applying for appointment as a notary public who has, at any

time within the period of 7 years ending on the date of his application for appointment, been suspended from
practice as a solicitor under section 10(2)(b) shall be regarded as not having been on the roll of solicitors during
the whole of the period of that suspension.

(4) The Chief Judge may, upon application being made to him under this subsection, specify in a particular case a
period for the purposes of subsection (1)(a)(iii) other than the period specified in that subparagraph. (Amended
23 of 2002 s. 121)

(4A) The Chief Judge may designate a judge of the Court to exercise the powers conferred on him under subsection
(4) to specify an alternative period for the purposes of subsection (1)(a)(iii) in a particular case. (Added 14 of
2003 s. 4)

(5) The Chief Justice may make rules prescribing the manner of appointment as a notary public under this section.

Section: 40B Powers of notaries public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Every notary public, whether a notary public by virtue of registration under this Part as in force immediately
before the commencement* of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance 1998 (27 of 1998) or a notary
public appointed under this Part on or after that commencement, has all the powers which immediately before
that commencement were exercisable by a notary public under the law of Hong Kong.

(2) Without affecting the generality of subsection (1), the reference to powers in that subsection includes a reference
to-
(a) the power to attest, authenticate or certify the due execution of documents;



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 37

(b) the power to note or protest bills of exchange and to attest, by an act of honour, payment of bills of
exchange for honour supra protest;

(c) the power to administer oaths, affirmations or declarations.
(3) Subsection (1) shall not be construed as affecting-

(a) any power which is for the time being conferred (either exclusively or inter alia) by or under the law of a
country or territory outside Hong Kong on notaries outside the jurisdiction of that country or territory;

(b) any power which is for the time being conferred on notaries by the law of nations or which is so conferred
by the law of a community, association or group of states established by or formed pursuant to a treaty,
convention or other international agreement.

(4) Where a power described in subsection (3)(a) or (b) is conferred by or under a law so described on notaries of 1
or more specified classes or descriptions, subsection (3) shall be construed and have effect in accordance with
that law.

(5) (a) In subsection (1) power (權力) includes functions and duties and that subsection shall be construed and
have effect accordingly.

(b) The references in subsection (3)(a) to a country shall be construed as including references to part of a
country.

__________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* Commencement date: 30 June 2005.

Section: 40C Register of notaries public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Registrar shall continue to keep a register of notaries public and shall have the custody of the register and of
all documents relating to the register and shall allow any person to inspect the register during office hours
without payment.

(2) The Registrar, upon production of a certificate of appointment signed by the Chief Judge and upon payment to
the Registrar and to the Society of Notaries of any fees prescribed by the Chief Justice, shall enter on the register
of notaries public the name of the person appointed.

(3) The Chief Judge may, if he thinks fit, at any time order the Registrar to replace on the register of notaries public
the name of a notary public whose name has been removed from or struck off the register of notaries public.

(Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)

Section: 40D Qualifications for practising as notary public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) No person shall be qualified to practise as a notary public unless-
(a) his name is for the time being on the register of notaries public;
(b) his name is for the time being on the roll of solicitors;
(c) he is not suspended from practising as a notary public or as a solicitor;
(d) except as provided in subsection (2), he is a person who holds a current practising certificate as a notary

public; and
(e) he is complying with any indemnity rules made by the Council of the Society of Notaries under section 73E

or is exempt from complying with them.
(2) The requirement imposed by subsection (1)(d) does not apply in the case of a person who holds a current

practising certificate as a solicitor issued by the Law Society and a current certificate of membership issued by
the Society of Notaries.


Section: 40E Practising certificate-notaries public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) On application in writing by a notary public in the month of November in any year, but subject to subsections
(2) to (6), the Society of Notaries shall issue to the applicant a practising certificate as a notary public for the
period of one calendar year from 1 January next following the date of the application.

(2) Any application under subsection (1) shall be in a form approved by the Council of the Society of Notaries and
shall be accompanied by payment of any fee prescribed by the Council for the issue of a practising certificate.

(3) A practising certificate issued under subsection (1) shall be in a form prescribed by the Council of the Society of
Notaries.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 38

(4) A practising certificate shall not be issued under subsection (1) unless the applicant has, where necessary,
complied with any indemnity rules made by the Council of the Society of Notaries under section 73E or is
exempt from them and has paid to the Society of Notaries the membership subscription in respect of the year for
which the practising certificate is to be issued.

(5) Despite subsection (1), the Society of Notaries may, upon such conditions as it thinks fit, permit an application
for a practising certificate to be made under this subsection at any time and upon such application may issue to
the applicant a practising certificate for any period not exceeding one calendar year and ending on 31 December
in the year in which it is issued.

(6) Despite subsection (1), the Society of Notaries may-
(a) refuse to issue a practising certificate on grounds prescribed by the Council of the Society of Notaries;
(b) issue a practising certificate to an applicant subject to conditions prescribed by the Council of the Society of

Notaries;
(c) amend an already issued certificate by adding conditions prescribed by the Council of the Society of

Notaries. (Amended 14 of 2003 s. 5)
(7) Where the Society of Notaries considers that a notary public has not complied with conditions imposed under

subsection (6) it may, after affording the notary public the opportunity to make representations, suspend or
cancel the notary public’s practising certificate with or without refunding any fee paid in respect of the
practising certificate.

(8) Where the name of a notary public is removed from or struck off the register of notaries public or where a notary
public becomes bankrupt, the practising certificate of that notary public shall automatically determine and in any
such case no part of the fee paid in respect of the practising certificate shall be repayable.

(9) The publication in the Gazette by the Society of Notaries of notice containing a list of the names and addresses
of those notaries public who have obtained practising certificates for the period stated in the notice shall, until
the contrary is proved, be evidence that each person whose name appears in the list is a person qualified under
section 40D to act as a notary public and to whom a practising certificate for the period stated in the notice has
been issued under this section; and the absence from any such list of the name of any person shall, until the
contrary is proved, be evidence that such person is not so qualified.

(10) Where the Society of Notaries, in the exercise of the powers conferred on it under subsection (6) or (7), refuses
to issue a practising certificate, issues a certificate subject to conditions, amends a certificate by adding
conditions or suspends or cancels a certificate, the notary public may appeal to the Chief Judge against the
decision of the Society of Notaries within 1 month of being notified of it. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)

(11) On an appeal to the Chief Judge under subsection (10), he may- (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)
(a) affirm the decision of the Society of Notaries; (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)
(b) direct the Society of Notaries to-

(i) issue a practising certificate to the applicant free from conditions or, if any conditions have been
prescribed for the purposes of subsection (6)(b), subject to such of those conditions as he thinks fit;

(ii) remove any conditions added to a practising certificate under subsection (6)(c); or
(iii) revoke any suspension or cancellation of a practising certificate effected under subsection (7); or

(Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)
(c) remit the matter to the Society of Notaries for reconsideration with such directions as he thinks fit. (Added

23 of 2002 s. 121)
(12) Where the Chief Judge affirms a decision of the Society of Notaries under paragraph (a) of subsection (11) or

gives a direction to the Society of Notaries under paragraph (b) of that subsection, the decision of the Chief
Judge shall be final. (Added 23 of 2002 s. 121)


Section: 40F Discipline of notaries public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A notary public shall be liable to be disciplined under this Part if-
(a) he has engaged in fraudulent conduct in pursuit of his notarial work;
(b) he has engaged in conduct, whether in pursuit of his notarial work or otherwise, which is prejudicial to the

administration of justice, or which is dishonest or otherwise discreditable to a notary public, or which is
likely to bring the profession of notary public into disrepute;

(c) not being exempt from the requirement to comply with a rule made by the Society of Notaries under section
73E, he has failed to comply with that rule; or

(d) he has become bankrupt or has entered into a voluntary arrangement with his creditors within the meaning



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 39

of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6).
(2) A notary public who is so incapacitated by physical or mental illness as to be unable to carry out notarial work

shall be liable to be dealt with under this Part in the same manner as if he was liable to be disciplined under this
Part, and for the purposes of any proceedings under this Part in relation to such a person references in this Part to
the person’s conduct shall be read as references to his state of physical or mental health.


Section: 40G Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal Panel E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) The Chief Justice shall appoint a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal Panel consisting of-
(a) no fewer than 10 and no more than 20 practising notaries public of at least 5 years’ standing; and
(b) no fewer than 5 and no more than 10 lay persons who are not, in the opinion of the Chief Justice, connected

in any way with practice as a notary public or the practice of law.
(2) A member of the Council of the Society of Notaries is not eligible to be appointed to or remain on the Panel.
(3) A person appointed to the Panel shall be appointed for a term specified by the Chief Justice not to exceed 5 years

but may be reappointed for a further term or terms.
(4) The Chief Justice shall appoint one of the notaries public on the Panel as the Tribunal Convenor for a 3 year

term and he may appoint one or more of the other notaries public on the Panel as a Deputy Tribunal Convenor
for a 3 year term.

(5) A Deputy Tribunal Convenor designated by the Tribunal Convenor or the Chief Justice may act in place of the
Tribunal Convenor whenever the Tribunal Convenor is prevented from exercising the Tribunal Convenor’s
functions under this Ordinance because of illness, absence from Hong Kong or any other cause, or if there is or
is likely to be any conflict of interest on the part of the Tribunal Convenor.


Section: 40H Complaint about conduct of notaries public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Where the Council of the Society of Notaries considers as a result of a complaint being made to it or otherwise
that a person who is, or was at the relevant time, a notary public may be liable to be disciplined under this Part it
shall submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor for the purpose of constituting a Notaries Public Disciplinary
Tribunal to inquire into the conduct of the person.

(2) Where a complaint is made to the Council of the Society of Notaries and the Council does not submit a matter to
the Tribunal Convenor under subsection (1) within 6 months after receiving the complaint the Chief Judge may,
on application by any person or on his own initiative, submit the matter to the Tribunal Convenor if he considers
that the Council ought to have done so. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)

(3) A matter submitted to the Tribunal Convenor shall include or be accompanied by particulars of the conduct that
is to be inquired into and by particulars of any associated allegations of misconduct.


Section: 40I Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) On receiving a submission under section 40H, the Tribunal Convenor shall appoint from the Panel 2 notaries
public and one lay person.

(2) The persons so appointed constitute a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal to inquire into the conduct of the
notary public concerned.

(3) When constituting a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal, the Tribunal Convenor shall also appoint one of its
members as chairman of the Tribunal.

(4) A Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal may be constituted by the chairman and by one other member
designated by the chairman for the purposes only of-
(a) giving directions or making orders for the conduct of any inquiry being held under section 40J;
(b) announcing the findings of the Tribunal with respect to the inquiry.

(5) A member of the Tribunal who becomes a member of the Council of the Society of Notaries ceases to be a
member of the Tribunal.

(6) A Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall sit at such places and at such times as the chairman of the Tribunal
directs.

(7) A Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall hold its proceedings in camera, except when the notary public
whose conduct is being inquired into requests that the proceedings be open to the public.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 40


Section: 40J Powers of a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall have power to inquire into the conduct of any person in respect of
which it was constituted.

(2) On completion of its inquiry, a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall have power to make such order as it
thinks fit and any such order may, in particular, include provision for all or any of the following matters-
(a) striking off the register of notaries public the name of the notary public to whom the inquiry relates;
(b) suspending that notary public from practice for such period as the Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal

thinks fit;
(c) permitting the notary public to continue practice, but subject to conditions which may be imposed for up to

3 years;
(d) payment by that notary public to the complainant of an amount not exceeding the amount paid or payable to

the notary public in relation to the complainant’s matters in dispute;
(e) payment by that notary public to a fund established under rules prescribed under section 73E of an amount

not greater than an amount paid out of the fund in respect of that notary public;
(f) payment by that notary public of a penalty not exceeding $500000 which shall be paid into the general

revenue;
(g) censure of that notary public;
(h) payment by any party of the costs of and incidental to the proceedings of the Tribunal and the costs of any

prior inquiry or investigation in relation to the matters before the Tribunal, to be taxed by a Master of the
High Court on a full indemnity basis, or payment of any amount that the Tribunal considers is a reasonable
contribution towards those costs.

(3) Every order made under subsection (2) shall be filed with the Secretary of the Society of Notaries and shall be
available for inspection by any person affected during such hours as the Council of the Society of Notaries may
prescribe, and a signed copy of every order shall be filed with the Secretary General of the Law Society within
14 days of its being made.

(4) An order that may be made under subsection (2) may also be made in respect of a person who was, at the
relevant time, a notary public.


Section: 40K Ancillary powers of a Notaries Public Disciplinary

Tribunal
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) For the purpose of conducting any inquiry under section 40J, a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall have
all such powers as are vested in the Court or in any judge in the course of any action or suit in respect of the
following matters-
(a) enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them upon oath or otherwise;
(b) compelling the production of documents;
(c) punishing persons guilty of contempt;
(d) ordering an inspection of any property;
(e) conducting the examination of witnesses; and
(f) adjourning any meeting from time to time and from one place to another,
and a summons under the hand of the chairman of a Tribunal may be substituted for and shall be equivalent to
any form of process capable of being issued in any action or suit for compelling the attendance of witnesses or
the production of documents and any warrant of committal to prison issued for the purpose of enforcing any
such powers shall be signed by the chairman of the Tribunal but shall not authorize the imprisonment of any
offender for a period exceeding 1 month.

(2) The Commissioner of Police and all police officers, the Commissioner of Correctional Services and all officers
of the Correctional Services Department and all officers and bailiffs of the court are required to give their utmost
assistance to every Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal and to every chairman of such Tribunal in the
enforcement of the exercise of any power vested in the Tribunal or chairman, whether conferred by subsection
(1) or otherwise.

(3) Every member of a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall have the like protection and privileges, in
relation to any action or suit brought against him for any act done or omitted to be done in the execution of his
duties as such member, as is given by any law to a magistrate acting in the execution of his office.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 41

(4) All proceedings of a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal shall be privileged.
(5) A Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal constituted to inquire into the conduct of a person may inquire into

other conduct of the person, but only if-
(a) the person has been given reasonable notice and adequate particulars of that other conduct; and
(b) the Tribunal is satisfied that that other conduct is related to the first-mentioned conduct.

(6) The power conferred by subsection (5) is exercisable only on the application of-
(a) the Council of the Society of Notaries in the case of a matter submitted to the Tribunal Convenor under

section 40H(1); or
(b) the Chief Judge in the case of a matter submitted to the Tribunal Convenor under section 40H(2).

(Amended 23 of 2002 s. 121)
(7) Notice is not reasonable for the purposes of subsection (5) if it is less than 7 days.

Section: 40L Findings of a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) An order made by a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal under section 40J(2) shall include a statement of its
findings in relation to the facts of the case and shall be signed by the chairman of the Tribunal or by a member
authorized by the Tribunal.

(2) A signed copy of an order of a Tribunal in relation to a notary public shall be filed with the Registrar who shall
enter a note of the order on the register of notaries public in connection with the name of the notary public and,
where the order so directs, the Registrar shall strike off the name and shall publish an order for suspension or
striking off in the Gazette within 14 days after a copy of the order is so filed.

(3) The Tribunal that heard the matter or a Tribunal constituted for the purpose by the Tribunal Convenor may, on
the application of a party against whom an order for payment is made under section 40J(2), order that payment
may be paid by instalments or be deferred for a period the Tribunal considers appropriate.

(4) An application for an order for payment by instalments, or for the deferring of payment, may be made at the
hearing or, within 14 days after the date of the order for payment, by notice in writing to the Tribunal Convenor
and to all parties who were represented at the Tribunal hearing.

(5) On receipt of a notice under subsection (4), the Tribunal Convenor shall, within 14 days, notify the applicant and
the other parties of a date on which the application will be heard by a Tribunal.

(6) Payment of an amount ordered to be paid by the Tribunal may be enforced as if it were an order issued out of the
Court on the production of a copy of the order signed by the chairman of the Tribunal or other authorized
member of the Tribunal and the rules of the Court, so far as applicable, apply to the order.

(7) No order under subsection (6) shall be enforced until after the 14 days referred to in subsection (4) have elapsed
or until after the Tribunal has made its decision under subsection (3).


Section: 40M Appeal and saving E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Subject to subsection (2), an appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeal against any order made by a Notaries Public
Disciplinary Tribunal and the provisions of Order 59 of the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg. A) shall
apply to every such appeal save that the time for serving notice of motion of appeal shall be 21 days from the
date of the decision and not 28 days as provided in that Order. (Amended 11 of 1999 s. 3; 10 of 2008 s. 33; 26
of 2012 s. 4)

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any decision of the Tribunal on an application under section 40L(4).
(3) In any appeal under subsection (1) the Society of Notaries shall be the respondent.
(4) The hearing of every appeal under this section shall be in open court unless, and to the extent to which, the Court

of Appeal may otherwise direct.

Section: 40N Winding-up, etc. of business of notaries public struck off

or suspended
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) The Court may make an order for the winding-up of the business of any notary public who is struck off the
register of notaries public in such terms and appointing such solicitor or firm of solicitors with notarial practice
or the Official Receiver under the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6) or both as it thinks fit for that purpose.

(2) The Court may make an order appointing any solicitor or firm of solicitors with notarial practice or the Official
Receiver or both to manage the business of any notary public whose practising certificate is suspended, for the



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 42

duration of the suspension.

Section: 40O Removal from register at request of notary public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Upon reasonable cause being shown to the Council of the Society of Notaries by a notary public, the Council
may direct the Registrar to remove the name of such notary public from the register of notaries public and the
Registrar shall remove such name from the register of notaries public.

(2) With effect from the date of removal of a name under this section, the person whose name is so removed shall
cease to be a notary public.


Section: 40P Automatic striking-off or suspension of notary public E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Where the name of a solicitor who is also a notary public is struck off the roll of solicitors by the Registrar under
section 12(2) pursuant to an order made by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal under section 10(2)(a), the
Registrar shall as soon as practicable after that strike off the register of notaries public the name of that person
and shall publish a notice of this fact in the Gazette within 14 days after the striking off the register of notaries
public.

(2) (a) Where a solicitor who is also a notary public is suspended from practice as a solicitor for a period by order
of a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal under section 10(2)(b), the notary public shall be deemed to be
suspended from practice as a notary public for the same period.

(b) Where in relation to such a solicitor who is also a notary public a signed copy of the order of the Solicitors
Disciplinary Tribunal is filed with the Registrar under section 12(2), the Registrar shall as soon as is
practicable after entering a note of the order on the roll of solicitors, enter a note on the register of notaries
public of the period of suspension having effect by virtue of paragraph (a); and where the Registrar is
directed by the order made by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal to publish the order for suspension of the
solicitor in the Gazette he shall also publish in the Gazette a notice of the suspension having effect by virtue
of paragraph (a).

(3) (a) If in relation to a solicitor who is also a notary public and whose name has been struck off the roll of
solicitors under section 12(2), the striking off of the name of the solicitor from the roll of solicitors is set
aside in the final determination of any appeal under section 13, then, subject to any order made in respect of
the notary public under section 40J(2), the Registrar must, as soon as is practicable after that determination,
restore the name of the notary public to the register of notaries public.

(b) If in relation to a solicitor who is also a notary public and who has been suspended from practice as a
solicitor under section 10(2)(b), the solicitor’s suspension from practice as a solicitor is set aside in the
final determination of any appeal under section 13, any suspension of that person from practice as a notary
public having effect by virtue of subsection (2)(a) shall cease to have effect, and the Registrar shall enter an
appropriate note on the register of notaries public accordingly. (Amended 26 of 2012 s. 8)


Section: 40Q Society of Notaries’ general right of audience E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


The Society of Notaries shall have a general right of audience by any of its members appointed by it for that purpose,
or by any solicitor or counsel, before-

(a) a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal; and
(b) the Court on the hearing of any matter under this Ordinance that affects notaries public,

and in any such case, whether the Society of Notaries has or is seeking audience or not, it shall be served with a copy
of every necessary document filed with the Registrar.

Section: 40R Expenses of Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal and of

Society of Notaries
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) The expenses incurred by-
(a) a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal; and
(b) the Society of Notaries, in connection with proceedings before a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal, the

Court of Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal,



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 43

may be paid to the Society of Notaries out of general revenue upon a certificate issued by the Secretary for
Justice.

(2) The Secretary for Justice shall only issue a certificate under subsection (1) if he is satisfied that-
(a) the expenses were necessarily incurred by the Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal or the Society of

Notaries, as the case may be, in exercise of the powers or duties conferred or imposed by this Ordinance;
(b) the amount of such expenses is reasonable; and
(c) the expenses could not reasonably be recovered from the person whose conduct is the subject of the

proceedings before the Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal, the Court of Appeal or the Court of Final
Appeal, as the case may be.

(3) In this section, expenses (開支) includes witnesses' expenses and fees, counsel's fees, solicitor's fees, auditor's
fees and other charges and disbursements.

(Amended 26 of 2012 s. 5)

Section: 40S Statutory provisions to prevail over Society of Notaries’

articles
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



In the case of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Ordinance and the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of the Society of Notaries, the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.

Section: 40T Transitional arrangements E.R. 2 of 2014 10/04/2014


(1) In this section, amendment Ordinance (《修訂條例》 ) means the Legal Practitioners (Amendment)
Ordinance 1998 (27 of 1998).

(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, reference in this or any other Ordinance-
(a) to a notary public includes reference to a person who is a notary public by virtue of registration under this

Part as in force immediately before the commencement* of the amendment Ordinance;
(b) to the register of notaries public includes reference to the register kept under this Part as in force

immediately before the commencement* of the amendment Ordinance;
(c) to any order made under this Part includes reference to an order made under this Part as in force

immediately before the commencement* of the amendment Ordinance.
(Amended E.R. 2 of 2014)

__________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* Commencement date: 30 June 2005.

Section: 40 (Repealed 27 of 1998 s. 3) L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005




Section: 41 (Repealed 27 of 1998 s. 3) L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005




Section: 42 (Repealed 27 of 1998 s. 3) L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005




Section: 43 (Repealed 27 of 1998 s. 3) L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005




Part: V Privileges, Restrictions and Offences in connection with
Practice

E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(*Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2012)
____________________________________________________________________________
Note:
* The format of Part V has been updated to the current legislative styles.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 44


Section: 44 Penalty for unlawfully practising as a barrister or notary

public
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) Any person who- (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
(a) not being a qualified barrister, either directly or indirectly, practises or acts as a barrister;
(b) not being a qualified notary public, either directly or indirectly, practises or acts as a notary public,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46 of
1989 s. 11; 60 of 1994 s. 33)

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting any provision of the Consular Relations Ordinance (Cap
259). (Added 27 of 1998 s. 5)


Section: 45 Unqualified person not to act as solicitor E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) A person who, by virtue of section 7, is not qualified to act as a solicitor shall not act as a solicitor, or as such
sue out any writ or process, or commence, carry on or defend any action, suit or other proceeding, in the name of
any other person or in his own name, in any court of civil or criminal jurisdiction or act as a solicitor in any
cause or matter, civil or criminal, to be heard or determined before any court or magistrate. (Amended 46 of
1989 s. 12; 47 of 1997 s. 10)

(2) Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall-
(a) be guilty of contempt of the court in which the action, suit, cause, matter or proceeding in relation to which

he so acts is brought or taken and may be punished accordingly;
(b) be incapable of maintaining any action for any costs in respect of anything done by him in the course of so

acting; and (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 34)
(c) be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000 and to imprisonment

for 2 years; (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 11; 60 of 1994 ss. 33 & 34)
(d) (Repealed 60 of 1994 s. 34)

(3) (Repealed 60 of 1994 s. 34)
[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 18 U.K.]


Section: 45A Person not having higher rights of audience in respect of

certain class of proceedings not to exercise those rights as
solicitor

E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



If a person who does not have higher rights of audience in respect of a class of proceedings under Part IIIB purports to
exercise those rights in respect of proceedings of that class as a solicitor-

(a) the person is guilty of contempt of the court before which the person purports to exercise those rights as a
solicitor;

(b) any costs in respect of anything done by the person in purported exercise of those rights as a solicitor are
not recoverable by any person; and

(c) the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $500000.
(Added 2 of 2010 s. 5)


Section: 46 Penalty for pretending to be a solicitor, etc. E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Any unqualified person who wilfully pretends to be, or takes or uses any name, title, addition or description
implying that he is qualified or recognized by law as qualified to act as, a solicitor shall be guilty of an offence
and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 11; 60 of 1994 ss. 33
& 35) [cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 19 U.K.]

(2) Any person who-
(a) not being an employee of a solicitor, a barrister or a foreign lawyer, wilfully pretends to be, or takes or uses

any title, addition or description implying that he is, such an employee;
(b) without the authority of a solicitor, a barrister, a foreign lawyer or a trainee solicitor, purports to act with

such authority,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Added 60 of 1994



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 45

s. 35)

Section: 47 Unqualified person not to prepare certain instruments, etc. E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Any unqualified person, not being a barrister or a notary public, who, unless he proves that the act was not done
for or in expectation of any fee, gain or reward, either directly or indirectly-
(a) draws or prepares any instrument relating to movable or immovable property or to any legal proceeding; or
(b) draws or prepares any memorial or other document for the purposes of the Land Registration Ordinance

(Cap 128) or the New Territories Ordinance (Cap 97) or makes any application or lodges any testimony for
registration under either of those Ordinances at the Land Registry, (Amended 8 of 1993 s. 2; 20 of 2002 s.
5)

shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46 of
1989 s. 14)

(2) This section shall not extend to-
(a) any public officer drawing or preparing instruments in the course of his duty;
(b) any person employed merely to engross or copy any instrument or proceeding; or
(c) an unqualified person who, while acting in the course of bona fide employment and supervised by a

qualified person, draws or prepares any instrument, memorial or other document in the name of the
qualified person. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 36)

(3) For the purposes of this section, instrument (文書) does not include-
(a) a will or other testamentary instrument; or
(b) an agreement under hand only; or
(c) a letter of power of attorney; or
(d) a transfer of stock containing no trust or limitation thereof

(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 36)
[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 20 U.K.]


Section: 48 Unqualified person not to act in preparation of papers for

probate, etc.
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) Any unqualified person, not being a barrister or a notary public, who, either directly or as an agent of any
person, whether or not that other person is a solicitor, barrister or notary public, takes instructions for or draws or
prepares any paper on which to found or oppose a grant of probate or of letters of administration shall, unless he
proves that the act was not done for or in expectation of any fee, gain or reward, be guilty of an offence and,
without prejudice to any other liability or disability to which he may be subject under this Ordinance or any
other enactment, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 14; 60 of
1994 s. 37) [cf. 1957 c.27 s. 21 U.K.]

(2) This section does not apply to-
(a) a public officer who in the course of his duty draws or prepares papers referred to in subsection (1); or
(b) an unqualified person who, while acting in the course of bona fide employment and supervised by a

qualified person, draws or prepares papers referred to in subsection (1) in the name of the qualified person.
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 37)


Section: 49 Solicitor not to act as agent for unqualified person E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) No solicitor shall wilfully and knowingly-
(a) act as agent in any action or in any matter in bankruptcy for any unqualified person; or
(b) permit his name to be made use of in any such action or matter upon the account or for the profit of any

unqualified person; or
(c) (Repealed 60 of 1994 s. 38)
(d) do any other act enabling any unqualified person to appear, act or practise in any respect as a solicitor in

any such action or matter.
(2) Where it appears to a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal or to the Court that a solicitor has acted in contravention

of this section, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal or the Court shall order his name to be struck off the roll of



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 46

solicitors. (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6)
(3) Where the Court orders the name of a solicitor to be struck off the roll in respect of an offence under this section,

it may further order that the unqualified person who was enabled by the conduct of the offender to act or practise
as a solicitor shall be imprisoned for any period not exceeding 1 year.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 34 U.K.]

Section: 50 No costs for unqualified person E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


No costs in respect of anything done by an unqualified person acting as a solicitor shall be recoverable in any action,
suit or matter by any person whomsoever.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 23 U.K.]

Section: 50A Recovery of moneys in certain cases E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) Nothing in section 45(2)(b) or in section 50 prevents the recovery of moneys paid or to be paid by a solicitor on
behalf of a client in respect of anything done by the solicitor while acting for the client without holding a
practising certificate in force, if those moneys would have been recoverable had the solicitor held such a
certificate in force when so acting. (Amended L.N. 162 of 1993; 2 of 2010 s. 6)

(2) Nothing in section 45A(b) prevents the recovery of moneys paid or to be paid by a solicitor on behalf of a client
in respect of anything done by the solicitor in purported exercise of any higher rights of audience as a solicitor
while not having those rights under Part IIIB, if those moneys would have been recoverable had the solicitor had
those rights under that Part. (Added 2 of 2010 s. 6)

(Added 25 of 1968 s. 12)
[cf. 1965 c. 31 s. 7 U.K.]


Section: 50B Offences in relation to foreign lawyers, foreign firms and

Associations
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) A person who offers his services to the public as a practitioner of foreign law commits an offence unless he is a
solicitor who satisfies all the requirements set forth in section 7, a barrister or a foreign lawyer. (Amended 42 of
2000 s. 14)

(2) A person who is qualified to practise foreign law and who-
(a) from within a foreign firm but not as a foreign lawyer; or
(b) from within a Hong Kong firm but not as a solicitor or foreign lawyer,
offers his services to the public as a practitioner of foreign law, does not commit an offence under subsection (1)
so long as he does not so offer his services in any 12 month period for more than 3 continuous months or more
than 90 days.

(3) A foreign lawyer who offers his services to the public as a practitioner of foreign law in a capacity other than as
a practitioner in a foreign firm or a Hong Kong firm commits an offence.

(4) A foreign lawyer or foreign firm must not- (Amended 26 of 2012 s. 9)
(a) employ or take into partnership a solicitor who holds a practising certificate; or
(b) employ or take into partnership a barrister who holds a practising certificate. (Amended 26 of 2012 s. 9)

(5) Where a Hong Kong firm and a foreign firm have an agreement as described in section 39C(1) and they are not
registered as an Association, the partners or the sole practitioners of each firm commit an offence.

(6) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable to a fine of $500000.
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 39)


Section: 51 Application of penal provisions to body corporate E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


(1) If any act is done by a body corporate, or by any director, officer or servant thereof, of such a nature or in such a
manner as to be calculated to imply that the body corporate is qualified or recognized by law as qualified to act
as a solicitor, the body corporate shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine
of $500000, and, in the case of an act done by a director, officer or servant of the body corporate, such person
shall also be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 47

of 1989 ss. 11 & 13)
(2) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that in sections 45, 45A, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 50B, references

to unqualified persons and to persons include references to a body corporate. (Amended 2 of 2010 s. 7)
(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 40)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 22 U.K.]

Section: 52 Solicitors not to commence or defend actions while in

prison
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) No solicitor whilst a prisoner in any prison shall as a solicitor, in his own name or in the name of any other
solicitor, sue out any writ or process, or commence, prosecute or defend any action or any matter in bankruptcy.

(2) Any solicitor commencing, prosecuting or defending any such action or matter in contravention of this section
shall be incapable of maintaining any action for the recovery of any costs in respect of any business done by him
whilst so confined as aforesaid, and he and any solicitor permitting him to commence, prosecute or defend any
such action or matter in his name shall be guilty of contempt of the court in which such action or matter was
commenced or prosecuted and may be punished accordingly.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 35 U.K.]

Section: 53 Employment by solicitor or foreign lawyer of persons

struck off or suspended
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) No solicitor shall, in connection with his practice as a solicitor, without the written permission of the Society
which may be given for such period and subject to such conditions as the Society thinks fit, employ or
remunerate any person who, to his knowledge,-
(a) is disqualified from practising as a solicitor by reason of the fact that his name has been struck off the roll of

solicitors or is suspended from practising as a solicitor or is an undischarged bankrupt; (Amended 27 of
1998 s. 7; 10 of 2008 s. 35)

(b) was a foreign lawyer whose registration was cancelled other than under section 19 and who has not been re-
registered or is a foreign lawyer whose registration is suspended; or (Replaced 60 of 1994 s. 41. Amended
10 of 2008 s. 35)

(c) is a person referred to in section 39A(1) who-
(i) has not been registered as a foreign lawyer under that section; and
(ii) is an undischarged bankrupt. (Added 10 of 2008 s. 35)

(1A) No foreign lawyer shall, in connection with his practice as a foreign lawyer, without the written permission of
the Society which may be given for such period and subject to such conditions as the Society thinks fit, employ
or remunerate any person who, to his knowledge, was a foreign lawyer whose registration was cancelled other
than under section 19 and who has not been re-registered or is a foreign lawyer whose registration is suspended.
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 41)

(2) No solicitor or foreign lawyer shall in connection with his practice as a solicitor or foreign lawyer employ or
remunerate any person who, to his knowledge, is the subject of an order made by a Solicitors Disciplinary
Tribunal under section 10(2)(g) whereby the employment of such person by any solicitor or foreign lawyer is
prohibited, while such order is in force. (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6)

(3) No solicitor or foreign lawyer shall, in connection with his practice as a solicitor or foreign lawyer, without
written permission of the Society, which may be given for such period and subject to such conditions as the
Society may think fit, employ or remunerate any person, who, to his knowledge, has been convicted of a
criminal offence involving dishonesty. (Replaced 25 of 1968 s. 13)

(4) A solicitor or foreign lawyer aggrieved by the refusal of the Society to grant any such permission as aforesaid, or
by any conditions attached by the Society to the grant thereof, may appeal to the Chief Judge, in such manner as
may be prescribed by the Chief Justice, and on any such appeal the Chief Judge may confirm the refusal or the
conditions, as the case may be, or may, in lieu of the Society, grant such permission for such period and subject
to such conditions as he thinks fit. (Amended 23 of 2002 s. 110)

(5) If any solicitor acts in contravention of the provisions of this section or of the conditions subject to which any
permission has been given thereunder, his name shall be struck off the roll or he shall be suspended from
practice for such period as a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal may think fit. (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 6)

(5A) If a foreign lawyer acts in contravention of the provisions of this section or of the conditions subject to which



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 48

any permission has been given, his registration as a foreign lawyer shall be cancelled or shall be suspended for
such period as a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal may think fit. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 41)

(6) Any person who, while there is in force in respect of him an order made under section 10(2)(g) prohibiting his
employment by any solicitor or foreign lawyer, seeks or accepts any employment by or remuneration from a
solicitor or foreign lawyer in connection with his practice as a solicitor or foreign lawyer without previously
informing the solicitor or foreign lawyer of that order shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on
summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 13)

(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 41)
[cf. 1957 c. 27 ss. 36 & 38 U.K.]


Section: 54 Penalty on failure to disclose fact of having been struck off,

etc.
E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012



(1) Any person who, whilst he is disqualified from practising as a solicitor by reason of the fact that he has been
struck off the roll or is suspended from practising as a solicitor, seeks or accepts employment by a solicitor in
connection with that solicitor's practice without previously informing him that he is so disqualified shall be
guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500000. (Amended 46 of 1989 s.
11; 60 of 1994 s. 42)

(1A) A person whose registration as a foreign lawyer has been cancelled other than under section 19 or suspended and
who seeks or accepts employment by a solicitor or foreign lawyer without previously informing the solicitor or
foreign lawyer that his registration has been cancelled or suspended commits an offence and is liable to a fine of
$500000. (Added 60 of 1994 s. 42)

(2) No proceedings under this section shall be commenced except by or with the consent of the Secretary for Justice.
(Amended L.N. 362 of 1997)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 37 U.K.]

Section: 55 Time limit for commencement of certain proceedings E.R. 2 of 2012 02/08/2012


Notwithstanding anything in the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227), proceedings in respect of any offence against
section 46, 47, 48, 50B or 54 may be brought at any time within 2 years next after the commission of the offence.

(Amended 60 of 1994 s. 43; 14 of 2003 s. 6)
[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 24 U.K.]


Part: VI REMUNERATION OF SOLICITORS 30/06/1997




Section: 56 Agreement for remuneration for noncontentious business 30/06/1997


Non-contentious Business


(1) Whether or not any rules made under section 74 are in force, a solicitor and his client may, either before or
after or in the course of the transaction of any non-contentious business by the solicitor, make an agreement as to the
remuneration of the solicitor in respect thereof.

(2) The agreement may provide for the remuneration of the solicitor by a gross sum, or by commission or
percentage or by salary, or otherwise, and it may be made on the terms that the amount of the remuneration therein
stipulated for either shall or shall not include all or any disbursements made by the solicitor in respect of searches,
plans, travelling, stamps, fees or other matters.

(3) The agreement shall be in writing and signed by the person to be bound thereby or his agent in that behalf.
(4) The agreement may be sued and recovered on or set aside in the like manner and on the like grounds as an

agreement not relating to the remuneration of a solicitor:
Provided that if on any taxation of costs the agreement is relied on by the solicitor and objected to by the client

as unfair or unreasonable, the taxing officer may inquire into the facts and certify them to the Court, and if on that
certificate it appears just to the Court that the agreement should be cancelled, or the amount payable thereunder
reduced, the Court may order the agreement to be cancelled, or the amount payable thereunder to be reduced, and may



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 49

give such consequential directions as it thinks fit.
[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 57 U.K.]


Section: 57 Remuneration of a solicitor who is a mortgagee L.N. 307 of 1998 04/09/1998


(1) If a mortgage is made to a solicitor, either alone or jointly with any other person, he, or the firm of which he
is a member, shall be entitled to recover from the mortgagor in respect of all business transacted and acts done by him
or them in negotiating the loan, deducing and investigating the title to the property, and preparing and completing the
mortgage, such usual costs as he or they would have been entitled to receive if the mortgage had been made to a
person who was not a solicitor and that person had retained and employed him or them to transact that business and do
those acts.

(2) If, whether before or after the commencement of this Ordinance, a mortgage has been made to, or has
become vested by transfer or transmission in, a solicitor, either alone or jointly with any other person, and if any
business is transacted or acts done by that solicitor, or by the firm of which he is a member, in relation to that
mortgage, or the security thereby created or the property comprised thereunder, then he or they shall be entitled to
recover from the person on whose behalf the business was transacted or the acts were done, and to charge against the
security, such usual costs as he or they would have been entitled to receive if the mortgage had been made to and had
remained vested in a person who was not a solicitor and that person had retained and employed him or them to
transact that business and do those acts. (Amended L.N. 307 of 1998)

(3) In this section, "mortgage" (按揭) includes any charge on any property for securing money or money's
worth.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 58 U.K.]

Section: 58 Power to make agreements 30/06/1997


Contentious Business


A solicitor may make with his client an agreement in writing as to his remuneration, in respect of any
contentious business done or to be done by the solicitor for the client, which provides that the solicitor shall be
remunerated either by a gross sum or by salary, or otherwise, and at either a greater or a less rate than that at which he
would otherwise have been entitled to be remunerated.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 59 U.K.]

Section: 59 Miscellaneous provisions 30/06/1997


(1) An agreement such as is referred to in section 58-
(a) shall not affect the amount of, or any rights or remedies for the recovery of, any costs payable by the

client to, or to the client by, any person other than the solicitor, and that person may, unless he has
otherwise agreed, require any such costs to be taxed according to the rules for the time being in force
for the taxation thereof:

Provided that the client shall not be entitled to recover from any other person under any order for
the payment of any costs to which the agreement relates more than the amount payable by him to his
solicitor in respect thereof under the agreement;

(b) shall be deemed to exclude any claim by the solicitor in respect of the business to which it relates other
than-
(i) a claim for the agreed costs; or
(ii) a claim for such costs as are expressly excepted therefrom.

(2) A provision in any such agreement that the solicitor shall not be liable for negligence, or that he shall be
relieved from any responsibility to which he would otherwise be subject as a solicitor, shall be void.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 60 U.K.]




Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 50

Section: 60 Enforcement of agreements in respect of contentious
business

30/06/1997



(1) No action shall be brought upon any such agreement as is referred to in section 58, but the court may, on
the application of any person who is a party to, or the representative of a party to, the agreement, or who is, or who is
alleged to be, liable to pay, or who is or claims to be entitled to be paid, the costs due or alleged to be due in respect of
the business to which the agreement relates, enforce or set aside the agreement and determine every question as to the
validity or effect thereof.

(2) On any such application the court-
(a) if it is of opinion that the agreement is in all respects fair and reasonable, may enforce it;
(b) if it is of opinion that the agreement is in any respect unfair or unreasonable, may declare it void and

may order it to be given up to be cancelled and may order the costs covered thereby to be taxed as if
the agreement had never been made;

(c) in any case, may make such order as to the costs of the application as it may think fit.
(3) If the business covered by any such agreement is business done, or to be done, in any action, the amount

payable under the agreement shall not be received by the solicitor until the agreement has been examined and allowed
by a taxing officer of the court, and, if the taxing officer is of opinion that the agreement is unfair or unreasonable, he
may require the opinion of the court to be taken thereon and the court may reduce the amount payable thereunder, or
order the agreement to be cancelled and the costs covered thereby to be taxed as if the agreement had never been
made.

(4) When the amount agreed for under any such agreement has been paid by or on behalf of the client or by any
person entitled so to do, the person making the payment may at any time within 12 months after payment apply to the
court and the court, if it appears to it that the special circumstances of the case require the agreement to be reopened,
may, on such terms as may be just, reopen the agreement and may order the costs covered thereby to be taxed and the
whole or any part of the amount received by the solicitor to be repaid by him.

(5) Where any such agreement is made by the client as the guardian or committee of, or as a trustee under a
deed or will for, any person whose property will be chargeable with the whole or any part of the amount payable under
the agreement, the agreement shall, before payment, be laid before the taxing officer of the court, and that officer shall
examine the agreement and may disallow any part thereof, or may require the opinion of the court to be taken thereon.

(6) Any such client as is mentioned in subsection (5), who pays the whole or any part of the amount payable
under the agreement without the agreement having been allowed by the taxing officer or by the court, shall be liable at
any time to account to the person whose property is charged with the whole or any part of the amount so paid for the
sum so charged, and the solicitor who accepts the payment may be ordered by the court to refund the amount received
by him.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 61 U.K.]

Section: 61 Death, incapability, or change of solicitor, etc. 25 of 1998 01/07/1997


Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2


(1) If, after some business has been done under an agreement made in pursuance of the provisions of section 58
but before the solicitor has wholly performed it, the solicitor dies or becomes incapable of acting, any party to, or the
representative of any party to, the agreement may apply to the court and the court shall have the same jurisdiction as to
enforcing the agreement so far as it has been performed, or setting it aside, as it would have had if the solicitor had not
died or become incapable of acting:

Provided that the court may, notwithstanding that it is of opinion that the agreement is in all respects fair and
reasonable, order the amount due in respect of the business done thereunder to be ascertained by taxation, and in that
case-

(a) the taxing officer, in ascertaining that amount, shall have regard so far as may be to the terms of the
agreement; and

(b) payment of the amount found by him to be due may be enforced in the same manner as if the
agreement had been completely performed.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) shall apply in the event of the client changing his solicitor (as,
notwithstanding the agreement, he shall be entitled to do) before the conclusion of the business to which the



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 51

agreement relates in the same manner as they apply when the solicitor dies or is incapacitated, with this modification,
that if an order is made for the taxation of the amount due to the solicitor in respect of the business done under the
agreement the court shall direct the taxing officer to have regard to the circumstances under which the change of
solicitor has taken place, and the taxing officer, unless he is of opinion that there has been no default, negligence,
improper delay or other conduct on the part of the solicitor affording to the client reasonable ground for changing his
solicitor, shall not allow to the solicitor the full amount of the remuneration agreed to be paid to him.

(3) In this section and in sections 60 and 63 "court" (法院) means-
(a) in relation to an agreement under which any business has been done in any court having jurisdiction to

enforce and set aside agreements, any such court in which any of that business has been done;
(b) in relation to an agreement under which no business has been done in any such court, and under which

more than the sum mentioned in section 32 of the District Court Ordinance (Cap 336) is payable, the
Court of First Instance; (Amended 35 of 1966 Schedule; 68 of 1973 s. 5; 79 of 1981 s. 3; 25 of 1998 s.
2)

(c) in relation to an agreement under which no business has been done in any such court, and under which
not more than the sum mentioned in section 32 of the District Court Ordinance (Cap 336) is payable,
the District Court. (Amended 35 of 1966 Schedule; 68 of 1973 s. 5 ; 79 of 1981 s. 3)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 62 U.K.]

Section: 62 Agreement excludes taxation 30/06/1997


Subject to the provisions of sections 59, 60 and 61, the costs of a solicitor in any case where any agreement has
been made in pursuance of the provisions of section 58 shall not be subject to taxation, nor to the provisions of section
66 with respect to the signing and delivery of a solicitor's bill.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 63 U.K.]

Section: 63 Form of bill of costs for contentious business 30/06/1997


Where the remuneration of a solicitor in respect of contentious business done by him is not the subject of such
an agreement as is mentioned in section 58, the solicitor's bill of costs may at the option of the solicitor either contain
detailed items or be for a gross sum:

Provided that-
(a) at any time before service upon him of a writ or other originating process for the recovery of costs

included in a gross sum bill and before the expiration of 3 months from the date of the delivery to him
of the bill, the party chargeable therewith may require the solicitor to deliver to him in lieu thereof a
bill containing detailed items, and the gross sum bill shall thereupon be of no effect;

(b) where an action is commenced on a gross sum bill, the court shall, if so requested by the party
chargeable therewith before the expiration of 1 month from the service on that party of the writ or
other originating process, order that the bill shall be taxed;

(c) if a gross sum bill is referred to taxation, whether under this section or otherwise, nothing in this section
shall prejudice any rules of court with respect to taxation, and the solicitor shall furnish the taxing
officer with such details of any of the costs covered by the bill as the taxing officer may require.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 64 U.K.]

Section: 64 General provisions as to remuneration L.N. 213 of 1998 24/04/1998


General Provisions regarding Remuneration


(1) Nothing in section 58, 59, 60, 61 or 62 shall give validity to-
(a) any purchase by a solicitor of the interest, or any part of the interest, of his client in any action, suit or

other contentious proceeding; or
(b) any agreement by which a solicitor retained or employed to prosecute any action, suit or other

contentious proceeding stipulates for payment only in the event of success in that action, suit or
proceeding; or

(c) any disposition, contract, settlement, conveyance, delivery, dealing or transfer which is under the law



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 52

relating to bankruptcy invalid against a trustee or creditor in any bankruptcy or voluntary arrangement
with creditors within the meaning of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6). (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 7)

(2) A solicitor may take security from his client for his costs to be ascertained by taxation or otherwise.
(3) Subject to the provisions of any rules of court, upon every taxation of costs with respect to any contentious

business, the taxing officer may-
(a) allow interest at such rate and from such time as he thinks just on moneys disbursed by the solicitor for

the client, and on moneys of the client in the hands of, and improperly retained by, the solicitor;
(b) in determining the remuneration of the solicitor, have regard to the skill, labour and responsibility

involved in the business done by him, the general complexity of the matter and the amount or value of
the matter in issue.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 65 U.K.]

Section: 65 Power of Court to order delivery of bill, etc. 30/06/1997


(1) The jurisdiction of the Court to make orders for the delivery by a solicitor of a bill of costs and for the
delivery up of, or otherwise in relation to, any deeds, documents or papers in his possession, custody or power is
hereby declared to extend to cases in which no business has been done by him in the Court.

(2) If a mortgage has been made to, or has become vested by transfer or transmission in, a solicitor, either alone
or jointly with any other person, and any business is transacted or acts are done by that solicitor, or by the firm of
which he is a member, in relation to that mortgage or the security thereby created or the property comprised
thereunder, then he or they shall be entitled to recover from the person on whose behalf the business was transacted or
the acts were done, and to charge against the security, such usual costs as he or they would have been entitled to
receive if the mortgage had been made to and had remained vested in a person who was not a solicitor and that person
had retained and employed him or them to transact that business and do those acts.

(3) In this section and in sections 66, 67 and 68, "solicitor" (律師) includes the executors, administrators and
assignees of the solicitor in question.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 67 U.K.]

Section: 66 Action to recover costs L.N. 213 of 1998 24/04/1998


(1) Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, no action shall be brought to recover any costs due to a solicitor
until 1 month after a bill thereof has been delivered in accordance with the requirements of this section:

Provided that, if there is probable cause for believing that the party chargeable with the costs is about to quit
Hong Kong, or become a bankrupt, or to enter into a voluntary arrangement with his creditors within the meaning of
the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6), or to do any other act which would tend to prevent or delay the solicitor obtaining
payment, the Court may, notwithstanding that 1 month has not expired from the delivery of the bill, order that the
solicitor be at liberty to commence an action to recover his costs and may order those costs to be taxed. (Amended 50
of 1982 s. 8; 27 of 1998 s. 7)

(2) The said requirements are as follows-
(a) the bill must be signed by the solicitor, or if the costs are due to a firm by one of the partners of that

firm, either in his own name or in the name of the firm, or be enclosed in, or accompanied by, a letter
which is so signed and refers to the bill; and

(b) the bill must be delivered to the party to be charged therewith, either personally or by being sent to him
by post to, or left for him at, his place of business, dwelling house or last known place of abode,

and where a bill is proved to have been delivered in compliance with those requirements, it shall not be necessary in
the first instance for the solicitor to prove the contents of the bill and it shall be presumed, until the contrary is shown,
to be a bill bona fide complying with this Ordinance.

[cf. 1957 c. 7 s. 68 U.K.]

Section: 67 Taxation of bills on application of party chargeable on

solicitor or foreign lawyer
30/06/1997



(1) On the application, made within 1 month of the delivery of a solicitor's bill or a foreign lawyer's bill, of the
party chargeable therewith the Court shall, without requiring any sum to be paid into court, order that the bill shall be



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 53

taxed and that no action shall be commenced thereon until the taxation is completed. (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 40)
(2) If no such application is made with in the period mentioned in subsection (1), then, on the application of the

solicitor or the foreign lawyer or of the party chargeable with the bill, the Court may, upon such terms, if any, as it
thinks fit (not being terms as to the costs of the taxation), order- (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 40)

(a) that the bill shall be taxed;
(b) that, until the taxation is completed, no action shall be commenced on the bill, and any action already

commenced be stayed:
Provided that-

(i) if 12 months have expired from the delivery of the bill, or if the bill has been paid, or if a verdict has
been obtained or a writ of inquiry executed in an action for the recovery of the costs covered thereby,
no order shall be made on the application of the party chargeable with the bill except in special
circumstances and, if an order is made, it may contain such terms as regards the costs of the taxation as
the Court may think fit;

(ii) if the bill has been paid, no order under this subsection shall be made where the application for the
order is made after the expiration of 12 months from the date of payment of the bill. (Replaced 61 of
1992 s. 24)

(3) Every order for the taxation of a bill shall require the taxing officer to tax not only the bill but also the costs
of taxation and to certify what is due to or by the solicitor in respect of the bill and in respect of the costs of the
taxation.

(4) If after due notice of any taxation either party thereto fails to attend, the taxing officer may proceed with the
taxation ex parte.

(5) Unless-
(a) the order for taxation was made on the application of the solicitor or the foreign lawyer, and the party

chargeable does not attend the taxation; or (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 40)
(b) the order for taxation otherwise provides,

the costs of the taxation shall be paid according to the event of the taxation, that is to say, if one-sixth or more of the
amount of the bill is taxed off, the solicitor or the foreign lawyer, shall pay the costs, but otherwise the party
chargeable shall pay the costs: (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 40)

Provided that-
(i) if, in the case of a bill for non-contentious business, not less than half of the amount of the bill before

taxation consists of costs for which no scale charge is prescribed, for the reference in this subsection to
one-sixth of the amount of the bill there shall be deemed to be substituted a reference to one-fifth
thereof;

(ii) the taxing officer may certify any special circumstances relating to the bill or the taxation thereof to the
Court, and the Court may make thereon any such order as it thinks fit respecting the payment of the
costs of the taxation.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 69 U.K.]

Section: 68 Taxation application of third parties 30/06/1997


(1) Where a person other than the person who is the party chargeable with the bill for the purposes of section
67 has paid, or is or was liable to pay, the bill to the solicitor or the foreign lawyer, or to the party chargeable with the
bill, that person or his executors, administrators or assignees may apply to the Court for an order for the taxation of the
bill as if he were the party chargeable therewith, and the Court may make thereon the same order, if any, as it might
have made if the application had been made by that party:

Provided that, in cases where the Court has no power to make an order except in special circumstances, the
Court may, in considering whether there are special circumstances sufficient to justify it in making an order, take into
account circumstances affecting the applicant but which do not affect the party chargeable with the bill.

(2) If a trustee, executor or administrator has become liable to pay a bill of a solicitor or of a foreign lawyer the
Court may, upon the application of any person interested in any property out of which the trustee, executor or
administrator has paid, or is entitled to pay, the bill, and upon such terms, if any, as it thinks fit, order the bill to be
taxed, and may order such payments, in respect of the amount found due to or by the solicitor or the foreign lawyer
and in respect of the costs of the taxation, to be made to or by the applicant, or to or by the solicitor or the foreign
lawyer, or to the executor, administrator or trustee as it thinks fit:

Provided that in considering any such application the Court shall have regard to-



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 54

(a) the provisions of section 67 as to applications by the party chargeable with a solicitor's bill or a foreign
lawyer's bill so far as they are capable of being applied to an application made under this subsection;

(b) the extent and nature of the interest of the applicant.
(3) If an applicant under subsection (2) pays any money to the solicitor or the foreign lawyer, he shall have the

same right to be paid that money by the trustee, executor or administrator chargeable with the bill as the solicitor or
the foreign lawyer had

(4) On an application made under this section-
(a) except in special circumstances, no order shall be made for the taxation of a bill which has already

been taxed;
(b) the Court may, if it orders taxation of the bill, order the solicitor or the foreign lawyer to deliver to the

applicant a copy of the bill upon payment of the costs of that copy.
(Amended 80 of 1997 s. 41)

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 70 U.K.]

Section: 69 General provisions as to taxations 30/06/1997


(1) Every application for an order for the taxation of a solicitor's bill or a foreign lawyer's bill or for the
delivery of such a bill and the delivering up of any deeds, documents and papers by a solicitor or by a foreign lawyer
shall be made in the matter of that solicitor or that foreign lawyer. (Amended 80 of 1997 s. 42)

(2) The certificate of the taxing officer by whom any bill has been taxed shall, unless it is set aside or altered by
the Court, be final as to the amount of the costs covered thereby, and the Court may make such order in relation
thereto as it thinks fit, including, in a case where the retainer is not disputed, an order that judgment be entered for the
sum certified to be due with costs.

[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 71 U.K.]

Section: 70 Charging orders 30/06/1997


Any court in which a solicitor has been employed to prosecute or defend any suit, matter or proceeding may at
any time declare the solicitor entitled to a charge on the property recovered or preserved through his instrumentality
for his taxed costs in reference to that suit, matter or proceeding and may make such orders for the taxation of the said
costs and for raising money to pay, or for paying, the said costs out of the said property, as it thinks fit, and all
conveyances and acts done to defeat, or operating to defeat, that charge shall, except in the case of a conveyance to a
bona fide purchaser for value without notice, be void as against the solicitor:

Provided that no order shall be made if the right to recover the costs is barred by any statute of limitations.
[cf. 1957 c. 27 s. 72 U.K.]


Section: 71 Revival of order for payment of costs 30/06/1997


Whenever any judgment or order has been made for payment of costs in any action and such action afterwards
becomes abated, it shall be lawful for any person interested under such judgment or order to revive such action, and
thereupon to prosecute and enforce such judgment or order, and so from time to time as often as any such abatement
may happen.

[cf. 1870 c. 28 s. 19 U.K.]

Part: VII RULES 30/06/1997




Section: 72 Power of Chief Justice to make rules 26 of 2012 27/07/2012


The Chief Justice may make rules-
(a) in relation to the admission of solicitors and of barristers and the appointment of notaries public-

(Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
(i) regulating the manner in which applications for admission under sections 4 and 27 shall be made

and the forms to be employed in respect thereof; (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 15; 60 of 1994 s. 44;



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 55

26 of 2012 s. 10)
(ii) regulating the procedure and constitution of the Court at the hearing of applications under

sections 4 and 27; (Amended 46 of 1989 s. 15; 60 of 1994 s. 44; 26 of 2012 s. 10)
(iii) regulating the manner in which applications for appointment under section 40A shall be made

and the forms to be employed in respect thereof; (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
(iv) exempting, in any particular case, a person seeking admission under section 4 or 27 or

appointment under section 40A from compliance with all or any of the conditions prescribed for
such admission or appointment by this Ordinance, subject to such conditions as may appear
necessary; (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 44; 27 of 1998 s. 5)

(v) providing for the duties of the Registrar in connection with such admissions and appointments;
(Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)

(vi) providing for the forms of the roll of solicitors, the roll of barristers and the register of notaries
public, the mode in which they shall be kept and the contents thereof;

(vii) prescribing any fees payable in connection with such admissions and appointments; (Amended
27 of 1998 s. 5)

(viii) (Repealed 70 of 1991 s. 9)
(ix) (Repealed 58 of 1976 s. 11)
(x) regulating the granting of exemption from the provisions of any of such rules and of the

compliance with any terms imposed upon the grantees of such exemption and prescribing the
form of any statutory declaration evidencing such compliance;

(b) in relation to the conduct of barristers, to provide for-
(i) the making of a complaint to the Tribunal Convenor of the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal

Panel;
(ii) the conduct of proceedings before a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal; and
(iii) the procedure for making and hearing an application under section 38; and (Replaced 61 of 1992

s. 25)
(c) generally to prescribe or provide for-

(i) any other certificate, form or other document required under this Ordinance;
(ii) any other fee which is required to be prescribed under this Ordinance;
(iii) the better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Ordinance; and
(iv) anything which under this Ordinance is to be or may be prescribed by the Chief Justice.


Section: 72A Rules for barristers in Hong Kong L.N. 87 of 2003 28/03/2003


The Chief Justice may make rules in relation to the admission of persons who seek to qualify or have qualified
as barristers in Hong Kong-

(a) regulating the enrolment of students seeking to become barristers in Hong Kong;
(b) regulating the manner in which pupillage may be served, including applications for pupillage,

disqualifications in respect of pupillage, approval and termination of pupillage and the period and
requirements of pupillage; (Replaced 58 of 1976 s. 12)

(ba) regulating the examinations to be passed by students seeking to become barristers in Hong Kong;
(Added 58 of 1976 s. 12)

(bb) prescribing the qualifying period of active practice for the purposes of section 31; (Added 58 of 1976
s. 12. Amended 42 of 2000 s. 15)

(c) generally for the better control of such students.
(Added 32 of 1972 s. 3)


Section: 72AA Power of Bar Council to make rules 42 of 2000 30/06/2000


Subject to the prior approval of the Chief Justice, the Bar Council may make rules-
(a) in respect of the professional practice, conduct and discipline of barristers and pupils;
(b) for the purpose of harmonizing the relationship of barristers inter se and, with the prior approval of the

Council, governing the relationship of solicitors and barristers;
(c) regulating the issuing of practising certificates to barristers and employed barrister's certificates to

employed barristers including, without limiting the foregoing, the fees payable for, the conditions of



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 56

issue of, the manner of applying for, the period and form of and the publication of the issue and
suspension of, such certificates;

(d) providing for any continuing legal education or training that must be undertaken by barristers and
pupils and the consequences of failing to do so;

(e) providing for the conduct of an inquiry and investigation by a Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal;
(f) requiring a barrister or pupil whose conduct has been established to the satisfaction of the Bar Council

to amount to a breach of proper professional standards to pay the Bar Council's costs of investigating
the conduct which resulted in the order;

(g) regulating the serving of pupillage and the manner in which any person shall qualify for admission
under section 27, including, without limiting the foregoing, the period of pupillage and the
examinations to be passed;

(h) respecting the admission of persons on the basis of qualifications acquired outside Hong Kong
including, without limiting the foregoing, the qualifications for admission, the examinations to be
passed and the fees to be paid;

(i) respecting the exemption by it of any person from compliance with the provisions of any rules made
under this section and the conditions upon which such exemption may be granted in any particular
case; and

(j) prescribing anything which, under this Ordinance, is to be or may be prescribed by the Bar Council.
(Added 42 of 2000 s. 16)


Section: 72AB Conflict between rules made by Chief Justice and Bar

Council
42 of 2000 30/06/2000



Where power is given to-
(a) the Chief Justice; and
(b) the Bar Council,

to make rules in respect of the same matter, rules made by either or both of them in respect of such a matter shall be
valid unless there is a conflict between such rules, in which case the rules made by the Chief Justice shall be given
precedence to the extent of such conflict.

(Added 42 of 2000 s. 16)

Section: 72B (Repealed 42 of 2000 s. 18) L.N. 87 of 2003 28/03/2003




Section: 73 Power of the Council to make rules L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) The Council may make rules-
(a) providing for-

(i) the professional practice, conduct and discipline of solicitors, solicitor advocates, foreign
lawyers, employees of solicitors and foreign lawyers and trainee solicitors; (Replaced 60 of
1994 s. 45. Amended 2 of 2010 s. 8)

(ii) the restriction of payment of commission to unqualified persons; and
(iii) for the purpose of harmonizing the relationship of solicitors inter se and, with the prior approval

of the Bar Council, governing the relationship of solicitors and barristers; (Amended 70 of 1991
s. 8)

(aa) regulating the issue to solicitors of practising certificates and the fees payable for, the conditions of
issue of, the manner of applying for, the period and form of, the publication of the issue and the
suspension of such practising certificates and generally in relation thereto; (Added 58 of 1976 s. 13)

(ab) providing for any continuing legal education or training that must be undertaken by solicitors; (Added
70 of 1991 s. 10)

(b) in relation to the keeping by solicitors of accounts, providing for-
(i) the opening and keeping by solicitors of accounts at banks of clients' money;
(ii) the keeping by solicitors of accounts containing particulars and information as to moneys

received, held or paid both for or on account of their clients;
(iii) empowering the Council to take such action as may be necessary to enable them to ascertain



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 57

whether or not such rules are being complied with;
(iv) regulating the manner in which solicitors shall deal with money held by them in a fiduciary

capacity and the books of accounts to be kept in respect thereof and for the auditing of such
accounts;

(v) the qualifications to be held by an accountant by whom an accountant's report may be given;
(Amended 25 of 1968 s. 14)

(vi) the nature and extent of the examination to be made by the accountant of the books and accounts
of a solicitor or of his firm and of any other relevant documents with a view to the signing of a
report to be delivered by the solicitor under section 8; (Amended 25 of 1968 s. 14)

(vii) the form of an accountant's report and the information to be contained therein in accordance with
section 8(1); (Replaced 25 of 1968 s. 14)

(viii) the evidence, if any, which shall satisfy the Council that the delivery of an accountant's report is
unnecessary and the cases in which such evidence is or is not required; (Amended 25 of 1968 s.
14; L.N. 162 of 1993)

(ix) specifying in such circumstances as may be set forth in the rules a different accounting period
from that specified in section 8(2); and

(x) regulating any matters of procedure or matters incidental, ancillary or supplemental to the
provisions of section 8;

(c) providing for the conduct of an inquiry and investigations by a Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal under
section 9; (Amended 61 of 1992 s. 26)

(caa) providing for the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with the submission of a matter
by the Council to the Tribunal Convenor under section 9A(1A); (Added 23 of 2002 s. 111)

(cab) providing for the practice and procedure to be followed in connection with the disposal of a matter by
the Tribunal Convenor under section 9AB; (Added 23 of 2002 s. 111)

(ca) respecting procedures for investigations by an inspector under section 8AA; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 45)
(cb) requiring a solicitor, foreign lawyer, trainee solicitor or employee to whom a letter of disapproval is

sent by the Council, to pay the Council's costs of investigating the conduct which resulted in the letter
of disapproval; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 45)

(d) regulating the employment of trainee solicitors and examinations, and in particular, without prejudice
to the generality of the foregoing, providing for- (Amended 32 of 1972 s. 4; 1 of 1981 s. 5; 70 of 1991
s. 13)
(i) the manner in which any person shall qualify for admission under section 4(1)(a) including, in

particular, the period of employment, if any, of a trainee solicitor in any particular case, the
examination or examinations to be passed, the courses to be completed and notices and forms to
be used in connection therewith; and (Amended 1 of 1981 s. 5; 70 of 1991 ss. 10 & 13; 60 of
1994 s. 45)

(ii) (Repealed 60 of 1994 s. 45)
(da) respecting the admission of persons under section 4(1)(b), including the qualifications for admission,

examinations and the fees to be paid for applications and examinations; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 45)
(db) respecting the registration of foreign lawyers, foreign firms and Associations, including applications

for registration, qualification for registration, fees for application and registration, period and form of
registration, conditions of registration, suspension of registration and cancellation of registration;
(Added 60 of 1994 s. 45)

(dc) respecting the practice of Hong Kong firms, foreign firms and Associations; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 45)
(dd) prohibiting the practice of Hong Kong law by foreign lawyers and for that purpose the Council may

define, limit or expand the meaning of the practice of Hong Kong law; (Added 60 of 1994 s. 45)
(de) regulating the issue to solicitor advocates of higher rights of audience certificates and the form of, and

other matters relating to, the certificates; (Added 2 of 2010 s. 8)
(df) in relation to the practice of limited liability partnerships-

(i) prescribing particulars for the purposes of section 7AI(1)(e); and
(ii) regulating any matters of procedure or matters incidental, ancillary or supplemental to the

provisions of Part IIAAA; (Added 22 of 2012 s. 7)
(e) enabling the Council to exempt any person from compliance with the provisions of any such rules and

to impose and enforce conditions upon which such exemption may be granted in any particular case;
and



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 58

(f) prescribing any thing which, under this Ordinance, is to be or may be prescribed by the Council.
(Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2)

(2) Every rule made by the Council under this section shall be subject to the prior approval of the Chief Justice.
(Amended 52 of 1980 s. 2)

(2A) For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that in subsection (1)(a)(i), "professional practice" (專業執業), in
relation to a solicitor, means acting as a solicitor or the business of acting as a solicitor, whether as a partner, sole
practitioner, assistant solicitor or consultant in a Hong Kong firm or as an employee of a non-solicitor employer.
(Added 10 of 2005 s. 185)

(3) No rule made under subsection (1)(b), (c) or (d) shall apply to a person to whom section 75(1) applies
insofar as such person is acting in the course of the employment which gives rise to the application of that section.
(Amended 50 of 1982 s. 5; 60 of 1994 s. 45)

Section: 73A Indemnity rules L.N. 238 of 2015 01/03/2016


(1) The Council may make rules (in this Ordinance referred to as "indemnity rules") concerning indemnity
against loss arising from claims in respect of any description of civil liability incurred-

(a) by a solicitor or former solicitor in connection with his practice or with any trust or of which he is or
formerly was a trustee;

(b) by an employee of a solicitor or former solicitor in connection with that solicitor's practice or with any
trust of which that solicitor or the employee is or formerly was a trustee.

(2) For the purpose of providing such indemnity, indemnity rules-
(a) may authorize or require the Society, by itself or jointly with the Society of Notaries, to establish and

maintain a fund or funds;
(b) may authorize or require the Society, by itself or jointly with the Society of Notaries, to take out and

maintain insurance with authorized insurers;
(c) may require solicitors or any specified class of solicitors to take out and maintain insurance with

authorized insurers. (Amended 27 of 1998 s. 5)
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2), indemnity rules-

(a) may specify the terms and conditions on which indemnity is to be available, and any circumstances in
which the right to it is to be excluded or modified;

(b) may provide for the management, administration and protection of any fund maintained by virtue of
subsection (2)(a) and require solicitors or any class of solicitors to make payments to any such fund;

(c) may require solicitors or any class of solicitors to make payments by way of premium on any insurance
policy maintained by the Society by virtue of subsection (2)(b);

(d) may prescribe the conditions which an insurance policy must satisfy for the purposes of subsection
(2)(c);

(e) may authorize the Society to determine the amount of any payments required by the rules, subject to
such limits, or in accordance with such provisions, as may be prescribed by the rules;

(f) may specify circumstances in which, where a solicitor (not being a solicitor who is exempt from
complying with the rules) for whom indemnity is provided has failed to comply with the rules, the
Society or insurers may take proceedings against him in respect of sums paid by way of indemnity in
connection with a matter in relation to which he has failed to comply;

(fa) may make provision for the better carrying out of section 7AD; (Added 22 of 2012 s. 8)
(g) may specify circumstances in which solicitors are exempt from the rules;
(h) may empower the Council to take such steps as they consider necessary or expedient to ascertain

whether or not the rules are being, or have been, complied with; and (Amended 22 of 2012 s. 8)
(i) may contain incidental, procedural or supplementary provisions.

(4) If any solicitor (not being a solicitor who is exempt from complying with indemnity rules) fails to comply
with the rules any person may make a complaint in respect of that failure to the Tribunal Convenor of the Solicitors
Disciplinary Tribunal Panel. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 46)

(5) The Society shall have power, without prejudice to any of its other powers, to carry into effect any
arrangements which it considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of indemnity under this section.

(6) Every rule made by the Council under this section shall be subject to the prior approval of the Chief Justice.
(7) No rule made under this section shall apply to a person to whom section 75 applies in so far as such person

is acting in the course of the employment which gives rise to the application of that section. (Amended 50 of 1982 s.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 59

6)
(8) For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that in subsection (1)(a) and (b), "practice" (執業業務), in

relation to a solicitor, means acting as a solicitor or the business of acting as a solicitor, whether as a partner, sole
practitioner, assistant solicitor or consultant in a Hong Kong firm or as an employee of a non-solicitor employer.
(Added 10 of 2005 s. 186)

(Added 75 of 1980 s. 4)

Section: 73B Fees for continuing legal education courses 30/06/1997


The Council may by resolution determine the fees that must be paid for continuing legal education courses.
(Added 70 of 1991 s. 11)


Section: 73C Council may delegate 30/06/1997


The Council may delegate to any person or to a committee of the Council any of the powers or duties granted or
imposed on the Council or the Society under this Ordinance, other than the power to make rules under sections 73 and
73A.

(Added 61 of 1992 s. 27)

Section: 73CA Power of Assessment Board to make rules L.N. 51 of 2010 02/07/2010


(1) The Assessment Board may make rules-
(a) in relation to applications for higher rights of audience made under section 39H, to provide for-

(i) the requirements referred to in section 39I(1)(c), including any requirement regarding possession
or acquisition of qualifications, completion of courses or training, or passing of assessments or
examinations or exemptions from assessments or examinations, relating to advocacy skills,
practice and procedure applicable to courts, ethics or other matters;

(ii) the information referred to in section 39J(1)(b);
(iii) the fee referred to in section 39J(1)(c);
(iv) the alternative requirements referred to in section 39L(1)(a), including any requirement regarding

possession or acquisition of advocacy or litigation experience (including experience in relation to
tribunal or arbitration proceedings), or judicial or quasi-judicial experience (including experience
as a member of any tribunal or as an arbitrator);

(v) any enquiries made by the Board with the Council under section 39M(1)(a), including the
manner in which the Council is to provide information to the Board as a result of the enquiries;

(vi) any requirements made by the Board in respect of the applicants under section 39M(1)(b),
including the manner in which the applicants are to comply with the requirements and the
procedure at any interview conducted as a result of the requirements; and

(vii) any other matters relating to the applications or determination of the applications; and
(b) in relation to the Board and its members, to provide for-

(i) the procedure of the Board, including the procedure relating to meetings of the Board, and
written resolutions adopted as decisions of the Board without a meeting of the Board;

(ii) the disclosure of information by members of the Board having actual or potential interest in
matters before the Board, and any related matters, including the imposition, despite section 39G,
of restrictions on the participation by the members in the performance of any function of the
Board (whether by reference to attendance or voting at meetings or approval of written
resolutions or otherwise);

(iii) the appointment of persons to act in the place of the members referred to in subparagraph (ii)
(whether as the chairperson or other members of the Board);

(iv) the appointment of members of the Board as members of committees for the purposes of section
73CB, and the resignation or removal of members of the committees, and the procedure of the
committees; and

(v) any other matters relating to the Board and its members.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), any rules made under subsection (1)(a)(i) that provide for requirements



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 60

regarding completion of any courses or training, or passing of any assessments or examinations, may provide for-
(a) the persons or organizations by or on behalf of whom or which the courses or training, or the

assessments or examinations, are provided or organized, or the approval of those persons or
organizations;

(b) in relation to the courses or training-
(i) the arrangements for the courses or training, including the form, length and content, and the

manner of conduct, of the courses or training; and
(ii) the approval of the courses or training;

(c) in relation to the assessments or examinations-
(i) the arrangements for the assessments or examinations, including the standards or criteria to be

met by individuals in order to pass the assessments or examinations, and any arrangements for
appeal or review in respect of matters concerning the assessments or examinations; and

(ii) the qualifications and conditions for appointment of examiners or other persons undertaking
assessment of individuals at the assessments or examinations; and

(d) any other matters relating to the courses or training, or the assessments or examinations.
(Added 2 of 2010 s. 9)


Section: 73CB Assessment Board may delegate L.N. 51 of 2010 02/07/2010


(1) The Assessment Board may delegate to any committee of the Board any of its powers or duties in relation
to any interview conducted as a result of a requirement made by the Board under section 39M(1)(b).

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Assessment Board may establish a committee of the Board by
appointing as members of the committee at least 3 members of the Board, of whom-

(a) one must be a member of the Board appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(i);
(b) one must be a member of the Board appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(ii); and
(c) one must be a member of the Board appointed under section 39E(3)(b)(iii).

(3) Subject to the other provisions of this Ordinance, a committee established under subsection (2) may
regulate its own procedure.

(4) Any delegation under subsection (1) may be made generally or in relation to any particular case (whether in
relation to any particular interview or interviews or otherwise).

(Added 2 of 2010 s. 9)

Section: 73D Power of Council of Society of Notaries to make rules L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005


(1) The Council of the Society of Notaries may make rules-
(a) providing for-

(i) the requirements to be complied with by persons applying for appointment as a notary public
under section 40A;

(ii) the professional practice, conduct and discipline of notaries public and their employees;
(iii) the restriction of payment of commission to unqualified persons; and
(iv) for the purpose of harmonizing the relationship of notaries inter se and, with the prior approval of

the Bar Council and the Council of the Law Society, as the case may be, governing the
relationship of notaries public and solicitors and barristers respectively;

(b) regulating the issue to notaries public of practising certificates and the fees payable for, the conditions
of issue of, the manner of applying for, the period and form of, the publication of the issue and the
suspension of such practising certificates and generally in relation to practising certificates;

(c) providing for the conduct of any inquiry by a Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal;
(d) respecting the examinations to be passed by persons applying for appointment as notaries public under

section 40A and the fees payable to the Council of the Society of Notaries in connection with such
examinations;

(e) enabling the Council of the Society of Notaries to exempt any person from compliance with the
provisions of any such rules and to impose and enforce conditions upon which such exemption may be
granted in any particular case;

(f) prescribing any thing which, under this Ordinance, is to be or may be prescribed by the Council of the
Society of Notaries.



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 61

(2) Without limiting the effect of subsection (1)(a)(ii), rules made under that paragraph may provide-
(a) for the circumstances in which employees of notaries public shall be liable to be disciplined;
(b) for the bringing of disciplinary proceedings against employees of notaries public; and
(c) for the sanctions that may be imposed in respect of breaches of discipline by employees of notaries

public,
and such rules may provide that any provision of Part IV dealing with the discipline of notaries public (including the
appointment of members of the Notaries Public Disciplinary Tribunal Panel to constitute a Notaries Public
Disciplinary Tribunal to inquire into the conduct of a notary public) shall apply in relation to employees of notaries
public.

(3) Every rule made by the Council of the Society of Notaries under this section shall be subject to the prior
approval of the Chief Justice.

(Added 27 of 1998 s. 4)
___________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Please see the saving provision contained in s. 6 of 27 of 1998, which section reads as follows-


"6. Saving


(1) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the rights of any person who immediately before the
commencement* of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance was a notary public by virtue of registration
on the register of notaries public under Part IV of the Ordinance as then in force to practise as a
notary public on and after that commencement and, subject to any order or entry on the register as
is referred to in subsection (2), such person may continue to practise as a notary public in the same
manner as if he had been appointed as a notary public, and was registered on the register of
notaries public, under Part IV of the Ordinance as in force on and after that commencement.

(2) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the force and effect of any order of the Chief Justice or the
Court, or any entry on the register of notaries public, made under Part IV of the Ordinance as in
force immediately before the commencement of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance, and such orders
and entries shall continue to be given effect on and after that commencement in the same manner
as if made by the appropriate authority or on the register of notaries public, as the case may be,
under Part IV of the Ordinance on or after that commencement.".


* Commencement date: 30 June 2005.


Section: 73E Indemnity rules for notaries public L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005


(1) The Council of the Society of Notaries may make rules concerning indemnity against loss arising from
claims in respect of any description of civil liability incurred-

(a) by a notary public or former notary public in connection with his practice; or
(b) by an employee or a former employee of a notary public or former notary public in connection with

that notary public’s practice.
(2) For the purpose of providing such indemnity, rules made under this section-

(a) may authorize or require the Society of Notaries, by itself or jointly with the Law Society, to establish
and maintain a fund or funds;

(b) may authorize or require the Society of Notaries, by itself or jointly with the Law Society, to take out
and maintain insurance with authorized insurers;

(c) may require notaries public or any specified class of notaries public to take out and maintain insurance
with authorized insurers.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2), rules made under this section-
(a) may specify the terms and conditions on which indemnity is to be available, and any circumstances in

which the right to it is to be excluded or modified;
(b) may provide for the management, administration and protection of any fund maintained by virtue of

subsection (2)(a) and require notaries public or any class of notaries public to make payments to any
such fund;

(c) may require notaries public or any class of notaries public to make payments by way of premium on
any insurance policy maintained by the Society of Notaries by virtue of subsection (2)(b);

(d) may prescribe the conditions which an insurance policy must satisfy for the purposes of subsection



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 62

(2)(c);
(e) may authorize the Society of Notaries to determine the amount of any payments required by the rules,

subject to such limits, or in accordance with such provisions, as may be prescribed by the rules;
(f) may specify circumstances in which, where a notary public (not being a notary public who is exempt

from complying with the rules) for whom indemnity is provided has failed to comply with the rules,
the Society of Notaries or insurers may take proceedings against him in respect of sums paid by way of
indemnity in connection with a matter in relation to which he has failed to comply;

(g) may specify circumstances in which notaries public are exempt from the rules made under this section;
(h) may empower the Council of the Society of Notaries to take such steps as they consider necessary or

expedient to ascertain whether or not the rules are being complied with; and
(i) may contain incidental, procedural or supplementary provisions.

(4) The Society of Notaries shall have power, without prejudice to any of its other powers, to carry into effect
any arrangements which it considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of indemnity under this section.

(5) Every rule made by the Council of the Society of Notaries under this section shall be subject to the prior
approval of the Chief Justice.

(Added 27 of 1998 s. 4)
___________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Please see the saving provision contained in s. 6 of 27 of 1998, which section reads as follows-


"6. Saving


(1) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the rights of any person who immediately before the
commencement* of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance was a notary public by virtue of registration
on the register of notaries public under Part IV of the Ordinance as then in force to practise as a
notary public on and after that commencement and, subject to any order or entry on the register as
is referred to in subsection (2), such person may continue to practise as a notary public in the same
manner as if he had been appointed as a notary public, and was registered on the register of
notaries public, under Part IV of the Ordinance as in force on and after that commencement.

(2) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the force and effect of any order of the Chief Justice or the
Court, or any entry on the register of notaries public, made under Part IV of the Ordinance as in
force immediately before the commencement of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance, and such orders
and entries shall continue to be given effect on and after that commencement in the same manner
as if made by the appropriate authority or on the register of notaries public, as the case may be,
under Part IV of the Ordinance on or after that commencement.".


* Commencement date: 30 June 2005.


Section: 73F Council of Society of Notaries may delegate L.N. 60 of 2005 30/06/2005


The Council of the Society of Notaries may delegate to any person or to a committee of the Council of the
Society of Notaries any of the powers or duties granted or imposed on the Society of Notaries or its Council under this
Ordinance, other than the power to make rules under sections 73D and 73E.

(Added 27 of 1998 s. 4)
___________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Please see the saving provision contained in s. 6 of 27 of 1998, which section reads as follows-


"6. Saving


(1) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the rights of any person who immediately before the
commencement* of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance was a notary public by virtue of registration
on the register of notaries public under Part IV of the Ordinance as then in force to practise as a
notary public on and after that commencement and, subject to any order or entry on the register as
is referred to in subsection (2), such person may continue to practise as a notary public in the same
manner as if he had been appointed as a notary public, and was registered on the register of
notaries public, under Part IV of the Ordinance as in force on and after that commencement.

(2) Nothing in this Ordinance affects the force and effect of any order of the Chief Justice or the



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 63

Court, or any entry on the register of notaries public, made under Part IV of the Ordinance as in
force immediately before the commencement of sections 3 and 4 of this Ordinance, and such orders
and entries shall continue to be given effect on and after that commencement in the same manner
as if made by the appropriate authority or on the register of notaries public, as the case may be,
under Part IV of the Ordinance on or after that commencement.".


* Commencement date: 30 June 2005.


Section: 74 Costs Committee E.R. 2 of 2014 10/04/2014


(1) There is hereby established a Costs Committee consisting of the following persons-
(a) a judge of the Court of First Instance appointed by the Chief Justice as Chairman; (Replaced 52 of

1980 s. 2. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)
(b) the Registrar of the High Court or a senior deputy registrar or deputy registrar of the High Court;

(Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2; 10 of 2005 s. 176)
(c) for the purposes of the Solicitors (General) Costs Rules (Cap 159 sub. leg. G), the Director of Lands,

or his representative approved by the Chief Justice; (Replaced 8 of 1993 s. 21. Amended L.N. 291 of
1993)

(ca) for the purposes of the Solicitors (Trade Marks and Patents) Costs Rules (Cap 159 sub. leg. I), the
Director of Intellectual Property, or his representative approved by the Chief Justice; (Added 8 of
1993 s. 21. Amended 94 of 1997 s. 13)

(d) the President and one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society and 2 members of the Society nominated
by the Society and approved by the Chief Justice; (Amended 70 of 1991 s. 12; 94 of 1997 s. 13)

(e) 3 persons appointed by the Chief Executive who, in the opinion of the Chief Executive, can represent
the interests of consumers of legal services. (Added 94 of 1997 s. 13. Amended 11 of 1999 s. 3)

(1A) None of the persons appointed under subsection(1)(e) may be a legal practitioner or a public officer.
(Added 94 of 1997 s. 13)

(2) The quorum for a meeting of the Costs Committee is the Chairman and 5 members. (Replaced 94 of 1997
s. 13)

(3) The Costs Committee may make rules-
(a) providing for the remuneration of solicitors in respect of non-contentious business;
(b) prescribing that, as regards the mode of remuneration, it shall be according to the scale of rates or

percentage varying or not in different classes of business, or by a gross sum, or by a fixed sum for each
document prepared or perused, without regard to length, or in any other mode, or partly in one mode
and partly in another;

(c) regulating the amount of remuneration with reference to all or any of the following, among other,
considerations, that is to say-
(i) the position of the party for whom the solicitor is concerned in the business, that is, whether as

vendor or purchaser, lessor or lessee, mortgagor or mortgagee, and the like;
(ii) the place where, and the circumstances in which, the business or any part thereof is transacted;
(iii) the amount of the capital money or rent to which the business relates;
(iv) the skill, labour and responsibility involved therein on the part of the solicitor;
(v) the number and importance of the documents prepared or perused, without regard to length;

(d) authorizing and regulating the taking by a solicitor from his client of security for payment or
otherwise, which may become due to him under any such rule; and

(e) authorizing and regulating the allowance of interest on costs and expenses.
(4) Every rule made under this section shall be subject to the prior approval of the Chief Justice.
(5) So long as any rules made under this section are in operation, taxation of bills of costs of solicitors in

respect of non-contentious business shall, subject to the provisions of section 5, be regulated by such rules.
(Amended E.R. 2 of 2014)


Part: VIII GENERAL 30/06/1997






Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 64

Section: 74A Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training 18 of 2014 05/12/2014


Remarks:
For the saving and transitional provisions relating to the amendments made by the Resolution of the Legislative
Council (L.N. 130 of 2007), see paragraph (12) of that Resolution.


(1) There is established by this section a Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training.
(2) The functions of the committee are-

(a) to keep under review, evaluate and assess-
(i) the system and provision of legal education and training in Hong Kong;
(ii) without prejudice to the generality of subparagraph (i), the academic requirements and standards

for admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws programme;
(b) to monitor the provision of vocational training of prospective legal practitioners in Hong Kong by

organizations other than the Society or the Hong Kong Bar Association;
(c) to make recommendations on matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b); and
(d) to collect and disseminate information concerning the system of legal education and training in Hong

Kong.
(3) The committee shall consist of-

(a) 17 members appointed by the Chief Executive of whom- (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 184)
(i) 2 shall be persons nominated by the Chief Justice;
(ii) 1 shall be a person nominated by the Secretary for Justice;
(iii) 1 shall be a person nominated by the Secretary for Education; (Amended L.N. 130 of 2007)
(iv) 2 shall be persons nominated by the Society;
(v) 2 shall be persons nominated by the Hong Kong Bar Association;
(vi) 2 shall be persons nominated by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong;
(vii) 2 shall be persons nominated by the President of the City University of Hong Kong;
(viia) 2 shall be persons nominated by the Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong;

(Added 10 of 2005 s. 184)
(viii) 2 shall be members of the public; and
(ix) 1 shall be a person nominated by the Federation for Self-financing Tertiary Education, a non-

profit-making educational organization, from among its members which provide continuing legal
education courses in Hong Kong; and (Amended 18 of 2014 s. 159)

(b) a chairman appointed by the Chief Executive after consultation with the persons and organizations
making nominations pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) to (viia) and (ix). (Amended 10 of 2005 s. 184)

(4) A member of the committee who is unable to attend a meeting of the committee, except for a member
appointed pursuant to subsection (3)(a)(viii), may, subject to the consent of the chairman, send a substitute to attend
the meeting in his place and the substitute shall be deemed to be a member of the committee for the purpose of that
meeting.

(5) A member of the committee including the chairman shall hold office for a term not exceeding 2 years.
(6) A member of the committee including the chairman may at any time resign from the committee by giving

notice in writing of his resignation to the Chief Executive.
(7) The Secretary for Justice may publish notice of the appointment or termination of membership of a member

(including the chairman) appointed pursuant to this section in the Gazette.
(8) The committee shall report annually to the Chief Executive and its annual report shall be tabled in the

Legislative Council.
(9) The committee may determine its own procedure.

(Replaced 14 of 2003 s. 7)

Section: 74C Students already enrolled in legal studies in the United

Kingdom
L.N. 87 of 2003 28/03/2003



Notwithstanding the repeal and replacement of section 27 by section 7 of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment)
Ordinance 2000 (42 of 2000) ("the amending Ordinance"), where a person, on the day the amending Ordinance is
published in the Gazette, is enrolled or registered in, or has been offered a place-

(a) in a course of studies in the United Kingdom that, on completion, will qualify him for a vocational



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 65

course leading to admission as a barrister in the United Kingdom;
(b) in the Bar Vocational Course in the United Kingdom; or
(c) in an external course of studies in Hong Kong offered by an institution in the United Kingdom that, on

completion, will qualify him for a vocational course leading to admission as a barrister in the United
Kingdom,

the person may, instead of complying with the requirements established under section 27 for admission as a barrister,
elect to be admitted under section 27 as that section existed before its repeal by the amending Ordinance, provided he-

(i) has been called to the Bar in England or Northern Ireland or admitted as an advocate in Scotland;
(ii) qualifies for admission under the other criteria established under the repealed section 27(1)(b), (c) and

(e) and (1A); and
(iii) applies for admission not later than 31 December 2004.

(Added 42 of 2000 s. 19)

Section: 74D Lawyers employed in Department of Justice L.N. 87 of 2003 28/03/2003


(1) Notwithstanding the repeal of section 27A by section 8 of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance
2000 (42 of 2000) ("the amending Ordinance"), where a person, on or before the date appointed by the Secretary for
Justice by notice in the Gazette for the coming into operation of section 8(2) of the amending Ordinance, meets the
requirements in section 27A(1)(a) to (d), as that section existed before its repeal, the Court may at any time admit such
person as a barrister of the High Court of Hong Kong in accordance with the said section 27A(1).

(2) The Court shall not admit as a barrister, under subsection (1), more than 4 persons in any period of 12
months.

(3) For the avoidance of doubt, section 27A(1)(e) and (3) does not apply to admission as a barrister under this
section.

(Added 42 of 2000 s. 19)

Section: 75 Saving 11 of 1999 01/07/1997


Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 11 of 1999 s. 3


(1) Nothing in this Ordinance shall-
(a) prejudice or affect any rights or privileges of any legal officer within the meaning of section 2 of the

Legal Officers Ordinance (Cap 87), any person holding an appointment under section 3(1) of the Legal
Aid Ordinance (Cap 91) or any person deemed to be a legal officer for the purpose of the Legal
Officers Ordinance (Cap 87) by virtue of section 3(3) of the Director of Intellectual Property
(Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 412) or section 75(3) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (Cap 6) or require
any such person or any clerk, trainee solicitor or officer appointed to act for him to be admitted in any
case where it would not have been necessary for him to be admitted if this Ordinance had not been
enacted; or (Amended 1 of 1981 s. 6; 50 of 1982 s. 7; 35 of 1990 s. 13; 70 of 1991 s. 13; 39 of 1992 s.
12; 8 of 1993 s. 22; 11 of 1999 s. 3)

(b) affect any enactment empowering any person, whether or not a solicitor or a barrister, to conduct,
convene or otherwise act in relation to any legal proceedings. (Amended 60 of 1994 s. 47)

(2) (Omitted as spent)

Schedule: 1 (Repealed 42 of 2000 s. 20) L.N. 87 of 2003 28/03/2003




Schedule: 2 25 of 1998 01/07/1997


Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 25 of 1998 s. 2


[sections 26A, 26B,
26C & 26D]



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 66


Money


1. (1) The Court of First Instance, on the application of the Council, may order that no payment shall be made
without the leave of the court by any person (whether or not named in the order) of any money held by him (in
whatever manner and whether it was received before or after the making of the order) on behalf of the solicitor or his
firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm.

(2) No order under this section shall take effect in relation to any person to whom it applies unless the Council
has served a copy of the order on him (whether or not he is named in it) and, in the case of a bank or other financial
institution, has indicated at which of its branches the Council believes that the money to which the order relates is
held.

(3) A person shall not be treated as having disobeyed an order under this section by making a payment of
money if he satisfies the Court that he exercised due diligence to ascertain whether it was money to which the order
related but nevertheless failed to ascertain that the order related to it.

(4) This section does not apply where the powers conferred by this Schedule are exercisable by virtue of
section 26C of this Ordinance.

2. (1) Without prejudice to section 1 if the Council passes a resolution to the effect that any sums of money to
which this section applies, and the right to recover or receive them, shall vest in the Council, all such sums shall vest
accordingly (whether they were received by the person holding them before or after the Council's resolution) and shall
be held by the Council on trust to exercise in relation to them the powers conferred by this Schedule and subject
thereto upon trust for the persons beneficially entitled to them.

(2) This section applies-
(a) where the powers conferred by this section are exercisable by virtue of section 26A of this Ordinance,

to all sums of money held by or on behalf of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm
in connection with his practice or with any trust of which he is or formerly was a trustee;

(b) where they are exercisable by virtue of section 26B of this Ordinance, to all sums of money in any
client account; and

(c) where they are exercisable by virtue of section 26C of this Ordinance, to all sums of money held by or
on behalf of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm in connection with the trust or
other matter to which the complaint relates.

(3) Except where section 4 applies, the Council shall serve on the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or
his firm and on any other person having possession of sums of money to which this section applies a certified copy of
the Council's resolution and a notice prohibiting the payment out of any such sums of money.

(4) Within 8 days of the service of a notice under subsection (3), the person on whom it was served, on giving
not less than 48 hours' notice in writing to the Council and (if the notice under subsection (3) gives the name of the
solicitor instructed by the Council) to that solicitor, may apply to the Court of First Instance for an order directing the
Council to withdraw the notice.

(5) If the Court makes such an order, it shall have power also to make such other order with respect to the
matter as it may think fit.

(6) If any person on whom a notice has been served under subsection (3) pays out sums of money at a time
when such payment is prohibited by the notice-

(a) he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50000; and
(b) the Court of First Instance may, on the application of the Council, order that person to comply with the

requirements of the notice within such time as may be specified in the order.

3. Without prejudice to sections 1 and 2, if the Court of First Instance is satisfied, on an application by the Council,
that there is reason to suspect that any person holds money on behalf of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer
or his firm, the Court may require that person to give the Council information as to any such money and the accounts
in which it is held.

4. On the death of a solicitor or foreign lawyer who immediately before his death was practising as a solicitor in
his own name or as a sole solicitor or foreign lawyer under a firm name, the right to operate on or otherwise deal with
any banking account in the name of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm, being an account in the
title of which the word "client" appears, shall, notwithstanding anything in this Ordinance or otherwise to the contrary,



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 67

vest in the Council to the exclusion of any personal representatives of such solicitor or foreign lawyer and shall be
exercisable as from the death of the solicitor or foreign lawyer.

5. Subject to the service of any notice under section 2(3), and to any application that may be made under section
2(4), the Council or any person in that behalf appointed by the Council may withdraw the moneys, or from time to
time any part of the moneys, in any banking account in the name of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or
his firm, and any moneys in the office of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm due to or held on
behalf of his clients, and pay them into a special account or special accounts in the name of the Council or such person
appointed as aforesaid and may operate on, and otherwise deal with, such special account or accounts as the solicitor
or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm might have operated on, or otherwise dealt with, that banking account:

Provided that a banker with whom such special account or accounts is or are kept shall be under no obligation to
ascertain whether that account or those accounts is or are being so operated on or otherwise dealt with.

6. In any case where the Council is unable to ascertain the person to whom any moneys referred to in a notice
served under section 2(3) belong or where the Council otherwise thinks it expedient so to do, the Council may apply to
the Court of First Instance for directions as to the transfer of such moneys.


Documents

7. (1) The Council may give notice to the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm requiring the
production or delivery to any person appointed by the Council at a time and place to be fixed by the Council-

(a) where the powers conferred by this Schedule are exercisable by virtue of section 26A of this
Ordinance, of all documents in the possession of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his
firm in connection with his practice or with any controlled trust; and

(b) where they are exercisable by virtue of section 26C of this Ordinance, of all documents in the
possession of the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm in connection with the trust or
other matters to which the complaint relates (whether or not they relate also to other matters).

(2) The person appointed by the Council may take possession of any such documents on behalf of the Council.
(3) Except in a case where an application has been made to the Court of First Instance under subsection (4), if

any person having possession of any such documents refuses, neglects or otherwise fails to comply with a requirement
under subsection (1), he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50000.

(4) The Court of First Instance, on the application of the Council, may order a person required to produce or
deliver documents under subsection (1) to produce or deliver them to any person appointed by the Council at such
time and place as may be specified in the order, and authorize him to take possession of them on behalf of the Council.

(5) If on an application by the Council the Court of First Instance is satisfied that there is reason to suspect that
documents in relation to which the powers conferred by subsection (1) are exercisable have come into the possession
of some person other than the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm, the Court may order that person to
produce or deliver the documents to any person appointed by the Council at such time and place as may be specified
in the order and authorize him to take possession of them on behalf of the Council.

(6) On making an order under this section, or at any later time, the Court, on the application of the Council,
may authorize a person appointed by the Council to enter any premises (using such force as is reasonably necessary)
to search for and take possession of any documents to which the order relates.

(7) Upon taking possession of any such documents, the Council shall serve upon the solicitor or foreign lawyer
and every person from whom those documents were received, or from whose premises they were taken by virtue of an
order made under this section, a notice giving particulars and the date of taking possession thereof.

(8) Subject to subsection (9) a person upon whom a notice under subsection (7) is served, on giving not less
than 48 hours' notice to the Council and (if the notice under subsection (7) gives the name of the solicitor instructed by
the Council) to that solicitor, may apply to the Court of First Instance for an order directing the Council to deliver the
documents to such person as the applicant may require.

(9) A notice under subsection (8) shall be given within 8 days of the service of the Council's notice under
subsection (7).

(10) If no application is made under subsection (8), or if the judge to whom any such application is made directs
that the documents shall remain in the custody or control of the Council, the Council may make inquiries to ascertain
the person to whom those documents belong and may deal with those documents in accordance with the directions of
that person:



Cap 159 - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE 68

Provided that, before dealing with such documents, the Council may take copies of, or extracts from, any such
documents.

(11) Without prejudice to the provisions of Part IIA of this Ordinance and this Schedule, the Council may apply
to the Court of First Instance for an order as to the disposal or destruction of any documents in its possession by virtue
of this section or section 8.

(12) On an application under subsection (8) or (11), the Court may make such order as it thinks fit.
(13) Except so far as its right to do so may be restricted by an order on an application under subsection (8) or

(11), the Council may take copies of or extracts from any documents in its possession by virtue of this section or
section 8 and require any person to whom it is proposed that such documents shall be delivered, as a condition
precedent to delivery, to give a reasonable undertaking to supply copies or extracts to the Council.


Mail

8. (1) The Court of First Instance, on the application of the Council, may from time to time order that for such
time not exceeding 18 months as the Court thinks fit postal packets (as defined in section 2 of the Post Office
Ordinance (Cap 98)) addressed to the solicitor or his firm or the foreign lawyer or his firm at any place or places
mentioned in the order shall be directed to the Council or any person appointed by the Council at any other address
therein mentioned; and the Council, or that person on its behalf, may take possession of any such packets received at
that address.

(2) Where such an order is made the Council shall pay to the Postmaster General the like charges (if any), as
would have been payable for the redirection of the packets by virtue of any scheme made under regulation 32 of the
Post Office Regulations (Cap 98 sub. leg. A), if the addressee had permanently ceased to occupy the premises to
which they were addressed and had applied to the Postmaster General to redirect them to him at the address mentioned
in the order.

(3) This section does not apply where the powers conferred by this Schedule are exercisable by virtue of
section 26C of this Ordinance.


General

9. The powers in relation to sums of money and documents conferred by this Schedule shall be exercisable
notwithstanding any lien on them or right to their possession.

10. Subject to any order for the payment of costs that may be made on an application to the Court under this
Schedule, any costs incurred by the Council for the purposes of this Schedule, including, without prejudice to the
generality of this section, the costs of any person exercising powers under this Schedule on behalf of the Council, shall
be paid by the solicitor or foreign lawyer or his personal representatives and shall be recoverable from him or them as
a debt owing to the Council.

11. Where an offence under this Schedule committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with
the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or
other similar officer of the body corporate or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, he, as well as
the body corporate, shall be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished
accordingly.

12. Any application to the Court of First Instance under this Schedule may be disposed of in chambers.

13. The Council may do all things which are reasonably necessary for the purpose of facilitating the exercise of its
powers under this Schedule.

[cf. 1974 c. 47 Sch. 1 Pt. II U.K.]

14. Any requirement of notice under this Schedule shall be made in writing under the hand of such person as may
be appointed by the Council for the purpose and may be served on any person either by personal service or by being
sent by registered post addressed to his last known place of business or residence.

(Replaced 68 of 1995 s. 13. Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2)