Ten complaints against lawyers over 612 fund enter audit stage; no barristers found involved in misconduct

The investigation of 10 complaints alleging professional misconduct of lawyers over the 612 relief fund raised to support arrested protesters has been completed and entered the stage of internal audit, the president of the Law Society of Hong Kong said on Saturday. 

Chan Chak-ming also said out of the 10 cases some allegations were found by the society to be both substantiated and unsubstantiated. 

The most serious cases will be referred to an independent lawyer audit team, he noted. 

As for the remaining six complaints, the investigation is still ongoing. 

Chan said the society values the conduct of its members and procedural justice and all the lawyers subjected to the complaints will have the chance to plead. 

Chan also refused to comment on certain cases, saying that some are still under investigation. 

Yesterday (Fri), the Bar Association also released the investigation results of misconduct complaints against 38 barristers for providing legal assistance in cases backed by the 612 protest fund. 

The bar council unanimously agreed that there was no evidence that suggested the barristers were involved in any acts of misconduct or they acted dishonestly. No criminal elements were detected either. 

Yet, chairman Victor Dawes said he has sent a letter of advice to four barristers who were found to have breached the bar’s code of conduct for not keeping certain documents. 

Dawes also said they may resume the investigation if there is any new evidence, warning that any members who break the law will have to shoulder criminal liabilities. 

He also believes that the existing mechanism works and is capable of handling complaints and challenges in the future.