All along, the Hong Kong legal profession has been built upon two long-established branches, namely solicitors and barristers. This structure reflects our heritage and continues to define the way the profession operates today. Around the world, however, many jurisdictions have moved toward a unified or more flexible model, encouraging collaboration and recognizing excellence across the profession. Hong Kong remains one of the few places that still preserves a clear division, which invites us to reflect on how to best honor merit in a modern legal landscape.
In recent decades, several common law jurisdictions have taken steps to broaden professional recognition. In England and Wales, solicitors have been eligible for appointment as King’s Counsel since 1995. Ireland extended a similar pathway in 2020, allowing solicitors to be appointed as Senior Counsel. Singapore, which operates a fused profession, likewise distinguishes exceptional practitioners through the Senior Counsel designation. These international practices remind us that professional advancement should be grounded in merit and expertise, rather than historic labels or rigid traditions.
Hong Kong began moving in this direction as early as 2012, when higher rights of audience were introduced for solicitors. This reform enabled capable solicitors to be recognized for their advocacy skills, and contributed to a more accessible, affordable and efficient mechanism for the provision of advocacy services. Today, more than 100 solicitor advocates serve our community, demonstrating the steady growth of this important role. In 2021, the Department of Justice further amended the Legal Practitioners Ordinance to allow eligible legal officers who are not barristers to be considered for appointment as Senior Counsel. This was a clear affirmation of the values of fairness and inclusiveness in the profession.
These developments reflect Hong Kong’s commitment to a legal system in which merit is properly acknowledged and opportunities are extended to all who demonstrate excellence. In light of this progress, it is timely for the community to consider how seasoned solicitors and solicitor advocates may also be accorded higher professional status. Such recognition would encourage more solicitors to contribute to the Judiciary and further strengthen the values of justice and integrity that anchor our system.
As Hong Kong continues to reinforce its position as an international arbitration center, the advancement of solicitors will give clients a broader range of options in seeking legal services in both court proceedings and dispute resolution venues. By embracing diversity, promoting equity and nurturing excellence, both branches of the profession will continue to complement one another. Together, they will help Hong Kong’s legal system flourish and allow our professional community to shine confidently on the global stage.
Roden Tong is President of The Law Society of Hong Kong
