Job Description
A barrister is mainly responsible for representing the client in court and arguing his case in order to uphold his interests. Barristers have unlimited rights of audience in all courts of law. Prospective clients can reach the barristers through solicitors who will give instructions to barristers. Solicitors and barristers work closely together and play complementary roles.
The work of barristers can be summarised as follows:
1. Legal Advice
Give opinion on the legal points involved in a civil or criminal case upon request from a solicitor
Advise the client whether he should take proceedings in a court of law and set out other alternatives
Apply his knowledge of legal procedures and remedies to the facts of the case, assess the benefits and costs of taking different courses of action and advise his client accordingly
2. Preparation for Trials
Work with the instructing solicitor on all relevant aspects of the case before the trial and set them out in a Statement of Claim (if he represents a plaintiff or claimant) or a Statement of Defence (if he represents a defendant)
Instruct the solicitor to consolidate evidence to be submitted during the proceedings
Devise the strategy to question and cross-examine witnesses and identify important facts of the case and points of law
3. Appearance in Court
Argue his client’s case as an advocate, dig out the facts by examination and cross examination, refer to the relevant law points
Point out and assess the weight of conflicting evidence and make a final submission on the case
Offer appearance in court on matters such as bail applications, mitigation when necessary
Qualities and Qualifications
Confident and strong-minded (As a barrister is self-employed, he must be fully determined and committed to establishing his own career and reputation, and to gaining the confidence of instructing solicitors and clients
Possess outstanding analytical power, logical thinking
Perceptive and display sound judgement
Have a good memory and comprehension
Possess good command of Chinese and English, both written and oral
Very articulate and fluent in speech
Admitted as a barrister in Hong Kong
Professional Qualifications
To be qualified as a barrister in Hong Kong, one has to:
Obtain the Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from The University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, or other recognised overseas universities
Complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (PCLL) course at The University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong
Satisfactorily complete the period of approved pupilage in Hong Kong in the chambers of a practising barrister (of not less than 5 years standing as a barrister)
For lawyers who are already entitled to practise the law of an overseas jurisdiction, they must pass or be granted exemptions from the Barristers Qualification Examination and complete the period of pupilage in Hong Kong before they can be eligible to apply for admission as a barrister in Hong Kong.
You may approach the following professional body for more details of the admission requirements and procedures:
Hong Kong Bar Association
![]() | LG2 High Court 38 Queensway Hong Kong |
![]() | 2869 0210 |
![]() | http://www.hkba.org |
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