Introduction to Hong Kong Senior Counsel

A barrister with 1 years' experience may be appointed as a senior barrister by the Chief Justice of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. All Hong Kong barristers recognized as Queen's Counsel before the transfer of sovereignty will automatically be recognized as senior barristers in Hong Kong after the transfer of sovereignty.

The Queen's Counsel system in Britain has been criticized by many legal professionals in the past, including the famous Hong Kong barristers Mr. Hu Honglie and Mr. Yu Shushao. When the Senior Counsel system was established, the qualification of Queen's Counsel was also debated. However, this appointment is not taken for granted. The Chief Justice will comprehensively consider the achievements, contributions and working experience of senior barristers. It is not that the deeper the qualifications, the better the appointment, and most senior barristers have been appointed for more than 1 years.