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The Law Society of Hong Kong
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Established in 1907, the Law Society of Hong Kong (traditional Chinese: 香港律師會) is the professional association and law society for solicitors in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Bar Association is the equivalent association for barristers in Hong Kong.
The Law Society is currently headed by President Lester G. Huang and is located at Wing On House in Central.
History
It was formed on July 8, 1907 as a company limited by guarantee, and was then known as The Incorporated Law Society of Hongkong. The present name was adopted in 1969.[1]
Structure
The society is divided into two bodies:[1]
- The Council - the governing body of the society and consists of 20 members with 2 vice presidents and 1 president
- The Secretariat - the body responsible for the standing committees within the society and has a staff of 76
Profile of the profession
As of May 2007, the Law Society regulates 5,741 solicitors in Hong Kong with a current practising certificate.[1]
Of these:
- 4,678 solicitors were in private practice in 705 firms
- Of these 705 firms:
- 1,965 were in partnerships or were sole practitioners
- 2,818 solicitors are assistant solicitors or consultants in firms
- 1,063 solicitors worked with private businesses (in-house) or in government (Department of Justice, etc)
- 322 foreign lawyers employed by 53 foreign firms
- 518 foreign lawyers employed in local law firms
- Of all 5,741 practising solicitors, 57% were men and 43% were women.
- However, of the 596 trainee solicitors, 33% were men and 67% were women.
- 83% of practising solicitors were ethnic Chinese.
Finance
In 2006, the Society's income was HK$86.0 million, HK$46.26 million being raised through annual practising certificate fees and membership subscriptions.
In 2007, the fee for a practising certificate was HK$6,800 and the fee for membership subscription was HK$1,200.
The Society has an annual income budget of HK$80.6 million for 2007. [1]
Past Presidents
References
See also
External links
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