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Qualification of foreign law firms
3.12
The aim of the proposal in Chapter 1 is to ensure that only firms of substantial reputation and
It is, integrity are permitted to practise in Hong Kong. therefore, proposed that no firm should be permitted to practise in Hong Kong as a foreign law firm unless the Court is satisfied, upon such matters as may be prescribed by the Council, that the firm has been practising law in a place other than Hong Kong for at least 10 years and that
It is it enjoys a substantial reputation in that place. intended that the Court should also be satisfied that the members of the firms, including those not resident in Hong Kong, are fit and proper persons.
Register of foreign law firms
3.13
It is proposed that the Registrar should be required to keep a register of foreign law firms permitted to practise in Hong Kong in the same way as he is to be required to keep a roll of foreign lawyers.
Power of the Court to revoke or suspend permission
3.14
Where reasonable cause is shown, it is intended that the Court be empowered to remove from, strike off the register or suspend from practice any foreign law firm. Thereafter the Registrar should be required to record the order in the register and, as appropriate, remove or strike off the name of the foreign law firm.
Removal of restrictions on multi-jurisdictional practices
3.15
Provision should be made permitting a foreign law firm, subject to rules, to employ or take in as a
Similar provision should partner, a Hong Kong solicitor. be made enabling a solicitor, subject to rules, to employ, or take as a partner, a foreign lawyer in the same way as he can now employ, or take into partnership, a solicitor.