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long standing and well-establish. ed policy of government by con- sultation and consensus in Hong Kong. It calls into question the usefulness of the entire system of advisory boards and committees. It is also without precedent and feeds the fears that Government has acted under threat and for the wrong reasons.
(vi) that the creation of a strong and independent legal profession firmly rooted in Hong Kong and based on the English common law system is essential if Hong Kong is to survive as an SAR within the PRC. With the same purpose, the Government in- tends to "localise" the Attorney General's Chambers, and in- crease the use of Cantonese in the Courts. However, there is no doubt that the proposal is a disincentive to those considering qualifying as a Hong Kong law- yer. It now takes at least eight years for a school leaver to become a principal in a Hong Kong law firm and, unlike other professions, a Hong Kong quali- fied lawyer is able to practise law in Hong Kong only. Why should
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a student undertake this commit- ment to Hong Kong in the face of proposals from Government which undermine the local pro- fession and enable persons with overseas qualifications to prac- tise Hong Kong law?
(vii) that the proposal includes a new statutory scheme to regulate the activities of foreign lawyers in Hong Kong under the disciplinary control of the Law Society. Every aspect of the scheme re- mains to be formulated and will impose substantial responsibilities on the Law Society. Devising such a scheme, given the many points of public interest and potential risks which will arise. would require a heavy commit. ment of time and effort on the part of the Law Society. It is unreasonable for the Govern- ment to take such a commitment for granted in respect of a scheme which includes proposals which the Law Society resolutely op- poses.
(viii) that the legal profession will be subject to great strains and pre- ssures as Hong Kong moves from its present colonial status to
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