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Mr WONG Kai-wai
Ms WU Kwai-kuen
Mr YIP Tak-lam
End/Monday, May 8, 1995
Positive reaction to Consultation Paper on Legal Services
The initial reaction to the Consultation Paper on Legal Services was very positive with almost all commentators, including members of the legal profession, welcoming it, the Attorney General, Mr Jeremy Mathews, said today (Monday).
Briefing district board members on the Paper today, Mr Mathews said comments to date, noted in the media or obtained through the Government's community links, had tended to concentrate on four areas.
They are:
the proposed abolition of scale fees in conveyancing, which has been welcomed by the Consumer Council, several political parties and many members of the community, but which is opposed by some solicitors;
the proposal to prohibit joint representation in respect of all conveyancing transactions, which has been welcomed by the Consumer Council, estate agents and many members of the community, but which is opposed by some solicitors;
the proposal to allow solicitors to acquire extended rights of audience, which (not surprisingly) solicitors have welcomed but some barristers oppose; and
the proposed introduction of contingency fees, which has so far drawn mixed responses.
Mr Mathews said in drawing up the Consultation Paper the guiding principle had been: what is in the public interest?
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.