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setting out non-discriminatory and standards-based criteria for admission as a barrister; and

to create a statutory fidelity fund to protect consumers from the dishonesty of solicitors or their employees.

A bill to create the statutory fidelity fund is expected to be introduced into the Legislative Council in the next session, in view of the longer time required for preparation of a legislative scheme.

Another bill to implement the other recommendations requiring legislation would be introduced into the council later in the current session, Mr Mathews said.

Recommendations not pursued forthwith

Mr Mathews noted that evenly divided views were held on the following recommendations:

conditional fees should be available in certain types of proceedings;

joint legal representation should be prohibited in respect of purchases under the Consent and Non-consent Schemes; mortgages; and leases; and

partnerships of local and foreign lawyers might now be permitted.

In view of the mixed feedback, the Administration will:

review the question of conditional fees in the future, after the new English scheme can be properly assessed;

reconsider the question of joint legal representation in respect of purchases one year after other developments related to conveyancing take place;

continue to examine the question of joint legal representation in respect of mortgages and leases and make a firm decision within this year; and

continue to monitor the progress of recent reforms in respect of foreign lawyers.