TNAG-0701-FCO40-854-Appointment-of-Attorney-General-and-Solicitor-General-in-Hon-1978 — Page 77

future Attorneys General (who will no longer be supported by a second Law Officer) of day-to-day responsibility in these fields. The holders of these posts will be men who are both experienced lawyers in the particular fields and experienced in Hong Kong to the extent, I believe, that a future Attorney General need not have specialised experience in any one of those fields. future be responsible for major policy, and major management issues,

He will in and the new arrangements are intended to ensure that he has adequate time to devote himself to key issues.

Nevertheless, we nood a lawyer with the widest possible legal exper- ience, whilst acknowledging that we are not likely to find one with experience in all three main fields. That is something we accept, and it will ultimately be taken into account in weighing one candidate against another.

I would also add that as between experience in the criminal law and experience on the civil side, the emphasis should be on the civil side.

We also need a lawyer with management experience - not easy to find. My office now has an establishment of 115 lawyers with a large support- ing staff. The management problems are considerable. said that the reorganisation of my office will result in a marked ·

I have already devolution of day-to-day responsibility for management, but anyone who is interested in appointment as Attorney General should realise that he will need to monitor constantly just what is going on in a large office und will certainly need to develop management expertise if he does not already possess it.

So much for the professional background. I should perhaps add (probably surprisingly to you) that the only expertise which the Attorney General will not use is advocacy. His other responsibil- ities are such that he simply does not have time for court appearances. As far as personal qualities are concerned, we are looking for someone of about 48-52 years of age, with at least twenty years' standing at the Bar, We need a man of authority and strong character, who will remain unruffled in the face of frequently irresponsible and often unjust Griticiens from press, public and elsewhere. is a positive disadvantage.

Sensitiveness

The Attorney General is very much in the limelight here. Naturally, he needs the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. And he must be able to work as burt of a team.

Accommo-

Medical and

Now for a few mundane details. The salary is HZ?1,600 per month which works. out to about £28,000 per year, converting at K79.00 to the S. Tax is at a fixed rate of 15%, with no allowances. dation will be provided at a charge of 73% of salary. dental services are effectively free. We envisage n three year initial contract, with annual overseas leave of six weeks. First class passages will be provided on appointment and for leaves. will be a tacable gratuity of 25% of gross earnings at the end of the contract period.

There

I hope that this will give you a picture, albeit incomplete, of the type of man ve need, Please let me know if you need any further Quidance."