TNAG-1922-FCO40-2727-Future-of-the-judiciary-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 116

CONFIDENTIAL

Our Ref.: AGC ADV/272/00/4C

Annex C

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS

Queensway Government Offices 66 Queensway

Hong Kong

Mr. Simon S.0. Ip, JP,

President,

The Law Society of Hong Kong,

1230 Swire House,

Chater Road,

Hong Kong.

7 November 1988

URGENT

[BY (AND]

Dear Simon,

Foreign Law Firms

At our meeting on 3 November 1988 I agreed to let you have an indication of our thinking on the implementation of the current proposals.

The criteria to be satisfied by a foreign

law firm before permission is granted to practise in Hong Kong might usefully include any or all of the following

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(E)

a practice of substantial reputation and standing in the home jurisdiction;

a practice of substantial international standing and reputation in the home jurisdiction; partners of substantial experience, reputation and standing in the international field; the intention to staff their Hong Kong office with partners of substantial reputation and standing in the international field; the ability to compensate clients by way of damages;

unlimited liability.

In determining these matters the stature of any established branches in other jurisdictions may be taken into account.

Foreign lawyers might be required to demonstrate

(a) that they have substantial experience, reputation

and standing in international practice in their home jurisdiction and/or elsewhere;

or

TIAL

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