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INTRODUCTION
In August 1988, the Government announced its acceptance of a pro- posal that foreign lawyers should be permitted to employ, or take into partnership, Hong Kong qualified solicitors. This immediately met with resolure opposition from both branches of the legal profession. At first, such opposition was seen by many to be based on self-interest. However, with the passing of time, the principles in issue have become better understood and support for the legal profession is now wide spread.
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SUMMARY
A small number of U.S. law firms are seeking the right to practise local law in international financial centres throughout the world, including Hong Kong. Understandably, they are strongly supported in this by the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Government. However, the proposal raises a number of conflicting matters of public interest which must be weighed carefully by Government. For the reasons explained below, the Law Society is convinced that the proposal should be rejected.
It is a general rule in jurisdictions throughout the world that unqualified persons should not practise law dir- ectly or indirectly. This is in order to maintain standards and to preserve the rule of law. U.S. law and Hong Kong law are very different and U.S. lawyers are unqualified to practise Hong Kong law. As a result, when the Americans' proposal was considered by a com- mittee set up by the Governor of Hong Kong, and including the Chief Justice and a representative of the Attorney General, they were rejected unani- mously. However, within seven months of the Committee's decision, and
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