Hong Kong partner Wynne Mok has been appointed a Solicitor Advocate in Hong Kong

Wynne Mok, a partner in our Asia-wide Dispute Resolution practice, has passed the assessment for admission to higher rights of audience in respect of civil proceedings in Hong Kong. She is now a Solicitor Advocate qualified to appear for clients before the High Court and the Court of Final Appeal in civil cases in Hong Kong.

A Solicitor Advocate and eligibility requirements

On 20 January 2010, the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Ordinance was passed by the Legislative Council in Hong Kong granting higher rights of audience to solicitors before the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Final Appeal in civil and/or criminal proceedings, previously only granted to barristers. Solicitors who gain accreditation are known as Solicitor Advocates.

Applicants must have acquired sufficient litigation experience and if they satisfy eligibility requirements they must apply for higher rights of audience to the Higher Rights Assessment Board, a statutory board established under section 39E of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap. 159) and comprised of members appointed by the Chief Justice. The Higher Rights Assessment Board is empowered, among other things, to make rules in relation to applications for higher rights of audience and determination of such applications.

The Council of the Law Society of Hong Kong issues a certificate in respect of higher rights of audience to successful applicants and maintains a public register of those who are granted certificates. The full list of Solicitor Advocates can be found on the Law Society of Hong Kong’s website.