CJ's address at Ceremony for the Admission of the New Senior Counsel
The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
The following is the full text of an address by Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, at the Ceremony for the Admission of the New Senior Counsel today (June 7):
Secretary for Justice, Chairman of the Bar, President of the Law Society, fellow judges, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a privilege and a pleasure to welcome you all to this important ceremony, marking the admission to the rank of Senior Counsel of Ms Catrina Lam, Ms Priscilia Lam and Mr Timothy Parker.
To each of our appointees, I extend my warmest congratulations. Today is the culmination of years of rigorous practice, professional growth, and steadfast dedication to the law. But while this moment may be viewed as a culmination, it is equally a commencement – a threshold to the responsibilities and expectations that come with the rank of Senior Counsel.
The conferment of silk is not merely an individual honour. It is a public recognition of excellence in advocacy, depth of legal learning, and the highest standards of integrity and conduct. In our common law tradition, which underpins the legal system in Hong Kong, the role of Senior Counsel carries great weight and significance. It is a rank that signifies leadership at the Bar, and a visible commitment to the values that sustain our system of justice.
The rank of Senior Counsel is, of course, grounded in the law. It is conferred by the Chief Justice under statute, following extensive consultation with the Chairman of the Bar, the President of the Law Society, and the senior Judiciary. The process is deliberate and exacting, as it must be, for it serves the public interest above all. The legal community and the wider society are entitled to know that those who bear the distinction of Senior Counsel do so not only on account of their technical ability, but also because they embody the finest traditions of the profession.
It is precisely because of these traditions that the responsibilities of Senior Counsel are so considerable. First and foremost among them is the duty to maintain the highest standards of advocacy, professional integrity, and independence. In an adversarial system, courts rely on the skill and honesty of counsel to present cases with clarity, fairness and a deep respect for the law. Senior Counsel, by their very presence in court, shape the tone and quality of proceedings and must serve as exemplars to the junior Bar.
Beyond the courtroom, Senior Counsel are expected to play an active and constructive role in the life of the Bar – mentoring junior members, contributing to legal education, and upholding the independence of the legal profession. They are also expected to serve the public, whether through public appointments, law reform initiatives, or, in due course, judicial service.
Indeed, our legal framework contemplates that some of those who ascend to the rank of Senior Counsel may in time be called to join the Bench. The qualities that make one a leader at the Bar – independence of mind, sound judgment, fairness, and intellectual rigour – are also those that form the foundation of good judging. In that sense, the appointment to silk is not merely about past achievement; it is an investment in the future strength of the Judiciary and the rule of law in Hong Kong.
As the best of our juniors take silk, they do so not only as individuals of great accomplishment, but as custodians of the finest traditions of the legal profession that are larger than themselves. The strength of any legal system depends not only on the soundness of its laws and institutions, but also on the quality and character of those who practise within it. Today's appointments strengthen our confidence in the future of the profession.
On this happy occasion, we must of course acknowledge the support given to our new silks by their families, friends, and colleagues. Their success is not achieved in isolation. It is fitting that their loved ones are present to celebrate this occasion, for they too have contributed in no small measure to the journeys culminating here this morning.
It would also be remiss not to acknowledge the important role played by instructing solicitors in the professional journeys of today's appointees. The trust and collaboration of those who have briefed our new Senior Counsel – often repeatedly and in the most demanding of cases – have enabled them to refine their advocacy, develop their legal thinking, and demonstrate the very qualities for which they are recognised today. The professional partnerships forged between counsel and those who instruct them are a vital part of the fabric of the legal profession, and today's appointments reflect that shared endeavour.
For any profession to continue to flourish, those entrusted with its guidance must possess a clear and forward-looking vision for its development, shaped by an appreciation of the needs and expectations of the society it exists to serve. They must be prepared to confront and overcome the strains and tensions that may arise from narrow or sectional interests, which are often preoccupied with short-term concerns. Senior Counsel, as the natural leaders of their branch of the legal profession, bear a particular responsibility to support this endeavour, so that the profession as a whole may continue to discharge its public function and command the respect of the community it serves.
Now let me say a few words about our appointees.
Ms Catrina Lam is a highly regarded barrister with a broad commercial practice, encompassing complex disputes, domestic and international arbitration, competition law, and regulatory matters. She also has significant experience in administrative and constitutional law. Ms Lam is known for her clarity of thought, technical excellence, and strong courtroom advocacy.
Ms Priscilia Lam is a highly respected criminal advocate, known for her diligent and fearless advocacy on both sides of the courtroom. She is recognised for her integrity, professionalism, and balanced judgment, whether acting for the prosecution or the defence. Her substantial contribution to the criminal Bar makes her elevation to silk richly deserved.
Mr Timothy Parker has long been regarded as one of the Bar's busiest juniors in the field of public and constitutional law. His sharp legal mind, calm authority, and principled approach have earned him the respect of judges and peers alike.
To each of our new silks, I reiterate: the rank you now hold is not only a privilege, but also a solemn call to service. You are now leaders of the Bar. You bear a particular responsibility not only to serve as highly capable and dependable advocates in court, but also to uphold the rule of law and to safeguard the proper administration of justice. You are expected to speak with courage and conviction where the rule of law is threatened, to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity, both inside and outside the courtroom, and to uphold the traditions of discipline and courtesy which underpin the profession. No less importantly, you must be vigilant in defending the right of every individual to unimpeded access to the courts. These are not abstract ideals, but living principles that underpin the public's trust in our legal system, both within Hong Kong and beyond.
The courts, the legal profession, and the public will look to you for your expertise, your example, and your commitment to upholding the values that define the rule of law in our society. I have every confidence that you will rise to these challenges, as your predecessors have done, and that you will meet these expectations with the same commitment and excellence that have brought you to this day.
On behalf of the Judiciary and the wider legal community, I offer you my congratulations and wish you every success and fulfilment in your careers as Senior Counsel.
Thank you.
CJ's address at Ceremony for the Admission of the New Senior Counsel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CJ's address at Ceremony for the Admission of the New Senior Counsel Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Hong Kong Marathon 2026
The Transport Department (TD) today (January 12) reminded members of the public that, to facilitate the holding of the Hong Kong Marathon 2026 this Sunday (January 18), temporary road closures will be implemented at various locations in phases from 11.30pm on Saturday (January 17)and will be reopened subject to the race progress. It is anticipated that all closed roads will be reopened by about 2pm on Sunday.
This year, the full and half marathon races will start at Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. The full marathon race will route through major road sections including Nathan Road (from Granville Road to Argyle Street), Argyle Street, Lin Cheung Road, West Kowloon Highway, Stonecutters Bridge, Nam Wan Tunnel, Ting Kau Bridge, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Tsing Kwai Highway, the Western Harbour Crossing (WHC), Connaught Road West flyover, Lung Wo Road, Expo Drive, Hung Hing Road, Lockhart Road, Percival Street, Hennessy Road, Yee Wo Street and Sugar Street, and finish at Victoria Park. The half marathon race route will follow that of the full marathon race from the starting point at Nathan Road to Lin Cheung Road with the turning point at Tsing Kwai Highway and then rejoin the full marathon race route at West Kowloon Highway.
As for other races, the starting point will be set at different locations on Hong Kong Island, while all the finishing points will be set at Victoria Park. The 10-kilometre race will start at the Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) near the exit/entrance of Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel (CWBT) and run along the IEC eastwards to the turning point near Oi Tak Street and then return to the finishing point. The 10-kilometre wheelchair race will start at Wan Chai Sports Ground and route through Hung Hing Road, Expo Drive, Lung Wo Road and Central Ferry Piers area and then return to run along Lung Wo Road, Hung Hing Road, Marsh Road, Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road heading for the finishing point. The Wheelchair Trial and Leaders Cup will also start at Wan Chai Sports Ground and route through Hung Hing Road and Marsh Road and then rejoin the 10-kilometre wheelchair race route heading for the finishing point.
According to the arrangements for the full and half marathon race routes, temporary closures of major road sections and their vicinities in the Yau Tsim Mong area will be implemented extensively, including (i) the whole section of Nathan Road (in both directions) between Salisbury Road and Gascoigne Road, (ii) the northbound carriageway of Nathan Road between Gascoigne Road and Argyle Street, (iii) the westbound carriageway of Argyle Street between Nathan Road and Tong Mi Road, and (iv) the slip road from Lin Cheung Road southbound to Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section). The above road sections will be reopened at or before about 10.30am in phases, subject to the progress of the races. At the same time, public transport services in this area will also be subject to extensive adjustments. Members of the public heading to this area are advised to use railway services.
Moreover, since the full marathon will use the Kowloon-bound carriageways of Cheung Tsing Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel and Nam Wan Tunnel as the race route, vehicles on Lantau Link (Tsing Ma Bridge) heading to Kowloon will be diverted to use North West Tsing Yi Interchange, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road. It is anticipated that traffic congestion along North Lantau Highway, Tsing Ma Bridge and the vicinity of North West Tsing Yi Interchange may occur.
The above road closures will not affect vehicles travelling from Hong Kong Island/Kowloon/New Territories East to Hong Kong International Airport and Lantau Island.Vehicles from the New Territories West to the airport and Lantau Island could travel via Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel. Due to the closure of the Kowloon-bound carriageway of Ting Kau Bridge, vehicles travelling via Tuen Mun Road or Tai Lam Tunnel to the airport and Lantau Island will be diverted to use Tsuen Wan Road, Tsuen Tsing Interchange, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsing Tsuen Bridge and Tsing Yi North Coastal Road to enter Tsing Ma Bridge.
During the races, the Kowloon-bound tube of the WHC will remain open, while the Hong Kong-bound tube of the WHC will be temporarily closed from 0.45am on Sunday till about 1.15pm, subject to the progress of the races. Motorists travelling from Kowloon West to Hong Kong Island are advised to use the Cross-Harbour Tunnel or Eastern Harbour Crossing (EHC). For the race routes in Causeway Bay, Yee Wo Street eastbound will be temporarily closed to serve as a race route. Most of the public transport services operating along Yee Wo Street (in the direction of North Point) will be diverted to use Percival Street, Leighton Road and Pennington Street during the closure period.
According to the arrangements for the 10-kilometre race, both bound carriageways of the IEC between Victoria Park Road and Shau Kei Wan, and the CWBT linking to and from the IEC will be closed from 1.15am on Sunday in phases, and traffic will be diverted via appropriate alternative routes such as Connaught Road Central, Gloucester Road, King's Road, Shau Kei Wan Road, etc. Traffic to and from the EHC will be diverted to the Sai Wan Ho or Kornhill exit/entrance. Depending on the progress of the races, different sections of the CWBT will be reopened in phases to minimise the impact on traffic. Upon the anticipated reopening of the IEC before noon, the section of the CWBT between Central and North Point will be reopened, while the Wan Chai North exit from and entrance to the CWBT will be closed for most of the race time.
In connection with the road closure arrangements, starting from 11.15pm on Saturday until the reopening of the roads, 220 daytime bus routes and 34 daytime green minibus (GMB) routes will be subject to suspension, truncation or diversion, and the stopping points concerned of the affected bus and GMB services will be relocated accordingly in phases. Also, 49 overnight bus routes and six overnight green minibus routes to be affected by the road closures will be subject to the associated service adjustments. These affected bus routes include the cross-harbour routes and bus services operating in the following areas:
Hong Kong Island - bus routes operating along the IEC, the CWBT, in Central and Western District, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay areas;
Kowloon - bus routes operating along Nathan Road, Lin Cheung Road, Argyle Street, Shanghai Street, Jordan Road and Yau Tsim Mong areas; and
New Territories - bus routes operating along Ting Kau Bridge, Cheung Tsing Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel and Nam Wan Tunnel.
The following bus termini and public transport interchanges on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon will be suspended:
Hong Kong Island - Tin Hau Station Public Transport Interchange, Expo Drive East Bus Terminus, Central Ferry Piers Bus Terminus and Whitfield Road Bus Terminus; and
Kowloon - China Ferry Terminal Public Transport Interchange and Star Ferry Bus Terminus.
To enable participants in the full/half marathon and 10-kilometre races that start in the early morning to go to Tsim Sha Tsui or Causeway Bay, the first departures of eight rail lines of MTR services will be advanced suitably on Sunday, with the first departures on the Tuen Ma Line and East Rail Line (Sheung Shui to Admiralty) to be operated at 3.25am. In addition, 28 special bus routes will also be operated to serve participants going to Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay on Sunday.
During the road closure period, bus stops, taxi stands, taxi pick-up/drop-off points, public light bus/GMB stands, roadside parking spaces and private car parks within the closed roads and their vicinities may be suspended subject to the situation.
The commencement time of the pedestrian precinct on Lockhart Road, East Point Road and Great George Street in Causeway Bay will be postponed to 3pm on Sunday subject to the road reopening situation in the vicinity of Causeway Bay.
Members of the public and tourists heading for Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station of the Airport Express Line, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, China Ferry Terminal or Ocean Terminal are advised to plan their journeys early to avoid any delays caused by road closures and traffic diversions.
The TD anticipates that the traffic at various locations on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon and the New Territories will be more significantly congested when compared with normal Sundays, including:
Hong Kong Island - King's Road, Shau Kei Wan Road, Victoria Park Road, Leighton Road, Hennessy Road, Gloucester Road, Queensway, Connaught Road Central, Aberdeen Tunnel (Wan Chai bound) and Central Ferry Piers areas;
Kowloon - Nathan Road and its vicinity, Argyle Street, Wylie Road, Gascoigne Road flyover, West Kowloon Corridor and Cross-Harbour Tunnel (both bounds), with a higher chance of long traffic queues along Gascoigne Road flyover and West Kowloon Corridor; and
New Territories - Lantau Link (Kowloon bound) and North West Tsing Yi Interchange.
Motorists should avoid driving to the above affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, they should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on-site.
Members of the public should plan their journeys early and use alternative routes to avoid delays, and take railway services as far as possible. Public transport users are advised to pay attention to the arrangements of route diversions and changes of stop locations.
Other ad-hoc traffic and public transport measures, including adjusting the extent of road closures, traffic diversions, alterations and suspensions of public transport services, may be implemented by the Police on-site at short notice depending on the actual traffic and crowd conditions. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. Members of the public are advised to stay alert to the latest traffic news through the media.
For information about the above special traffic and transport adjustments, members of the public may browse the TD's website at www.td.gov.hk or the "HKeMobility" mobile application.
Source: AI-found images
