The Hong Kong Bar Association will undergo a change of leadership this month, with seasoned barrister Jose-Antonio Maurellet set to helm the body, succeeding Victor Dawes after a three-year stint.
According to an internal circular sent to association members on Friday, senior counsel Maurellet, currently a vice-chairman, has been nominated as the new head of the professional body for the city’s barristers.
Two senior counsel, Martin Hui Siu-ting, who resigned from the Department of Justice as deputy director of public prosecutions in 2019 and entered private practice, and Eva Sit Yat-wah, have been proposed as vice-chairs of the association.
Chairman Dawes expressed confidence in the new line-up, which members will vote on at the association’s annual general meeting on January 23.
“I am delighted that in line with our fine tradition, the bar will be led by senior members of the Inner Bar who are respected by the profession,” he told the Post.
“I have every confidence the new leadership will maintain the commitment to our fundamental principle with the ability to retain the trust of all interested parties.”
Dawes took over the reins of the legal body in 2022 at a time when its relationship with Beijing had hit a low point.
