Liberty Chambers Advocacy

Liberty Chambers, a leading set of barristers’ chambers in Hong Kong, excels in providing specialist legal advocacy across a broad range of fields, drawing on extensive experience in regulatory, criminal, commercial, and civil matters. Its members, including senior counsel such as Graham Harris SC and David Leung SC, deliver strategic representation, compliance advice, and vigorous defence strategies to protect clients’ interests, secure fair outcomes, and navigate complex legal environments. 

Appeal Boards & Tribunals

Liberty Chambers provides comprehensive advocacy before Hong Kong’s various appeal boards and tribunals, adapting to their often less formal procedures. They represent clients in sectors including healthcare, the legal profession, and education, focusing on evidence gathering, procedural compliance, and appeals against adverse decisions. Frequently, they escalate matters to higher courts to achieve reversals, with a team skilled in presenting persuasive arguments to non-judicial decision-makers.

Appellate Advocacy

In appellate advocacy, Liberty Chambers handles matters from Magistrates’ appeals through to the Court of Final Appeal. They undertake merit assessments, draft grounds of appeal, and present compelling arguments on points of law. Services include bail applications, preparation of written submissions, and representation in high-stakes proceedings, combined with nuanced procedural advice and support for reputational management.

Construction Safety & Industrial Summons

Liberty Chambers defends clients in construction safety and industrial summons cases brought under legislation such as the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap 509). They provide proactive compliance guidance, risk management strategies, and representation at hearings and appeals. The chambers specialise in contesting regulatory decisions, negotiating settlements, and developing measures to prevent future breaches, thereby minimising penalties and operational disruption.

Coroners and Inquests

Under the Coroners Ordinance (Cap 504), Liberty Chambers represents families, medical practitioners, and institutions at inquests. Their advocacy includes examination of witnesses, management of potential criminal referrals, and protection of clients’ rights. They ensure evidence is properly elicited, offer compassionate support, and handle particularly contentious deaths involving public health or institutional concerns.

Criminal Defence

Liberty Chambers delivers robust criminal defence across a wide spectrum of offences, including theft, fraud, and drug-related crimes, from the investigative stage through to appeals. They challenge prosecution evidence, negotiate pleas where appropriate, and provide early intervention, courtroom advocacy, and post-conviction strategies to minimise penalties and safeguard clients’ interests in high-pressure circumstances.

Crypto and Fintech

In the rapidly evolving fields of cryptocurrency and fintech, Liberty Chambers advises on licensing requirements, anti-money laundering compliance, and dispute resolution under the Securities and Futures Ordinance. They structure token offerings, manage cross-border transactions, and represent clients in regulatory investigations, enabling innovative business operations while mitigating legal risks in Hong Kong’s international financial centre.

Enforcement of Mainland Judgments

Liberty Chambers facilitates the enforcement of Mainland Chinese judgments in Hong Kong under reciprocal enforcement arrangements. They handle applications, confirm jurisdictional requirements, and address cross-border nuances. Their advocacy includes tailored strategies for recognition and efficient enforcement, underpinned by deep knowledge of the interplay between Hong Kong and Mainland legal systems.

Health Safety and Environment

Liberty Chambers advocates in health, safety, and environmental law, defending prosecutions in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and factories. They manage strict liability offences and compliance with environmental regulations, offering risk assessments, procedural development, and representation for corporate officers, with a focus on penalty mitigation and enhanced compliance.

ICAC Investigations and Trials

Under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, Liberty Chambers navigates Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) investigations and trials. They challenge evidence, restraint orders, and asset seizures, providing defence strategies, negotiation support, and reputational management to ensure fair treatment and minimise disruption in corruption-related proceedings.

Immigration Law

Liberty Chambers offers specialist immigration advocacy under the Immigration Ordinance, guiding clients through visa applications, appeals, and deportation proceedings while addressing related compliance issues. They support business investors and defend prosecutions, facilitating smooth adaptation to Hong Kong’s immigration policies for employment, investment, and residency purposes.

Insolvency

In insolvency matters, Liberty Chambers handles corporate restructuring, personal bankruptcy, and cross-border issues under the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance. They advise on directors’ duties, negotiate with creditors, and conduct litigation, offering strategies to protect interests and achieve efficient resolutions in times of financial distress.

Intellectual Property Law

Liberty Chambers protects intellectual property rights in patents, trade marks, and copyright, providing registration advice, enforcement actions, and international portfolio management. Their advocacy minimises risks of unauthorised use, strengthens market positions, and supports licensing arrangements in Hong Kong’s role as a regional intellectual property hub.

Judicial Review

In judicial review proceedings before the High Court, Liberty Chambers challenges decisions of public authorities on grounds of illegality, irrationality, and procedural unfairness. They prepare applications, seek leave, and represent clients to overturn adverse administrative decisions, thereby upholding accountability and protecting individual rights.

Licensing and Regulatory

Liberty Chambers assists with licensing and regulatory compliance in sectors such as liquor, food premises, and entertainment venues. They manage applications, renewals, and defences against revocation or suspension, conducting risk assessments and representing clients in proceedings to ensure business continuity and adherence to Hong Kong regulatory frameworks.

Mediation

As accredited mediators, Liberty Chambers facilitates resolution of commercial, family, and civil disputes. They emphasise confidentiality, cost efficiency, and preservation of relationships, guiding mediation sessions, drafting settlement agreements, and providing neutral facilitation for faster and mutually satisfactory outcomes compared with traditional litigation.

Mutual Legal Assistance

Liberty Chambers manages mutual legal assistance in cross-border criminal matters under the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance. They advise on incoming and outgoing requests, address jurisdictional complexities (including with Mainland China and the United States), and ensure efficient cooperation while protecting clients’ rights in global investigations.

Product and Food Safety

Liberty Chambers defends clients under consumer safety legislation covering food, pharmaceuticals, and general products. They provide compliance advice, manage recall processes, and represent in prosecutions, conducting risk assessments and resolving disputes to preserve reputations and minimise operational impact.

SFC Investigations

In investigations by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance, Liberty Chambers develops compliance frameworks, represents clients in enforcement actions, and handles appeals. Their advocacy focuses on misconduct probes, litigation support, and reputational management to protect business interests.

Tax Law

Liberty Chambers provides tax advocacy, including planning, compliance, and dispute resolution with the Inland Revenue Department and Customs and Excise Department. They apply double taxation treaties and advise on stamp duty and other levies, reducing liabilities and optimising tax strategies for fiscal efficiency.

Tort and Personal Injuries

Liberty Chambers pursues and defends claims in tort and personal injuries arising from negligence, accidents, and product liability. They offer full support from initial consultation through to settlement or trial, maximising compensation for claimants and securing fair outcomes for defendants while minimising stress in accident-related litigation.

Trusts, Probate and Succession

Liberty Chambers advises on the establishment, administration, and contentious aspects of trusts, probate, and succession. They handle estate disputes, provide succession planning, and conduct litigation where necessary, ensuring wealth preservation, family harmony, and smooth asset transfer in accordance with Hong Kong law.