Hong Kong partner Dominic Geiser has become one of only 49 lawyers granted rights to undertake advocacy in the higher courts of Hong Kong.
The scheme is still relatively new in HK – it only came into force in June 2012 – and the number of solicitor advocates remains small, certainly compared with the UK and other jurisdictions with similar schemes. Currently less than one per cent of the SAR's approximately 8,600 qualified solicitors have been granted higher rights of audience.
Dominic is the firm's second successful applicant, following partner Simon Chapman's approval in 2015.
Applicants either have to satisfy the SAR's Higher Rights Assessment Board that they have sufficient advocacy experience or complete an assessment process.
"I'm delighted that Dominic has been added to our roster of solicitor advocates," said Julian Copeman, who leads the firm's Hong Kong disputes practice. "Being able to appear as advocate adds real value for clients, allowing them to deal with just one contact as both lead lawyer and advocate."
It has become standard practice for all disputes lawyers in Herbert Smith Freehills' London office to apply for higher rights, and there is a drive within the firm to promote this capability across the network.
"Hong Kong's Department of Justice and Chief Justice have been vocal supporters of higher rights, and in time this will lead to a broader range of advocacy capability in the SAR and more choice for users of the legal system," said Simon Chapman.
"However, the reforms will only progress if these rights are exercised regularly in the Courts. It is still relatively rare to see solicitors on their feet but adding more talented advocates such as Dominic will add real momentum to the reform process."