Mr Edward Chan King Sang, SC
陳景生先生
Mr Edward Chan King Sang, SC holds an LLB from HKU, and an LLM from the University of London. He was called to the English Bar in 1974 and the Hong Kong Bar in 1975. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel (now Senior Counsel) in 1989, the first HKU law graduate to be so honoured.
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Mr Chan has maintained a very active practice at the top echelons of the Bar and has served as Deputy High Court Judge (1991), as High Court Recorder for over a decade (1995-2006) and as the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association (2003-2005).
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He has served on numerous public bodies and committees including, inter alia, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, the Town Planning Appeal Board Panel and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. He has been the Chairman of the Special Committee on Legal Education of the Hong Kong Bar Association since 2001. He is currently a Member of the Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training, and a Convenor of the Barristers Disciplinary Tribunal Panel.
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At HKU, Mr Chan is a Member of the Faculty Board and of the PCLL Academic Board. He also serves on PCLL Academic Boards of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the City University of Hong Kong and is also a member of the Faculty Board of the Law Faculty at the City University of Hong Kong.
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Mr Chan was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2004.
"Lawyers are far from infallible."
If law does not speak to your interest, then it is not the field for you. While law can provide a decent income, just being a lawyer won't guarantee you a lucrative career. Secondly, you are bound to face many frustrating moments in your legal career. However, it's crucial to always look at the wider picture and consider your role and what's expected of you. This perspective will be vital throughout your time as a lawyer. It's important for everyone to be clear about their position. Lawyers, especially barristers, often have a major flaw - they believe they're infallible. You may wonder why your clients seem so clueless and why they're performing so poorly. But remember, if they weren't having difficulties, they wouldn't need your help. You may often believe you're incredibly smart and skilled, but the truth is, if you were in their shoes, you might perform even worse. Therefore, it's essential to always be empathetic and considerate. Keep your ego in check and remember, you are not as unassailable as you think you are. Always strive to understand and be considerate of others who are going through similar situations.
Glossary
Key terms to aid your reading experience.​​
HKU Experience
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
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An undergraduate law degree in common law jurisdictions, currently offered in Hong Kong by the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and City University of Hong Kong.
JD (Juris Doctor)
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A graduate-entry professional degree preparing individuals for law practice. In the U.S. and Philippines, it is the only qualifying law degree.
PCLL (Postgraduate Certificate in Laws)
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A mandatory professional qualification program in Hong Kong that prepares law graduates to become solicitors or barristers.
Hall of residence
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Living in a residential hall is an HKU tradition, fostering independence and close interaction among students from diverse backgrounds.
HKU Law Campuses ​
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Caine Road Campus (1969 - 1973)
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Knowles Building (1973 - 1989)
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K.K. Leung Building (1989 - 2012)
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Cheng Yu Tung Tower (2012 - present)
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UK Postgraduate Education
United Kingdom Bar Exams (“London Bar Final”) (formerly in place)
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A now-obsolete two-part qualification exam for aspiring barristers wishing to practice in the UK or Hong Kong, held three times a year at three-month intervals. Graduates could take multiple exams simultaneously, often sitting them early after graduation or the next summer.
Training
Traineeship
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Aspiring solicitors who completed the PCLL must be employed under a two-year training contract with a law firm to qualify as solicitors. This period is also referred to as an “articleship” in some interviews.
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Non-law graduates were previously able to serve five years as a solicitor’s clerk to qualify as solicitors. The significance of this system subsequently waned due to the popularisation of legal education.
Pupillage
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Aspiring barristers who completed the PCLL must complete a one-year pupillage, assisting barristers with case research, drafting, court attendance, and other tasks to qualify as barristers.