Instructing a Barrister in Hong Kong

At Yip, Tse & Tang (YTT), our criminal defence lawyers regularly appear in court for:

• Bail applications
• Mitigations in sentencing
• Trials at Magistrates’ Courts and District Courts

However, in certain cases, it may be in the client’s best interest to instruct a barrister to act as advocate in court.

Why Instruct a Barrister?

• Barristers are specialists in courtroom advocacy and are trained to present arguments before judges and magistrates.
• They provide strategic advice on complex points of law and cross-examination of witnesses.
• Instructing a barrister can increase the strength of your defence, particularly in serious or contested cases.

Our Role in Barrister Instruction

• We maintain a wide professional network of barristers in Hong Kong across various levels of experience.
• We will recommend whether a barrister should be instructed based on:
• The seriousness of the offence
• The complexity of the trial
• The client’s budget and objectives

Instructing a Senior Counsel (Leading Counsel)

In high-profile or particularly serious cases, we may advise our clients to instruct a Senior Counsel (SC), also known as leading counsel.

Why Choose a Senior Counsel?

• Senior Counsel are recognised leaders in courtroom advocacy with extensive trial and appellate experience.
• They are often instructed in cases involving:
• Serious criminal charges (e.g., fraud, drug trafficking, violent crimes)
• Appeals in higher courts
• Matters of public or legal importance

How We Advise Clients

• Our recommendation to engage a Senior Counsel is always made with careful consideration of the case merits.
• We balance the complexity of the case, the level of advocacy required, and the client’s budget before suggesting whether a Senior Counsel should be instructed.

✅ Key Takeaway

Whether you require representation at a Magistrates’ Court, a District Court trial, or even the High Court, our lawyers will advise you on the best advocacy team for your case. From experienced barristers to leading Senior Counsel, we ensure that every client receives strong and effective representation tailored to their situation.