Statement on Law Society’s intervention in the practice of Messrs Alan Ho & Co.

20 May 2016

(for immediate release)

In March 2016, the attention of the Council of the Law Society of Hong Kong ("the Society") was drawn to the irregularities in the practice of Alan Ho & Co. ("the Firm").

As a result of the investigations, the Society resolved to intervene in the practice of the Firm under Section 26A of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance Cap.159. Hastings & Co. was engaged as the Intervention Agent ("the Intervention Agent").

The intervention took place on 14 April 2016. The purposes of the intervention include making arrangements for clients of the Firm to engage alternative solicitors and taking control of the Firm's office and clients' money.

Since its appointment, the Intervention Agent has contacted clients appearing on the records of the Firm informing them of the situation and that they should engage alternative solicitors. A number of such clients have already done so. The Society has also contacted the bankers of the Firm and informed them that under Schedule 2 of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance the funds of the Firm are vested in the Society.

Some clients of the Firm had paid money into the Firm's bank accounts and have lodged claims for the return of such money.

The records of the Firm do not appear to be complete. The Intervention Agent has engaged forensic accountants to assist in ascertaining the actual position in relation to the clients' money alleged to have been paid to the Firm's bank accounts. This is necessary because, according to the information available at present, there may be a potential shortfall in the Firm's clients' money. Claims for return of money have to be dealt with on an individual case-by-case basis. Appropriate action will be taken as soon as possible.

Media Enquiry
Rachel So, Director of Communications and External Affairs
Telephone: 2846-0520
Email: adceag@hklawsoc.org.hk

About the Law Society of Hong Kong

The Law Society of Hong Kong is a professional body of solicitors in Hong Kong vested with the statutory powers to regulate the professional conduct of solicitors. It establishes and promotes professional standards and the solicitors' code of conduct and practice and ensures its compliance. The Law Society assists its members to promote Hong Kong legal services and offers its views from time to time on legal issues that are of public concern. For more information, please visit: www.hklawsoc.org.hk