Hong Kong’s top judge has called for newly minted senior counsels to defend the rule of law when it is under threat and ensure “unimpeded” access to the city’s courts for every individual to safeguard public trust in the legal system.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, who spoke separately at the senior counsel admission ceremony on Saturday, urged the new silks to tackle three challenges facing the profession: the use of artificial intelligence, synergy with mainland China’s legal system and maintaining the city’s image of its rule of law.

Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung laid down his expectations at the ceremony on Saturday that saw the admission of three senior counsels: Catrina Lam Ding-wan, Priscilia Lam Tsz-ying and Timothy Edward David Parker.

“You are expected to speak with courage and conviction where the rule of law is threatened, to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity, both inside and outside the courtroom,” he said.

The judge also urged senior counsel to be “vigilant” in ensuring “unimpeded access” to the courts for all individuals, saying such access would affect public trust in the city’s legal system.

“These are not abstract ideals, but living principles that underpin the public’s trust in our legal system, both within Hong Kong and beyond,” he said.