Temple Chambers

Temple Chambers is a leading barristers’ chambers in Hong Kong, with a tradition of excellence spanning over 45 years and an unmatched combination of strengths across private and public law. There are currently close to 30 Senior Counsel and King’s Counsel (England & Wales) in our ranks, with many of our former members now in judicial roles. Our junior members are drawn from among the top graduates locally and overseas, with some 30 Bar Scholars in our current lineup.

Our members provide specialist legal advice and advocacy services in an exceptionally wide range of areas and feature in many of Hong Kong’s landmark cases.

Barristers within Temple Chambers can be instructed individually or in a team in accordance with the needs of the case.

History & Ethos

Temple Chambers was formed in 1977 with Richard Mills-Owens QC as our first Head of Chambers. Since then, over 100 barristers have practised as members of Temple Chambers. Many have become pillars of the Hong Kong Bar, with several elected to the key role of Chairman of the Bar:

• Ronny Tong SC, Chairman 1999 and 2000
• Rimsky Yuen SC, Chairman 2007 and 2008
• Russell Coleman SC (now Mr Justice Coleman), Chairman 2009 and 2010
• Paul Shieh SC, Chairman 2013 and 2014
• Victor Dawes SC, Chairman 2022 and 2023

In recognition of their exceptional dedication and contributions to the Hong Kong Bar, Mr Richard Mills-Owens QC, SC, Mr Michael Thomas QC, SC (both former members) and the Hon Geoffrey Ma GBM, QC, SC (former Head of Chambers and currently an arbitrator member) have each been made Honorary Life Members of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

With a strong ethos of public service, the ability and integrity of members have been recognised in appointments to all three branches of government – judiciary, legislature, executive – and in numerous international legal bodies.