CONSTITUTIONAL LAW & PROBATE – Deacons invites Vivien Leung and Tracy Chu to speak on LGBT rights, equality, diversity and inclusion

Whilst Hong Kong has made strides in various areas of LGBT rights, there is more to be done. With a view to enhancing awareness of the issues faced by the LGBT community, leading law firm Deacons invited DCC Members Vivien Leung and Tracy Chu to deliver a seminar on the latest legal developments at their Central office. The presentation attracted a record-breaking turnout of nearly 150 Deacons lawyers.

Vivien and Tracy kicked off with an overview of Hong Kong’s legal framework on marriage, equality and anti-discrimination, as well as a round-up of recent developments around the globe. This was followed by an exploration of notable court cases in Hong Kong including Ng Hon Lam Edgar v Secretary for Justice [2020] HKCFI 2412, where the Court of First Instance held that it is discriminatory to exclude spouses in same-sex marriages from certain statutory inheritance entitlements enjoyed by spouses in opposite-sex marriages.

For the final part of their presentation, Tracy and Vivien delved into ways to develop a more diverse, inclusive and equal workplace culture. Together with Deacons partner Ms. Annie Tsoi, they rounded off the seminar with a thoughtful discussion on the inheritance rights of same-sex couples who got married overseas but have separated and are unable to get a divorce in Hong Kong due to the non-recognition of same-sex marriages here, and on the benefits of using gender neutral wording in employment contracts.

The seminar was presented as a programme under Deacons Academy, the firm’s educational segment which specialises in training and development. Deacons welcomes diversity and values different gender, faith, age, race, sexual orientation, points of view, as some of the visible and invisible differences that make people unique.  

Denis Chang’s Chambers would like to extend our deepest thanks to Deacons Partner Ms. Annie Tsoi, Assistant Learning and Development Manager Ms. Vivian Leung, and their supporting team for making this collaborative event a success.

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Vivien Leung Vivien is a former solicitor with a decade of litigation experience under her belt. Before joining the Bar in 2020, Vivien trained and practised as a commercial litigator from 2009 to 2016 at Deacons; from 2016 to 2019, she practised as a family lawyer at Withers.  In recent years, she has developed a specialist practice in matrimonial law. Alongside her matrimonial practice, Vivien is regularly instructed to advise on fraud and assets tracing, trusts, land, probate and succession, company and chancery matters.

Tracy Chu Tracy joined Chambers in 2020 upon completion of her pupillage with Mr. Chan Chi Hung SC, Mr. Tim Kwok, Mr. Giles Surman, Ms. Catherine Wong and Mr. Robin D’Souza. She is developing a predominately civil practice with interest in criminal law, and has experience in matrimonial, personal injuries, contract and commercial disputes.