​The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced today (February 24) the appointment of Mr Clifford Joseph Tavares, the Deputy Law Officer (Civil Law), to succeed Ms Christina Cheung Kam-wai as the Law Officer (Civil Law) with effect from tomorrow (February 25). Ms Cheung will proceed on pre-retirement leave on the same day after 30 years of distinguished service with the DoJ.

     Welcoming the appointment, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, "Mr Tavares is a seasoned officer with impressive professional competence and leadership abilities. I have every confidence that he will ably lead the Civil Division to rise to the challenges ahead and continue to deliver professional and quality service to Hong Kong."

     Mr Lam also expressed his gratitude to Ms Cheung for her dedication and valuable contributions during her term of service and wished her a fulfilling and happy retirement.

     Ranked at Law Officer (DL6) level, the Law Officer (Civil Law) is responsible for, amongst others, advising on the civil law aspects of a wide range of complex issues of government policies, and providing legal support to all government bureaux and departments in the area of civil law, including all civil litigation and tribunal work, as well as arbitration, mediation and legal advisory services. 

     Brief biographical notes on the two officers are set out below:

Ms Christina Cheung Kam-wai
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     Ms Cheung was admitted as a solicitor in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong in 1989 and 1996 respectively. She was appointed as Senior Crown Counsel in 1995 and promoted to Deputy Principal Government Counsel in 2001, and Principal Government Counsel in 2008. She was appointed Law Officer in 2015 and has since held the position of Law Officer (Civil Law). Ms Cheung has served in the Civil Division of the DoJ for over 30 years. She was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2025.

Mr Clifford Joseph Tavares 
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     Mr Tavares was admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong in 2002. He was appointed as Government Counsel in 2002 and promoted to Senior Government Counsel in 2007, Deputy Principal Government Counsel in 2012 and Principal Government Counsel in 2019. Mr Tavares has served in the Civil Division of the DoJ for over 20 years. He served in the Legal Enhancement and Development Office under the Secretary for Justice's Office between 2022 and 2024. 

Ends/Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:00

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