Topics covered will include the following:

 The role of a solicitor representing healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions in Hong Kong. In particular, we will look at the key legal and procedural issues the solicitor needs to consider in the following situations:

• Claims for damages in medical negligence cases
• Preparing the healthcare client for Coroners Court proceedings
• Representing clients in Medical Council disciplinary proceedings
• Developments in Gross Negligence Manslaughter cases in Hong Kong

About the Speakers:
Dr Bernard Murphy, Partner, Howse Williams

A medically qualified solicitor, Bernard represents healthcare organisations, doctors. dentists, veterinary surgeons and other healthcare professionals across a range of practice areas. Bernard supports clients in Medical Council, Dental Council and Veterinary Surgeons Board disciplinary proceedings and coroners’ investigations, from the commencement of investigations through to appearing on behalf of clients at disciplinary inquiries and coroners’ inquests.

A graduate of Aberdeen University Medical School, before qualifying as a lawyer Bernard practised medicine for more than ten years, the majority of that time in Hong Kong and China. During and following his medical training, Bernard worked as a doctor in NHS hospitals in the UK. Bernard worked in the field of emergency medical evacuation in China and Hong Kong between 1995 and 1999. He has also worked in private medical practice in Hong Kong.

An Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Bernard teaches on the university’s Master of Science Programme in Prehospital and Emergency Care and on the Postgraduate Diploma in Prehospital and Emergency Care.  Bernard also provides expert witness training to doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals involved/interested in expert witness work.

Since 2008, Bernard has been a Member of the Faculty of Forensic Legal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians UK. Since 2021 he has been a Fellow (Dento-legal Adviser) of the Faculty of Forensic Legal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians UK.

The Law Society of Hong Kong has awarded this seminar 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point.