Second Hong Kong Pro Bono Week – Launch Event

Denise has a broad civil and criminal practice. Her civil practice has a particular emphasis in public law and judicial review involving immigration, asylum and refugees. She has particular experience in matters involving discrimination, having been instructed in civil actions under anti-discrimination legislation, and in constitutional challenges involving unlawful discrimination. In criminal matters, Denise has been instructed for both Prosecution and Defence in criminal trials and appeals.

In pro bono matters, Denise regularly advises on a wide range of cases relating to asylum seekers and refugees, including judicial review applications and unlawful detention claims. She is a member of the Hong Kong Bar Association’s Pro Bono Standing Committee, and has participated in the inaugural Pro Bono Week and PilNet mentorship program.

Patricia Ho is a Founder and Director of Hong Kong Dignity Institute (HKDI), Founder and Managing Partner at Patricia Ho & Associates and Principal Lecturer of the Faculty of Law at the University of Hong Kong.

With 18 years of experience as a public interest law practitioner, Patricia defends the rights of marginalised and exploited communities in Hong Kong through strategic litigation and legislative reform. She co-authored and presented the Crimes (Amendment) (Modern Slavery) Bill 2019 and regularly provides training and seminars to the NGO and legal community.

Patricia has received numerous awards for her pro bono and community work, including the TIP Hero recognition by the US Department of State in 2020. She also serves on the Board of Voice for Prisoners, Hong Kong Hypnotherapy Association and The Hong Kong Committee on Children’s Rights.

Raymond serves as co-chair of BNY’s APAC Pro Bono Council, responsible for developing and promotion of pro bono projects across the region. He has over 15 years of experience in advising clients on litigation, enforcement, and investigations and brings his expertise to the intersection of law, finance, and social responsibility.

Teresa Ma has worked in journalism, banking, law and peacebuilding. In law, she was a partner and an elected board member of a global firm, specialising in complex mergers & acquisitions and equity capital market transactions. She is a recipient of the Chambers China Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Legal Profession. She served on the Takeovers Panel and the Financial Reporting Council. She is currently engaged in peacebuilding, having qualified as a mediator, completed graduate peace studies and founded an organisation to foster a culture of sustainable peace. She also sits on boards and committees of several civil society organisations.