He qualified as a barrister in the UK in 1954, and began his legal practice upon his return to Hong Kong a year later.

[3] Hu, long a patriot of his homeland, eventually gave up being a barrister in Hong Kong, reportedly because of his unwillingness to revoke his Chinese nationality.

During his legal practice in Hong Kong, Hu handled some infamous cases, including the Happy Valley cardboard box murder.

[5] Hu was elected to the Urban Council in 1965, criticising the government on its fare increase for Star Ferry foot passengers.

His Legco membership term ended in 1983, and he entered Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference four years later.