[2] The objects of the Hong Kong Bar Association are generally to consider and to take proper action on all matters affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.

These include: Like other professional bodies, the HKBA has the authority to take disciplinary action to the members who breach the Code of Conduct of the Association.

[3] Additionally, lawyers of at least three years' qualified experience may apply to switch membership of either the HKBA or The Law Society of Hong Kong.

Solicitors seeking to qualify as barrister are required to do pupillage, however, the period may be shortened for those with substantial advocacy experience.

"[11] In November 2022, after the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal ruled to allow Tim Owen KC to be admitted as an overseas counsel on an ad hoc basis, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, made a request to the NPCSC for an interpretation of the national security law over whether overseas counsel are allowed to take part in national security cases.

[12] The former HKBA chairman Victor Dawes SC said at a media briefing that "the national security law is a relatively new piece of legislation and we hope that any ambiguity can be clarified by our courts in the future and the power to interpret… be exercised sparingly" whilst noting that "I do understand the government's position and the reasoning given by the chief executive.

[17][18][16] In April 2023, the HKBA censured former barrister and Legislative Council member Tanya Chan over her involvement in the Umbrella Movement.

[20] In May 2023, the HKBA expressed "grave concerns" over the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which asked for judges in national security cases to be sanctioned.