Joseph Lee > Des Voeux Chambers > Hong Kong, Hong Kong > Lawyer Profile
Des Voeux Chambers Offices
38/F Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
Central, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
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Joseph Lee
Career
Joseph is a specialist defence advocate practising in all types of criminal cases. Renowned for his engaging court style, Joseph has established a strong track record, both as a leading junior, a led junior and acting alone.
To meet the wide variety of criminal cases he defends in, Joseph combines his meticulous approach to case preparation and a natural flair for advocacy with a robust and efficient style of cross examination of witnesses and experts. This has resulted in many successful results at all levels of the court, including prosecutions brought by the Customs & Excise Department, Immigration Department and the ICAC.
For general crime, Joseph has represented clients in a range of offences from violence, dishonesty and drugs to sexual misconduct and regulatory offences. He is also experienced in litigating sensitive issues relating to mental health and fitness to plead.
Joseph is regularly instructed in complex white collar criminal cases, including allegations of bribery and corruption, complex commercial fraud, and serious offences against individuals. He is able to master voluminous cases with precision and ease, and his expertise in the often complex and sensitive issues arising in such cases means that he is a skilled tactician who is able to rigorously challenge the prosecution case while bringing the best out of his client at trial.
He is highly committed to the defence of those he represents, with the ability to get on with clients from all walks of life, in the pursuit of his clients’ best interests and ensuring that each client is represented to the highest possible standards.
Joseph is also an experienced appellate advocate, with successful appearances, both as advocate and led junior, in all levels of criminal appellate courts in Hong Kong, including the Court of Final Appeal. His reported appeals have included successful conviction and sentence appeals and he has been instructed on a private and public basis.
Joseph is a contributing author to Archbold Hong Kong: Criminal Law and Procedure since 2016 and is currently a member of the Criminal Law & Procedure Committee of Hong Kong Bar Association.
Joseph’s expertise as a leading junior in both general and white collar crime has been recognised by the following legal directories:
- “Recommended” Junior Counsel, Doyles Guide 2019 (Leading Criminal Law Barristers – Hong Kong)
- “Leading” Junior Counsel, Doyles Guide 2020 and 2021 (Leading Criminal Law Barristers – Hong Kong)
- “Preeminent” Junior Counsel, Doyles Guide 2022 (Leading Criminal Law Barristers – Hong Kong)
- Tier 1, Leading Juniors, Legal 500 2021 (Hong Kong Bar – White Collar Crime)
- Tier 1, Leading Juniors, Legal 500 2022 (Hong Kong Bar – Regulatory, Investigations and Crime)
Year of call
- 2008
Languages
English, Cantonese, Mandarin (Basic)
Memberships
- Member of the Criminal Law & Procedure Committee, Hong Kong Bar Association (2013 – 2018, 2020 – current)
- Deputy Magistrate (2016)
Lawyer Rankings
Hong Kong Bar > Regulatory, investigations and crime
(Leading Juniors)Joseph Lee – Des Voeux Chambers ‘There is no doubt that Joseph is one of the most outstanding criminal barristers in town and a lot of solicitors would immediately think of him whenever there is a criminal or regulatory matter. His advocacy and cross-examination skills are incomparably good and effective, and Joseph is regarded as a barrister who is able to lead others and conduct complex cases independently.’