Simon Cleves

Simon Cleves is from Wales. Simon initially qualified in the UK and practiced there until he joined the Legal Aid Department in Hong Kong before 1997, working in the criminal and civil litigation sections. He later qualified in Hong Kong and, on leaving government service, was a consultant in several law firms. 

Simon has a mixed litigation practice.  His areas of specialisation include: 

• Criminal litigation representing defendants both on a private basis and through Duty Lawyer Service in the Magistrates court, similarly representing mainly legally aided defendants in the District and High Courts. Simon is also occasionally assigned to act as a prosecuting counsel for the Department of Justice and other government departments.
• Personal injury actions for individuals who have suffered injuries arising from accidents at work or in road traffic accidents.
• Family matters for private and legally aided clients.

Simon is a long-standing member of the Hong Kong Society of Notaries and has extensive experience preparing documents for use outside Hong Kong. Where requirements are unclear, Simon is able to draw on his experience to advise clients on what is likely to be required to bring matters to a successful conclusion.

Simon is accustomed to assisting clients in making applications for assistance to the Legal Aid Department.  

Often working with an interpreter, Simon is generally concerned that clients should be fully aware of what is happening in their case and why. Each client is an individual and it is important to explain in ways that he/she can understand what the likely developments will be and to ensure that their expectations are realistic. 

Away from the office, Simon is interested in animal welfare and has been a long-standing supporter of a local dog rescue charity.  

Admission:

• Hong Kong 
• England & Wales 
• Australian Capital Territory