Audrey Eu is the founding leader of the Civic Party in Hong Kong. She obtained her LLB from the University of Hong Kong in 1975 and her LLM from LSE in 1977. She was admitted as a barrister in Hong Kong in 1978. In 1993, she was called to the Inner Bar and became a Queen’s Counsel (now known as Senior Counsel). In 1994, she became a Non-official Justice of the Peace.

Audrey was the Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association in 1997 and 1998, and a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong Island Geographical Constituency) from 2000-2012. She served as the founding Party Leader from 2006-2010, as Party Chairman from 2012, and has been on the Civic Party Exco since 2006.

After a successful career in law, what made you decide to enter politics?

Whether Hong Kong is going to have “one country, two systems” as promised or “one country, one system” depends on how much Hong Kong’s people are ready to defend our system and fight for democracy, human rights, rule of law and universal suffrage.  As a lawyer I may be able to fight for justice in a client’s case, but as a legislator I may be able to fight for justice on a broader scale.

How did LSE help to shape your views and your professional career?

LSE was well known for its radicalism even in those days. But I was only in LSE for one year doing the LLM. It gave me a good solid grounding in the subjects I studied and prepared me well for my legal practice when I returned to Hong Kong.

What are your memories of LSE?

My memories of LSE merged with my memories of London and my hall life.  It was one of the best times of my life. While London has not changed that much since I was there in 1977, LSE has. I was back in LSE a few years ago for my daughter’s graduation and also for my honorary fellowship. LSE has grown so much it is hardly recognisable.

Who was your favourite LSE academic – and why?

I used to sit in Professor Wedderburn’s company law lectures because he made company law sound so simple and straightforward.

What are your hopes for the future of Hong Kong?

I believe young people are our hope. Integration with the rest of the world is also important. As long as we are ready to stand up for what is right and for the guarantees in the Basic Law, Hong Kong will remain pretty much the same.

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