(CFP)

Andrew Kwok-nang Li, the first Chief Justice to serve Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China since its establishment in July 1997, held his final sitting in the Court of Final Appeal on July 16. After more than 37 years' work as advocate and judge, Li will cease service on August 31 and go on pre-retirement leave on September 1.

As head of the Judiciary, with a range of judicial, administrative and representational responsibilities, the chief justice of the Court of Final Appeal is second only to the chief executive in the Hong Kong Precedence list.

Li, 61, commenced his practice of law in Hong Kong in 1973. In 2008, he received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, Hong Kong's top honor, in recognition of his distinguished public service, particularly his significant contribution to ensuring the successful implementation of the new constitutional order under the "one country, two systems" concept.