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Baptista K Lai
BA (York) LLB (Monash) LLM (HKU)

Admitted: 1st Nov 1979
Signed Bar Roll: 29th Apr 2004
Admitted to Practice in: Victoria, Hong Kong.
Phone: 9225 7666
Fax: 9225 8450
E-Mail: baplai@yahoo.com
Booking Contact: richowells@vicbar.com.au

Areas of Practice:

Baptista has represented clients in commercial and criminal matters in Hong Kong and Australia for more than 20 years. His 18 years experience in private practice in Melbourne and 6 years experience as in-house counsel in Hong Kong for a holding company of a group of international construction companies has given Baptista experience in:

Court and Tribunal Work:

  • Civil and criminal matters;

  • Building disputes;

  • Industrial accidents & inquests;

  • Environmental Protection Laws;

  • Family Law;

  • Immigration;

  • Occupational Health and Safety matters;

  • VCAT.


    • Dispute Resolutions:

  • Negotiating with companies and individuals in contract disputes;

  • Negotiating with representatives and delegates of the Government in matters relating to immigration, police and customs on behalf of private clients and organizations.


    • Other legal experience:

  • Has acted for the Victorian Police Association and members of the Police in matters related to defamation, property and family matters.

  • Has acted as the legal adviser for over 20 community incorporated associations in Victoria, gaining experience in dealing with Government Departments and State and Federal Members of Parliament.

  • Has been a representative of the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) - an umbrella organization of major construction companies including international companies in HK. He has worked with the Labour Department and the Environmental Protection Department on matters regarding the formulation of government policies and work-care and occupational health and safety procedures and regulations and environmental protection laws.

  • Has been a member of the HKCA Committee on Environmental Protection.

  • Has been a member of the HKCA Committee on Legislation Review where he reviewed proposed amendments to occupational health and safety rules and regulations and the Environmental Protection laws.

  • Has been a speaker at seminars on Occupational Health and Safety requirements, work procedures and Environmental Protection laws.

  • Panel Member of the Appeal Board of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of Hong Kong (2003 - 2004) hearing appeals from HKCA members and construction companies.

  • Member of the Sub-Committee of the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong on the Privity of Contract. (2002 - 2004)


    • Baptista reads and writes Chinese fluently, including Cantonese and Mandarin.