The Hong Kong Bar Association is a professional organisation established since 1949 to look after the interest of the profession of barristers in Hong Kong. The Association considers and takes proper action on all matters affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. These include the maintenance of the honour and independence of the Bar; the improvement of the administration of justice; the upholding of the rule of law; the prescribing of rules of professional conduct, discipline and etiquette; the furtherance of good relations and co-operation between the profession of barristers and solicitors; the promotion and support of law reform; and the encouragement of legal education. All practising barristers are required by law to be Members of the Association. Non-practising barristers and employed barristers may be Associate Members of the Association. The Bar Council is the executive committee and elections to the office of its members are held annually.