Outgoing president of the Hong Kong Law Society Michael Lintern-Smith has refuted suggestions he did not seek a second term because of friction with the government and reiterated his stance that the position should be salaried.

In an exclusive interview with ALB, Robertsons partner Lintern-Smith says he felt the position should only be for a one-year period and he leaves satisfied with the job he has done.

"I have had a great time in the role, but around three weeks before the elections (on 30 May) I realised that I had no desire to continue with the role and wanted to devote my time to private practice," he said.

The role of Law Society president in Hong Kong was becoming increasingly demanding, he added, and like other jurisdictions this should be recognised through remuneration.

"In England, the law society president gets a salary which is on the equivalent level of a district judge, a free house and a staff car and driver. Hong Kong is one of the few places in the world that doesn't pay their president."

In responding to conjecture that he relinquished the position because of a supposed lack of support from the justice ministry - particularly with regard to the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Hong Kong and China and the effect it will have on the Hong Kong legal market - Lintern-Smith conceded that he "could have had more support from the government". But he insisted it was not why he stood down.

"Other people interpreted my decision that way, but I left because I believe the position should only be held annually and other people deserve an opportunity on the leadership executive."

Lintern-Smith said he would remain as an active member of the Law Society, particularly with regard to discussions about Hong Kong's obligations under World Trade Organisation (WTO) treaties and the drafting of new anti money laundering legislation.

Among his greatest achievements while president, he cited the work he did highlighting the exposure and liability solicitors are still subject to in Hong Kong, and trying to change this, as well as improving the public image of the legal profession.

Peter Lo, name partner at local Hong Kong firm Woo Kwan Lee & Lo, has succeeded Lintern-Smith as president.