The Steering Committee on the Provision of Legal Advice for Litigants in Person Chairman Mr Justice Pang Kin-kee today briefed more than 30 barristers and solicitors enrolled as community lawyers on a new two-year pilot scheme to help litigants in person.

Starting from March 18, the scheme will provide free legal advice for those litigants who have commenced or are parties to legal proceedings in the District Court or higher courts and have not been granted legal aid.

"The scheme is fully supported by the Judiciary. With the number of litigants in person growing in recent years, we hope that the pilot scheme will help to provide them with the necessary assistance and advice in following legal procedures and help ease the pressure on judicial time and resources," Mr Justice Pang said. 

The scheme's office is headed by a legally qualified Centre-in-charge, and supported by two resident lawyers. Around 110 law students of local universities have been recruited as volunteers to assist in its operation.

Eligible applicants are subject to a monthly income limit of $50,000 or an annual income limit of $600,000. Applications should be submitted in person to the pilot scheme's office at Room LG217, LG2, High Court Building, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong. The office is open from 8.45am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Click here for the scheme's details or call 2259 5017 for enquiries.