dutylawyer
Duty Lawyer Service
當值律師服務

Free Legal Advice Scheme

Preliminary legal advice at 9 centres across Hong Kong. No means test. Completely free

22
Referral Agencies
150
Agency Branches
9
Advice Centres
Free
No Means Test

About the Scheme

The Free Legal Advice Scheme provides preliminary one-off legal advice on civil and/or criminal matters to members of the public. The objective is to enable people with genuine legal problems to have preliminary advice as to their legal position.

Legal issues are explained in the most basic way to help applicants understand the nature of their problem, rights and obligations under the law, and the channels available for resolution.

Volunteer lawyers are not expected to provide full analysis or representation. There is no means test and the service is absolutely free of charge.

How to Apply

Attend a designated referral agency to make an appointment to meet a volunteer lawyer at a Centre of your choice. An appointment card with date, time and address will be given to you.

Advice Centre Locations

District Office Schedule
Sha Tin District Office Every Monday
Central and Western District Office Every Monday and Wednesday
Wan Chai District Office Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Tsuen Wan Home Affairs Enquiry Centre Every Tuesday
Kwun Tong Home Affairs Enquiry Centre Every Wednesday
Yau Tsim Mong District Office Every Wednesday
Islands District Office Every Thursday
Eastern District Office (Chai Wan Liaison Team) Every Thursday
Wong Tai Sin Home Affairs Enquiry Centre Every Thursday

Session Times

First session starts at about 6:25pm

Last session starts at about 7:45pm

Each lawyer interviews around 5 cases each evening

Each interview is allocated 20 to 30 minutes

Wait Time

Standard: approximately within 2 weeks

Urgent cases: approximately within 1.5 weeks

Interpreters available for non-English/Cantonese speakers

When Advice May Be Refused

Although the scheme does not have a means test, free legal advice will be refused in the following situations:

1 Cases involving foreign law (e.g. PRC laws)
2 Building management, owners-incorporation, deeds of mutual covenant
3 Cases not involving a legal problem
4 Applicants who have been granted Legal Aid
5 Applicants who have already engaged private lawyers
6 Business setup / contract drafting requests
7 Corporate officers seeking advice on behalf of company
8 Applicants repeatedly seeking advice on same issues

Referral agencies

The Free Legal Advice Scheme has 22 referral agencies (with 150 branches), including the Family & Child Protective Services Units of the Social Welfare Department, the Integrated Family Service Centres of the Social Welfare Department, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres, Caritas Centres, Hong Kong Playground Association, etc.

Need to Talk to Someone?

Our team is here to help. Whether you're facing a court date, need legal advice, or just have a question — don't hesitate to reach out.

call (852) 2526 5969 Email : go@dutylawyer.org.hk

Suites 808-9 Harcourt House, 39 Gloucester Road, Wanchai

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