1. The Bar Free Legal Service Scheme (“BFLSS”) exists in order to provide free legal advice and representation in cases where Legal Aid is not available or where the applicant is unable to afford legal assistance and the case is thought to be one where assistance should be given.

2. A voluntary Management Committee chaired by the Chairman of the Bar Association manages BFLSS. It is a sub-committee of the Hong Kong Bar Association.

3. The BFLSS is staffed by a part-time Co-Ordinator. If you wish to contact the Service, please do so by letter or e-mail [bflss@hkba.org].

4. Barristers who have volunteered to help the BFLSS are placed on a panel. The panel comprises barristers with a range of experience and specialisations. Each of them has offered their services free of charge for 3 days or 20 hours each year.

5. No barrister is obliged to take on a particular case. Barristers on the Panel offer their services free of charge, it may not always be possible for the BFLSS to assist.

6. The services of a particular barrister cannot be requested nor can a list of Panel members.

7. The BFLSS has an Advisory Board. Members of the Advisory Board do not make decisions in individual cases but will advise on the administration of the scheme and policy issues.