12. All applications to BFLSS must be in writing by using the BFLSS’s Application Form. The form should be completed in full; it is not sufficient to say 'see attached papers.'

Forms may be obtained via the following three channels:

	At the Bar Secretariat of Hong Kong Bar Association at LG2 High Court, 38 Queensway, Hong Kong
	By writing to the Co-ordinator at BFLSS at the above address
	By downloading the form from the website of BFLSS at: http://www.hkba.org
	BFLSS only accepts original Application Forms. Forms downloaded from the Scheme’s website are treated as original. Submission by email and fax will not be entertained.

13. Photocopies of relevant documents must be submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that there is sufficient information with the application for the case to be considered properly. For example, you should always send copies of all the documents before the court, such as pleadings, statements, judgments/decisions as well as advice received from barristers and/or solicitors. BFLSS cannot and will not seek documents from any authorities/departments on behalf of Applicants.

DO NOT SEND:

	Original documents
	Cassette tapes/video tapes
	Large quantities of documents (i.e. over 100 pages) without prior discussion. Please note that documents submitted with applications cannot be returned.

14. The case will then be considered and a decision taken on whether to allocate it to a barrister. Once a decision has been made and a barrister has agreed to take the case, the applicant will be informed. Except in urgent cases the progress of an application cannot be discussed over the telephone.

15. Where further information is needed before a decision can be made it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide this when requested. No decision can be taken until the information requested has been received and considered.

16. Routine acknowledgments are not sent but we will write as soon as we are able to give you a decision - which will usually be within 6 weeks.

17. If a case is urgent, for example because of approaching deadlines or hearing dates, this should be highlighted in the application. BFLSS will not normally be able to provide representation without at least 28 days notice of any Court hearing. If assistance is needed within a shorter period, the applicant must explain why the application was not made earlier. However there is no guarantee that the BFLSS can respond to an urgent request.

18. If there is any significant development after an application has been submitted but before a decision has been notified - for example a change of hearing date - the BFLSS should be notified at once.

19. The Management Committee and/or the Co-Ordinator retain an absolute discretion to refuse any application for representation or advice and exclude any liability in respect of such a refusal. Best endeavours will be made to ensure that representation and/or advice is provided by a member of the Bar in an appropriate case. Such members are individuals in private practice. They provide their services voluntarily for no fee. They are not employed by the BFLSS. Those individuals are responsible for the quality of their advice and/or any representation which they undertake. The BFLSS, the Management Committee and the Co-Ordinator cannot accept any responsibility whatsoever for the choice of Counsel or any advice or representation provided by them.