The Duty Lawyer Scheme The Duty Lawyer Scheme provides legal representation by qualified lawyers in private practice to eligible defendants appearing in all Magistrates' Courts, Juvenile Courts and to any person who is at risk of criminal prosecution as a result of giving incriminating evidence in Coroner's inquest. It also covers the contempt proceedings in the Labour Tribunal (s.42 of the Labour Tribunal Ordinance Cap.25), Small Claims Tribunal (s.35A of the Small Claims Tribunal Ordinance Cap.338) and the Competition Tribunal (s.144(2) of the Competition Ordinance Cap. 619). The Service has its Court Liaison Office in each and every Magistrates' Court in Hong Kong. A defendant wishing to apply for the service of the Scheme should approach the Court Liaison Office of the Magistrates' Court where he / she will appear. Defendants held in custody are automatically contacted by the staff of the Court Liaison Office offering the service on the day of their first court appearance. Interpreters will be available as necessary to assist those who cannot speak fluent English or Cantonese.   Back To Top