The Legal Aid Department rejected claims on November 6 about its assignment of lawyers to residents involved in fire-related cases. It said a circulating online article urged residents not to use its lawyers, alleging a preset arrangement or conflict of interest and that the lawyers might not put residents’ interests first or could mislead legal-aid recipients.
The department said it followed its rules when assigning lawyers and that they had no preset stance or conflict of interest. It said the cases involved many residents, with broadly similar facts and legal bases and similar outcomes sought; compensation amounts were the main difference. Central assignment, it argued, would help coordinate the cases and improve efficiency.
The department warned that requests to change lawyers without reasonable grounds could bring extra legal costs, which recipients would have to bear, and delay proceedings. It said unreasonable demands could also lead to legal aid being cancelled.
Most residents receiving legal aid had already been assigned lawyers and had met them and sought legal advice, the department said. Residents with questions about their case or lawyer assignment were advised to contact department staff or their assigned lawyer.