The legal community in Hong Kong has acted fast to provide legal aid to the survivors of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. As of 3 December, the death toll has risen to 159 and the Hong Kong Police Force has arrested 15 people on suspicion of manslaughter.
As the city’s self-regulatory body and professional association for solicitors, the Law Society of Hong Kong launched a free helpline for fire victims and their relatives on 27 November, the day after the incident. The service provides assistance in five areas: personal injury, wills and probate, insurance, civil litigation and building management.
More than 400 solicitors with three-plus years of post-qualification experience participated to give pro bono legal advice, while around 200 trainees and junior solicitors volunteered as call operators.
In addition to the Law Society, non-profit organisations including Pro Bono HK and Justice Without Borders also issued online legal FAQs within days of the fire. Justice Without Borders is offering dedicated support to migrant workers, their families and their employers in Hong Kong.
Jonathan Crompton, a partner at Reynolds Porter Chamberlain and a board member of Justice Without Borders, told China Business Law Journal that the legal community in Hong Kong had “been contributing quickly and efficiently”. In addition to providing pro bono guidance, many lawyers are donating cash, supplies and blood, he added.
“The difficulty will be identifying the ongoing needs of those impacted by the fire,” Crompton said. “While donations of goods are well-intentioned, they may not always help.” He encouraged legal professionals wishing to assist to stay in close contact with frontline volunteer groups for updated information.
“In this time of collective grief, we stand united with all those impacted,” the Law Society of Hong Kong said in a statement.
