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SCMP Reporter

Responsibilities of a defence solicitor in a legal aid case in the Court of First Instance and fees paid

PRE-TRIAL PREPARATION WORK

Read documents, interview client and witnesses, visit crime scene and take photographs, solicit experts' reports, liaise with Department of Justice

Fee None, except reimbursement of transport costs

FIRST DAY OF TRIAL

Fee HK$6,790 (according to Legal Aid in Criminal Cases Rules)

SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT DAYS OF TRIAL

Fee Between HK$830 and HK$4,420 a day

CONFERENCE WITH CLIENTS DURING THE TRIAL

Fee None

Hourly rate of a solicitor with more than 10 years' experience: HK$3,000 to HK$4,000



Long hours