Sean is just one in a client roster in which the only constant is that clients are poor and cannot afford or otherwise access private lawyers. The Equal Justice website is full of similarly breathtaking stories of people in unimaginable circumstances for whom Hong Kong is also home. 

Since their inception in 2020, Equal Justice has helped over 2,000 people to access legal support and provided free legal education to 1,000 attendees. “Fifty percent of our clients are women; 30% children and 20% men. The problems they have typically include employment; discrimination; family issues such as divorce, domestic violence; personal injury and online scams,” says McArdle.

According to the Equal Justice founder, the charity partners with over 50 NGOs, as well as consulates and HKSAR Government departments, who refer their beneficiaries to them for free legal information and support. We also receive referrals online and via walk-ins. “Our community legal centre in Yau Ma Tei is overflowing, even without advertising our services,” she says, adding that having helped over 2,000 people, they have established proof of need. “57% of our clients are referred by other organisations and 43% contact us directly,” she says.

McArdle says their work is mainly funded through donations: 90% from Foundations & Trusts, 6% from Corporates, 3% from General Donations and 1% from other sources.

“We are currently working with seven legal case handlers, five consultants/contractors helping on finance, fundraising, communication and technology – and over 200 legal and other volunteers. It’s never our work alone!”, says McArdle.