 This has prompted cases in which these NGOs and charities invited persons who lacked particular interests in the litigation but qualified for legal aid to stand as the applicant.In his article, an academic has challenged decisions of the Hong Kong courts that allowed those lacking sufficient standing (locus standi) to be the applicants in public interest lawsuits involving either generalised or specific grievances.Apart from legal aid, the Hong Kong Bar Association and The Law Society of Hong Kong jointly provides the Duty Lawyer Scheme which offers free legal representation to eligible defendants on the first day of court appearance.