Admission to practise in China
There are two pathways to working in China as a lawyer. You can work for an international firm in which case you do not need to obtain qualifications to practise in China.
However, if you plan to work for a local firm or the Ministry of Justice, you must satisfy two requirements:
- Acquire a qualification as a lawyer
- Obtain a lawyers practising certificate
Aquiring a qualification as a lawyer
If you have completed a 4-year law course, or a 4-year non-law course and have professional knowledge of the law, you may sit the National Judicial Examination. This examination is held once a year.
OR
If you have completed an undergraduate degree in law; are engaged in professional work in an area such as teaching and legal research and have a senior professional title; or are of an equivalent professional level you may be granted qualification upon approval by the judicial administration department of the State Council .
Obtaining a practising certificate
To obtain a practising certificate you must:
- Have aquired qualification as a lawyer
- Have practical legal trainign at a law firm for a full year
- Be a person of good character and conduct
More information is available from the Ministry of Justice PRC website.
Information on the legal environment and a directory of firms practising in China is available on Legal 500