In China, Charting a Course for Public Interest Lawyers

Chinese press covers PILnet-sponsored conference

Public interest law is alive and well in China, evidenced by the success of the recent Chinese Style Pro Bono Legal Service Conference, held on Hainan Island 12–13 April 2012.

More than 50 public interest-minded lawyers and NGO representatives from six provinces attended the gathering, organized by the Center of Legal Assistance for Pollution Victims under the China University of Political Science and Law and supported by PILnet: The Global Network for Public Interest Law. PILnet Executive Director Ed Rekosh spoke on the origins and development of pro bono service in the U.S.; according to China News, “he sees a bright future for public interest law development in China.”

China’s Legal Times also covered the meeting. “This conference provided a platform for those working in the public interest law field,” wrote the Times, “encouraging more lawyers to pay attention to the needs of disadvantaged groups and seek social justice while realizing their personal values.”

Read the China News story and Legal Times stories (both in Mandarin).