how to become a lawyer in shanghai

by Anais Lemke 7 min read

The main route for a Chinese citizen to become a lawyer is going to law school and passing the bar exam. But Chinese law students do not need to have graduated from law school before taking the bar. In fact, many students actually pass the bar exam midway through their LL.M. program.

To qualify as a lawyer, a bachelor's degree in law and the national legal professional qualification exam are required. However, in some underdeveloped areas (such as west China), a relaxed policy is applied. An associate degree in law from a junior college could be acceptable.Jun 1, 2021

Full Answer

How long does it take to become a lawyer in China?

Legal Education in China Universities offer three year law programs in China. After graduation, the student needs two or more years of experience working in the legal field before they are eligible to take an examination that is only offered two times a year.

Can a foreigner become a lawyer in China?

It is important to note that Westerners generally cannot become licensed China lawyers; they can only become Foreign Representative Attorneys. and there is a law requiring Foreign Representative Attorneys have at least two years' experience in another jurisdiction before they can work in China.

How do I become a lawyer in China?

In China, as in many other countries, legal education can be obtained at the undergraduate level. To become a lawyer, a student must first achieve a Bachelor's degree and then pass the Chinese bar, which is called the China National Judicial Examination (zhongguo guojia sifa kaoshi).

Is lawyer a good career in China?

In 2018, there were around 423,758 lawyers in China compared to the US, with over 1.3 million. For this reason, international students who are taking law degrees in China have a bright future ahead of them, not only working in the judicial system but in wide range of industries.

Is studying law in China worth it?

In addition to academic excellence, China is an excellent place to study Law because of it gives you access to China's top legal scholars, leading lawyers, judges, business and political leaders.

Can you get a lawyer in China?

Yes, there are lawyers in China. By the end of 2019, there were more than 473,000 practicing lawyers in China, an increase of 11.8% over 2018.

Are lawyers in China paid well?

Salary Recap The average pay for a Lawyer is CNY 425,871 a year and CNY 205 an hour in China. The average salary range for a Lawyer is between CNY 296,469 and CNY 536,885. On average, a Master's Degree is the highest level of education for a Lawyer.

Is law an easy career?

Besides being financially lucrative, Law is an adventurous and exciting career option. Lawyers are held in high esteem in our society, and there remains the faith that when everything else fails, one can still take the path of legal system.

How much do Hong Kong lawyers make?

A person working as a Lawyer in Hong Kong typically earns around 69,600 HKD per month. Salaries range from 32,700 HKD (lowest) to 110,000 HKD (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Lawyer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.

Is it hard to become a Lawyer in Hong Kong?

Because of the profession's prestige, places for law school are always highly competitive. Realistically, you're going to need a full set of As and Bs on your report card to have even a chance of getting in, whether you're pursuing your degree in Hong Kong or elsewhere.

How long does it take?

A bachelor’s degree in law takes four years in China, two years for master’s (LLM) and three years for full-time doctoral degrees in Law.

When are the intakes?

Most Chinese universities have two intakes each year. One in September and another in March, international students can start the Law program in any of these two intakes.

Why Study Law in China?

In addition to academic excellence, China is an excellent place to study Law because of it gives you access to China’s top legal scholars, leading lawyers, judges, business and political leaders.

Law Curriculum

The law curriculum in China is more or less similar to those from the US, Europe and Australia. Students are required to take a combination of general education and required courses during the early years of study. Law electives and law internships must also be complete to qualify for graduation.

What is the last step to become a lawyer?

The last step in becoming a lawyer is passing the bar examination. You will need to pass the bar exam for whichever states you would like to practice law in. For example, if you want to practice law in New York, you will need to pass the New York State Bar Exam.

What are the best courses to take to become a lawyer?

Some courses you can expect to take while earning your J.D. are: 1 Constitutional law 2 Courtroom procedures 3 Criminal law 4 Civil law 5 International law 6 Torts 7 Property and real estate law

How much does a lawyer make?

Average lawyer salary. The average salary for a lawyer in the United States is $70,336 per year, though some salaries range from $14,000 to $201,000 per year. Salaries may depend on experience level, field of legal practice and a lawyer's location.

What are the majors in law school?

However, some of the most common undergraduate majors include criminal justice, English, economics, philosophy and political science. Spend your undergraduate time taking classes related to the area of law you think you would like to practice.

What is the first day of the multi state bar exam?

On the first day, you will complete the Multi-state Bar Examination, and the second day consists of a written exam portion. After completing the test, the state's bar examiners will consider your test scores along with your educational background, character and ability to represent others in legal matters.

How to become a lawyer in China?

To become a lawyer, a student must first achieve a Bachelor’s degree and then pass the Chinese bar, which is called the China National Judicial Examination ( zhongguo guojia sifa kaoshi ). There are three main types of jobs for which a candidate must have passed the judicial examination: judges, prosecutors, and lawyers.

How long does it take to become a lawyer?

In addition to passing the judicial examination, judges and prosecutors must also pass the civil service exam, while lawyers must complete a year of work with a law firm to be fully licensed.

When was legal work in China published?

Legal Work in China. Published January 2011. Since Mao’s death and the fall of the Gang of Four in 1976, China’s economy has grown drastically in scale and importance. Starting with the Reforms and Openness ( gaige kaifang) under Deng Xiaoping, China has increasingly enabled private enterprise, privatized government industries, ...

Can foreign firms handle Chinese law?

Foreign firms may, however, perform legal services that do not involve Chi nese law. For instance, an American firm office could handle a Chinese company's legal affairs in America, provide consulting services regarding American or international law, and entrust matters of Chinese law to Chinese law firms on behalf of foreign clients.

Can a foreign lawyer work in China?

However, s/he can use his/her American legal training to work for an American firm’s office in China. Foreign law firms are prohibited from practicing Chinese law, which means they cannot engage in legal practice that might involve the interpretation of Chinese law. Foreign firms may, however, perform legal services that do not involve Chinese law.

Can a US lawyer practice in China?

This means that, without gaining Chinese citizenship (and the fluency required to pass the bar exam), an American lawyer will never practice Chinese law.

Can Chinese lawyers practice law?

They may also be hired by foreign law firms as legal assistants. As part of the restrictions on the activities of foreign law firms, these firms are prohibited from hiring Chinese lawyers to practice Chinese law.

Who is Jie Zhang?

Jie Zhang, attorney at law in Shanghai Shenyu Law Firm and a member of Bar Association of Shanghai, has ever worked in Shenzhen Airlines Co., Ltd and Hubei Zhimin Law Firm. He has been legal advisor of several large state-owned enterprises and dealt with complicated cases involving huge money.

Who is Ai Hu?

Ai Hu, attorney at law in Shanghai Shenyu Law Firm and a member of Shanghai Law Society, graduated from East China University of Political Science and Law, acquiring a Master degree in Law. She is proficient in insurance, labor, debt collection, real estate, commercial contract matters.

Who is Haiping Zheng?

Haiping Zheng, attorney at law in Shanghai Shenyu Law Firm, graduated from Law School of Shanghai Jiaotong University, acquiring a Juris Master degree. She also holds a Bachelor degree in Medicine. Ms. Zheng has been working in Chinese first-class hospitals for two years before she began her legal practice and has expertise in dealing with disputes between hospital and patient.

Who is Andrew Jiang?

Andrew Jiang, attorney at law in China and partner of Beijing Yingke Law Firm Shaghai Office, graduated from Law School of Fudan University, acquiring a Juris Master degree. He currently holds a membership of Foreign-related Law Studies Committee of Shanghai Bar Association. Mr. Jiang has rich experiences and well-trained skills in international legal practice. He is well versed in civil and commercial laws such as international trade, maritime shipping, corporate, contract and tort laws. He co-leads the firm’s international practice.

Who is Xiaolan Zhao?

Xiaolan Zhao,attorney at law in Shanghai Shenyu Law Firm, graduated from East China University of Political Science and Law, acquiring a Juris Master degree. She also has a bachelor degree in accounting. Ms. Zhao passed National Judiciary Examination in 2003 and worked respectively as accountant and notary for years before her legal practice. She gained rich experiences in dealing with hundreds of cases since her practice involving marriage, family matter, contract and real property. Ms. Zhao has cultivated a vigorous working style and a philosophy of pursuing justice in her career.

Who is Hua Jin?

Hua Jin, attorney at law in Shanghai Shenyu Law Firm and member of Communist Party of China, graduated from law school of Jiangsu Police Institute, acquiring a bachelor degree in law and SET6 certificate. She has devoted herself to the study of company law, contract law, criminal law, IP law, labor law and real property law for years.

Who is Cen Qian?

Cen Qian, attorney at law in Shanghai Shenyu Law Firm, graduated from Jiangsu Police Institute, acquiring a bachelor degree in law. She has a wealth of experience in cases regarding corporate, tort, labor, debt collection, marriage and family, real estate, construction contract matters. She has expertise in psychology which helps her dealing with cases with keen insight, strong analysis ability and female sensibility.

What is the next step to become a lawyer?

If you hold a bachelors degree, the next step to become a lawyer is the LSAT Exam. Find information on exams. Lawyer Education. A bachelors degree will be your first step. There are pre-law degrees along with online legal studies programs. Or view ABA accredited universities. The State Bar Exam. The bar exam is the next step to become a lawyer.

How much do lawyers make in a year?

As of May 2019, lawyers in the United States averaged $122,960 per year. However, this comfortable salary does not come easily. Becoming a lawyer in any jurisdiction requires years of undergraduate and graduate education, passing challenging examinations, and maintaining licensure through continuing education.

What majors are required for law school?

However, the ABA suggests certain undergraduate majors over others, such as English, history, political science, philosophy, business, or economics.

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