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Practicing law in China Since the 1980s, China has sped up its construction of the legal system, and a growing number of foreign lawyers have come to China to realize their dreams. Tao Jingzhou, a 45-year-old French-Chinese man, is one of the foreign lawyers who have moved their careers to China. "I have basically realized my dream," said Tao. " I have earned a good reputation not only in French business and law circles, but also in global law circles. Many countries' governments have invited me to introduce the current situation in China." Tao came to China in 1991, and is now an executive partner at the Coudert Brothers Law Firm. He has represented more than ten Chinese enterprises in a number of accusations brought by the European Union against dumping. He has also provided legal advice for many of the enterprises on the world's Top 500 Corporation list, which fund hundreds of China-based projects. As early as 20 years ago, he saw great potential in the Chinese market for developing legal services. "I realized in 1990 that Western entrepreneurs love to invest in economically stable countries, and that China is one such country." China's favorable economic policies and steady economic development have attracted far-sighted entrepreneurs and accomplished lawyers from around the globe. Since 1992, when China opened its legal service industry, more than 100 foreign law firms have set up offices in China. Of the world's top 50 international law firms, more than half have entered the country. After 20 years of unremitting efforts, China has established a sound legal system, which has guaranteed the healthy development of the country's market economy. According to a Blue Book published last year on China's situation, by the end of April 2002, the National People's Congress had formulated 292 laws and passed 121 law-related proposals; the State Council had formulated 920 administrative laws and regulations; and different local legislative institutions had formulated a total of more than 7,000 laws and regulations. According to Tao, since China implemented its reform and opening policies in 1978, it has witnessed the rapid development of both the quality and quantity of legislation. It has established a legal system in an incredibly short period: 20-odd years, compared with some 100 years in Western countries. In Tao's view, the legal system covers all aspects of Chinese culture, including politics, economy, and social life. Over the past several years, the Chinese government has spared no efforts in promulgating laws, and as a result, people's legal sense has been greatly enhanced. In the past, hiring a lawyer and going to court were beyond the ordinary person's imagination. Today, though, people have become better aware of protecting their legitimate rights and interests through the legal system. "China's economic growth, on the basis of law, has become an important impetus in drawing foreign companies into the Chinese market," said Tao. "China is not only the world's largest potential consumer market, but is also the world's largest potential market for legal services." "Foreign companies' entry into China and their competition in occupying the maximum share of the market will certainly push foreign law firms to follow suit. I believe a great number of foreign lawyers will come here to realize their dreams," Tao added. At present, China is doing everything in its power to develop its western regions, and the legal service market in these areas is valuable in the eyes of foreign lawyers. Tao and his partners are making preparations to find a niche there. Tao thinks that China should take some measures to improve and perfect many areas of its legal system, such as the codification of laws. "As a foreign lawyer, I can understand the difficulties China faces at such an important historical stage." The opinions of foreign lawyers in China have drawn the attention of legislators and have positively affected the progress of the country's democratic legislation. Tao has a lot of confidence in China's future.
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