China resumed the lawyer system in 1979. Statistics show that by June 30, 2001, Beijing had 417 registered law offices, with 5, 268 certified lawyers, involved in the fields of politics, culture and the economy, and playing active roles in protecting people's legal rights and interests, as well as promoting "governing the country in accordance with law".

Wu Xiaoji, director of the Beijing Municipal Lawyers' Association, said that the regulations aim to readjust the actions of certified lawyers, and provide a standard for judging lawyers' competence.

The regulations have 12 chapters and 82 items. It will have a far-reaching influence on China's law circle, according to officials of the Ministry of Justice and All-China Lawyers' Association.

(People's Daily 07/04/2001)