The Public Legal Service Center of Maritime Silk Road Central Legal District in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Fujian Provincial Department of Justice has officially issued new regulations allowing domestic law firms in Xiamen to employ foreign lawyers as legal consultants, positioning the city as a leading hub for international legal services.

The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Justice's efforts to foster innovation in service trade. Xiamen is currently the only city in Fujian province among 28 national pilot regions selected for this program.

To qualify, participating partnership law firms must have been established for at least three years, have passed annual assessments over the past three years, employ 20 or more full-time lawyers, and demonstrate strong capabilities in foreign-related legal services. Foreign applicants must hold valid overseas licenses with at least two years of continuous practice and a clean professional record.

Under the pilot, foreign lawyers will be appointed as foreign legal consultants within domestic firms. They are authorized to advise on foreign laws, international treaties, and industry practices, while collaborating with Chinese colleagues on cross-border matters. However, they are strictly prohibited from practicing Chinese law. To maintain institutional balance, the number of foreign lawyers cannot exceed 10 percent of a firm's Chinese lawyers and in any case shall not exceed 20.

Industry insiders noted that the initiative aims to enhance Xiamen's competitiveness in international trade and dispute resolution, further optimizing the city's legal business environment.