Foreign individuals and companies need to hire a local lawyer if they are sued or are taking legal action. The Legal Service Center for Foreign Individuals, for instance, was started in 2009 by two local practices and now covers a wide range of legal services and includes an English translator on its payroll. 

Opening up

Head of the office Fang Shanshan said: 'As China moves forward in opening up to foreign business and investments, more and more expats will come to China to work, live, study or travel. Beijing, as the economic and cultural centre of the nation, will have a larger market for legal services concerning foreign affairs.' She added: 'Now, legal services for foreign affairs cover a broad range of situations in China, including marriage, heritage, adoption, property damage, investment, housing, and criminal defense.' Source: Global Times