Legal aid has saved some 200 million yuan ($30 million) for more than 30,000 people in Fuzhou since the introduction of the local legal aid regulation on Feb 1, 2015.

A forum is held on Feb 1, 2016 in recognition of the first anniversary of the Fuzhou Legal Aid Regulation's implementation.

The number of legal aid lawyers doubled to 90 by the end of 2015 and funds allocated to legal aid reached 5 million yuan that year, almost three times the figure in 2010.

The legal aid regulation sets eligibility for assistance at no more than two times of the basic living allowance system.

It covers those who suffer domestic violence, abuse and abandonment and exempts low-income households from economic censuses to benefit more disadvantaged families.

Access to legal aid has been made easier in Fuzhou, where 92 percent of downtown legal aid centers are at roadsides. A four-tier network has been employed to help poor people. 

In addition, more than 100 legal aid stations have been established at places like courts, prisons, colleges and trade associations.

A number of stations have been built to assist in criminal cases, which has generated new standards for fast settlement of criminal cases.

The introduction of the regulation has also helped improve the quality of legal aid in Fuzhou. 

The city's legal aid center also provided support to the National Youth Games held last year in Fuzhou, and has opened Weibo and WeChat accounts to reach more people.

A pool of lawyers is building to enhance the effort, to date, 516 lawyers and 92 law firms have joined the initiative.

Zhuang Jingping (middle), director of the Fuzhou Legal Aid Center, counsels migrant workers on demanding back wages.

A legal aid worker (right) provides door-to-door service to a senior man in a local community in Fuzhou.

A lawyer offers legal aid to a defendant in a criminal case.

Lawyers take part in a legal aid campaign.