The Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone announced new measures on Oct 14 in an effort to attract more legal service agencies.

The Measures on promoting the development of the legal services industry in the Lin-gang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone took effect on Jan 1 and will remain in effect until Dec 31, 2022. The previous measures, issued by the Lin-gang Special Area Administration on May 19, 2020, were repealed.

According to the policies, a one-time award of one million yuan ($140,000) will be given to law offices headquartered in Lin-gang Special Area if they are rated "national excellent law offices" by the Ministry of Justice or the All China Lawyers Association or are considered "world famous law agencies". Those who establish a branch or representative office in the area can apply for a one-time award of 500,000 yuan.

If they are rated "provincial excellent law offices" by the provincial judicial administration department or lawyers association, they will receive a one-time special award of 500,000 yuan for establishing their headquarters in Lin-gang or 200,000 yuan for establishing a branch office in Lin-gang.

A one-time special grant of 200,000 yuan will be offered to other legal service institutions in the area that offer services related to notarization, judicial authentication, overseas legal identification, and more.

The area will also offer support in terms of office space, housing for talent, medical care, children's education, and more.