Hualing Fu and Richard Cullen. “Weiquan (Rights Protection) Lawyering in an Authoritarian State: Building a Culture of Public‐Interest Lawyering.” China Journal, vol. 59, no. 59 (2008): 111–127.
This article examines the significant legal profession reforms in China over the past decade, highlighting the shift from a fully state-controlled system to a rapidly expanding private legal sector. While the Chinese Communist Party continues to manage this privatization to maintain its authority, the growth of private lawyers has led to unexpected developments, including increased professional organization and advocacy within the one-party state. Although primarily profit-driven, a growing number of private lawyers are engaging in socially impactful cases, gradually influencing public interest and legal discourse in China.