Zhicheng Public Interest Lawyers Information

Zhicheng Public Interest Lawyers (ZPIL) is an umbrella group that encompasses several subsidiary organizations. In 1999, the Beijing Children’s Legal Aid and Research Center (BCLARC) was established, being the first civil organisation in China to specialize in the protection of children’s rights. Over the last 15 years, ZPIL’s services have expanded to include migrant workers' rights protection, farmers' rights protection, women’s rights protection, criminal legal aid, and environmental challenges. Each branch of ZPIL operates independently to deal with matters specifically related to its practice area. ZPIL organizations provide free legal assistance to members of marginalized groups who lack the financial means to obtain legal representation. Zhicheng’s Migrant Workers’ Legal Aid and Children’s Legal Aid Services have assisted over 145,000 clients to date. Through mediation, arbitration and litigation, we have settled over 21,600 cases, claiming a total of nearly 300 million RMB in payment and compensation for our clients. The Beijing Children’s Legal Aid and Research Center and the Beijing Zhicheng Migrant Workers Legal Aid and Research Center were granted Special consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2011. In 2012, Zhicheng’s Director was awarded the International Bar Association’s 2012 pro bono award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to pro bono work.