Ten lawyers selected from various government agencies and private law firms in China will travel to Australia soon to gain first-hand knowledge of the country’s legal workings.

They will participate in the 2010 Australia-China Legal Profession Development program (ACLPDP) – a highly regarded annual program that commenced in 2007 which allows eight to ten Chinese lawyers gain direct experience of the Australian legal profession through a three-month placement.

Key points: the Australia-China Legal Profession Development program (ACLPDP) commenced in 2007 program introduces Chinese lawyers to Australian legal community participants are placed with Australian law firms for three months

The ten lawyers are able to request areas that they want to work in and are introduced to Australian courts and bodies such as ASIC and the trade practices commission. They then go on a placement for three months, either with a government agency or a private practice.

This year’s participants will arrive in Australia around 24 February 2010 to commence the initial study and training component of the program prior to the 12–14 week placement component, which is scheduled to commence from 29 March 2010 until mid-late June.

Participants are selected on the basis of experience in nominated areas ranging from the regulation of the legal profession and practice management to energy & resources and dispute resolution.

The program is an initiative of the International Legal Services Advisory Council and is implemented by the Attorney-General’s Department and the Law Council of Australia in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the All China Lawyers Association. The Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships conducted by AusAID currently funds the program and all lawyers are provided with accommodation and a living allowance.

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