Shanghai opened the country's first judicial credit website on Wednesday, providing basic information for clients about local lawyers, law firms, notaries and community legal workers.

"The purpose is to make sure that those who are in need of legal aid can get reliable service," said Gui Xiaomin, deputy director of the Shanghai Justice Bureau.

At present, the city has more than 6,000 attorneys in 592 law firms, more than 250 notaries in 22 offices and over 700 legal workers in 140 grass-roots legal offices.

"But some don't behave according to the law, offering unreliable services for their clients," said Gui.

He said the website at www.chengxin.justice.gov.cn and a credit mailbox are considered part of the ongoing nationwide campaign launched by the Ministry of Justice to encourage lawyers to toe the line.

"It provides people with the records of every lawyer, notary and legal worker when they seek legal services," Gui said.

Clients can complain to the local judicial authorities about the improper actions or behavior of lawyers. The bureau, the watchdog for the city's judicial affairs, says any firm that employs a lawyer or notary who is the subject of any complaint must answer the complaint within two weeks.

"If it doesn't do so, the bureau will record that as a discredit," said Shao Jianping, a spokesman with the bureau.

But the website will record lawyers' merits as well as demerits.

Although most lawyers in the area behave properly, some have reportedly sought excessive profit to the detriment of the parties concerned, some gave up on cases after being paid and some overcharged.

Some have improper relations with judges that may impact on decisions.

"But in these cases, judges should be considered as playing a leading role," said an official with the Shanghai Bar Association.

He suggested that a nationwide education campaign should be conducted among judges, as for lawyers, to standardize their behavior.

"Unlawful practices, no matter who carries them out, lawyers or judges, will lead to poor justice and affect social stability," said Miao Xiaobao, director of the Justice Bureau.

In the past seven months, one notary has had his certification revoked and two lawyers have been forced to close business.

"Punishment will soon be handed out to four law firms and six more lawyers," Gui said.

The bureau is directing six to seven law firms to reorganize as a result of disorderly management and their irresponsible attitude towards clients.

(China Daily August 5, 2004)