Guangzhou offers free legal services for residents

A social welfare program aimed at providing free legal services in residential communities and companies has been launched in Guangzhou, capital city of South China's Guangdong province.

Under the program, each lawyer at the ETR Law Firm, which has about 300 lawyers, will be granted 40 hours a year to take part in the volunteer service.

"The legal service is aimed at helping companies and individuals boost their sense of social responsibility," said Xiao Feng, a lawyer with the company.

Xiao called on the 23,000 practising lawyers based in Guangdong to take part in the program.

"Participation of more lawyers in the program will help build a healthy legal service system in communities and industries," said Xiao, adding that the law firm will also raise donations through the program.