Dear Lawyers:

Lawyer Li Zhiyong of our firm posted online expressing his intention to run for direct election as a deputy to the Nanshan District People's Congress in Shenzhen, demonstrating the spirit of lawyers to bravely undertake social responsibility, which has sparked social repercussions and media attention. The full text is now published below. Let us applaud and cheer for Lawyer Li!

Zhiming Office

May 31, 2011

Shenzhen lawyer intends to run for direct election as a deputy to the Nanshan District People's Congress, seeking responses and support from all sectors

I am Li Zhiyong, born in August 1970, a registered resident of Nanshan District, Shenzhen. Currently, I work as a full-time lawyer and am a member of the All China Lawyers Association. I intend to participate in the election for the Nanshan District People's Congress and run for a deputy position. This is not a sudden whim; I have long harbored this aspiration. For over 20 years, I have persistently focused on the practical process of the constitutional principle that the people are the masters of the country, hoping for the full realization of the ideal of governance by the people cherished by countless sages. However, for a long time, I only imagined improving the system of people being the masters without taking actual action. Although my work as a lawyer naturally involves safeguarding citizens' rights and indirectly promotes democracy and the rule of law, it ultimately serves individual cases with extremely limited influence. As a citizen and a professional legal worker, I feel I should contribute more to the nation's democratic and legal progress. I hope to express the will of more citizens, an ideal I have held since adulthood that has never been extinguished. In my legal practice, I adhere to professional ethics, striving to protect clients' lawful rights and interests according to law. I do not engage in judicial corruption or have private dealings with judicial personnel. I often stand with the disadvantaged groups, doing my best to fight for their rights. In 2010, during the selection for Shenzhen's Top Ten Public Interest Lawyers, I ranked tenth among candidates. However, this high-profile event ultimately did not announce results. Yet, this does not affect my habitual mindset of being passionate about public welfare and serving the public. Though my talents and knowledge are limited, I have the enthusiasm and ability to speak up for the people. Therefore, I intend to run for the Nanshan District People's Congress. My basic philosophy in running is: understand public opinion, respect public opinion, represent public opinion, and ensure that public opinion becomes the will of the authority and is implemented. By publicly expressing my intention to run, I aim to show my desire to do something for the public and seek responses and support from all sectors of society. Whether you support, question, or oppose my candidacy, all expressions are welcome. The smooth expression of public opinion is the most characteristic feature of a harmonious society. Citizens of Nanshan District, Shenzhen, I especially hope to receive your responses, and you can discuss with me matters concerning your vital interests. I do not necessarily seek a predetermined outcome from my actions, but rather to promote the concept and enthusiasm of citizens participating in being the masters of the country. Shenzhen lawyer intends to run for direct election as a deputy to the Nanshan District People's Congress, seeking responses and support from all sectors

My contact information: QQ 164588159, email 164588159@qq.com

[1] Personal phone: 18688716571