Online platform for lawyers upgraded to offer more services

A new version of an online platform to help lawyers deal with lawsuits more efficiently opened on Monday, the Beijing High People's Court said.

Compared with the old version of the platform, established a year ago, it offers more legal services for lawyers, including the ability to contact judges, search for case data and read judicial documents. Lawyers can use the WeChat instant messaging app to scan the QR code on their qualification certificates to access the services, the court said in a statement.

Information about lawyers registered at the capital's Justice Bureau has been shared with the court for identity verification, it said.

"This means only Beijing lawyers can now use this new platform," said Deng Ying, director of the court's lawsuit service center, adding that extension across the country is needed.

"In the past, lawyers could just file cases and submit legal documents through their clients' channel on the old version, and the related procedures were complicated," said Ji Luohong, the court's vice-president. "They required facial recognition and lawyers had to provide proof of their identity cards online.

"To simplify the process, we upgraded the system. Attorneys can be given easier access to the platform with their qualification certificates, and they can also search and read legal documents such as guidelines, laws and regulations on the new platform."

In the near future, lawyers will also be able to provide evidence, pay lawsuit fees and be informed of the timing of case hearings on the upgraded platform, he added.

Wang Qun, an official from the municipal Justice Bureau, said the new platform was a step to offer convenience for lawyers in litigation and that it was "effective to protect lawyers' rights".

Lawyers can understand more about the courts' work and can spend more time with their clients to better solve disputes, Wang added.