China's Legal Jobs Paradox: Empty Positions Amid Industry Boom

The recent cancellation of legal positions in Shandong Province, China due to insufficient applications has sparked discussions about the state of legal employment in the country. While law remains officially designated as a “red card” major - indicating strong employment prospects - the reality is more complex.

At first glance, this situation seems paradoxical. Legal education in China has been promoted as a pathway to stable government employment for over two decades. However, the current recruitment challenges stem from qualified candidates' shifting preferences rather than a lack of opportunities.

The core issue lies in the distinction between high-end legal positions and basic-level government roles. Most unfilled positions are at district and county-level courts, offering relatively modest salaries compared to private sector alternatives. For law graduates holding the coveted “A Certificate” legal qualification, working as a private lawyer in provincial capital cities can earn annual salaries of 200,000-300,000 yuan or more.

In contrast, entry-level court positions in many regions offer significantly lower compensation. In China’s Henan Province, for example, basic-level civil servants typically earn around 50,000 yuan annually. This has led to an exodus of legal professionals from public service to private practice.

The trend extends beyond Shandong - similar recruitment challenges have emerged in Henan, Anhui, and even the relatively wealthy Zhejiang Province. Many positions require both a law degree and the difficult-to-obtain A Certificate, severely limiting the candidate pool.

The legal profession in China has evolved significantly. Today’s law graduates, particularly those with strong qualifications, have diverse career options. Many choose to work in corporate law firms, join the growing legal technology sector, or pursue opportunities in China’s major urban centers rather than accept lower-paid positions in smaller cities.

This situation reflects broader changes in China’s legal landscape. While the government continues to emphasize the importance of legal expertise and maintaining a robust justice system, the competition for talent between public and private sectors has intensified. The challenge lies not in the overall employability of law graduates, but in making basic-level legal positions more attractive to highly qualified candidates.

The empty positions and subsequent cancellations in Shandong signal a need to reevaluate compensation and career advancement opportunities in lower-level judicial roles. As China’s legal system continues to modernize, addressing this imbalance becomes crucial for maintaining effective judicial operations across all administrative levels.