Public-Interest Lawyers Are Not Just in K-Dramas | 2026 Public-Interest Lawyer Recruitment Seminar
Last edited: 2026-08-24
Purpose of the Event
As Taiwan transitioned from the period of martial law to a democratic society, countless legal professionals and citizens have long devoted themselves to the work of democratic, legal, and human rights reforms along the path of judicial democratization and human rights protection. This has gradually laid the vital foundation for deepening democracy, enhancing judicial quality, and safeguarding human rights today. However, reform is never a finished task; rather, it is a long-term project of continuous review and advancement alongside social development.
Established in 1995, the Judicial Reform Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the JRF) is a vital force for reform in Taiwan. Since its inception—from advocating for the placement of judges' nameplates on trial benches, pushing for the establishment of a judge and prosecutor evaluation system, to setting up a complaint center and focusing on wrongful convictions and systemic flaws—it has consistently pursued the vision of building a "judiciary worthy of the people's trust." The JRF aspires to become a more influential platform where every person on this land can enjoy the right to a fair trial as naturally as air, and where continuous monitoring keeps power in check and drives systemic reflection and innovation.
The Taipei Bar Association has long been concerned with the sound development of the judicial system, continuously participating in systemic reform and policy advocacy through its Judicial Reform Committee. Meanwhile, the Public Interest Affairs Committee is dedicated to encouraging and supporting members in participating in various public interest actions. As a vital part of the judicial system, lawyers not only protect clients' rights in individual cases but can also shoulder the roles of promoting social justice and keeping power in check.
This seminar is co-organized by the Public Interest Affairs Committee and the Judicial Reform Committee, with the JRF invited to share experiences in participating in public interest affairs. It aims to let members witness the diverse facets of lawyers engaging in public interest actions, thereby exerting professional influence in public issues and promoting the continuous advancement of the rule of law and society.
Note: Snacks and beverages will be provided on-site. Lawyers interested in public interest affairs are welcome to join us for a chat!
Time and Location
Event Time
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 19:00–21:00
Event Location
Taipei Bar Association | Conference Rooms 3, 4, and 5 (9F, No. 7, Sec. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City)
Target Audience and Capacity
Members of the Taipei Bar Association, capped at 80 participants.
Event Agenda
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
| 19:00-19:10 | Opening and Speaker Introduction | Moderator |
| 19:10-19:40 | [Experience Sharing I] Sharing Experiences in Lawyer Public Interest Participation | Attorney Lin Shih-mei, Attorney Chung Yuan-yis, Attorney Teng Chieh |
| 19:40-19:45 | How Much Do You Know About Judicial Reform? | Mini-Game Session | Attorney Lee Ming-ju, JRF Executive Director |
| 19:45-20:00 | [Experience Sharing II] Forms and Experiences of JRF Public Interest Participation | Attorney Tang Yu-ying, Convener of the JRF Criminal Procedure Special Division |
| 20:00-20:40 | Breakout discussions by group size, rotating tables, led by today's speakers and JRF staff | Group Exchange |
| 20:40-21:00 | Filling out Volunteer Intention Forms and Closing | Attorney Lee Ming-ju, JRF Executive Director |
Organizers
Public Interest Affairs Committee of the Taipei Bar Association
Judicial Reform Committee of the Taipei Bar Association
Judicial Reform Foundation
This article is an AI-generated translation of the original Chinese text. In the event of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.