Shining Bright in Legal Aid – A Profile of "1+1" Action Volunteer Lawyer Li Yunjie

Source: Legal Aid Center of the Ministry of Justice

In September 2023, lawyer Li Yunjie from Jiangsu Rayto Law Firm, driven by his ideals of the rule of law, resolutely embarked on the journey of the "1+1" China Legal Aid Volunteer Action. From the city to the mountains, he traveled thousands of miles, arriving from Jiangsu to Yanhe Autonomous County in Guizhou Province to carry out legal aid volunteer service.

Li Yunjie deeply felt: "In reality, there are many people in need of legal aid. Guizhou Province, relatively speaking, has insufficient legal aid resources, especially at the grassroots county level where legal aid capacity is relatively weak. I hope to leverage my professional efforts to balance the demands of all parties in a case as much as possible, allowing everyone involved to feel fairness and justice while resolving conflicts and settling disputes."

In October 2024, Li Yunjie, participating in the "1+1" China Legal Aid Volunteer Action for the second time, was on duty at the service window of the Yanhe Autonomous County Legal Aid Center when a thin man came seeking help. After careful inquiry, it was learned that this migrant worker, Mr. Hou, was working as a temporary laborer at a township tobacco management station when he was accidentally injured by a falling tobacco bale (tobacco crate). "The doctor said I might not be able to do heavy work in six months," said Hou.

After understanding the situation, Li Yunjie learned that Hou wanted to undergo surgery but could not afford the cost due to his family's difficult financial situation. The employer, after initially covering a small portion of the hospitalization expenses, had provided no further support. Li Yunjie managed to contact the employer, and after several days of repeated mediation, finally reached a unanimous agreement: the employer paid 55,000 yuan on the spot, and both parties agreed not to raise any further disputes regarding this matter.

Among the legal aid cases Li Yunjie has handled, the one that left the deepest impression on him was a divorce dispute. Ms. Shao, now only 31 years old, relies on her mother for support. Unfortunately suffering from uremia, the costs of treatment and dialysis have worsened the financial strain on her already struggling family. When Shao wanted to apply for minimum living allowance (MLA) procedures and went to the civil affairs department to prepare materials, she discovered that her marriage, entered into in 2019, was still ongoing, which did not meet the conditions for MLA application. Therefore, she filed a divorce lawsuit with the court. However, after filing the case, she learned that her long-missing husband had been arrested by public security authorities for a crime and was currently detained in the Qinhuangdao City Detention Center in Hebei Province. When informed that she needed to go with the judge to the Qinhuangdao detention center for the court session, Shao faced a dilemma – her frail, sick body could no longer endure the long and arduous journey.

Shao came to the service window of the Yanhe Autonomous County Legal Aid Center to apply for legal aid. Upon receiving the assignment, Li Yunjie believed that legal aid could do more. The fact that the aid recipient was ill was true, and her eligibility for MLA was also true. Based on the actual physical condition of the aid recipient, he requested a remote court session.

On July 30, 2024, the case was successfully heard, connecting the aid recipient Shao via video link. Both parties agreed to divorce, and the case was concluded through mediation. Coincidentally, this day was the last day of Li Yunjie's first phase of service in Yanhe Autonomous County and also his birthday. "This was truly my most unforgettable day," said Li Yunjie.

In Yanhe, Li Yunjie measured the land with his steps, using his actions to fulfill his vow of serving the people. Through every on-site reception, every piece of legal advice, and every legal awareness lecture, he strives to translate professional "legal language" into "everyday language" that ordinary people can understand and use, allowing the spirit of the rule of law to truly take root at the grassroots level. As of the end of July 2025, he has handled 61 legal aid cases in Yanhe, participated once in a government demolition and resettlement task force, conducted 8 legal awareness lectures, mediated disputes over 80 times, and received more than 400 public legal consultations.