Minton marks the PLA's 99th anniversary with legal outreach at an Armed Police unit

On 29 July, ahead of Army Day, Minton Law Firm joined the Changning Legal Aid Centre and the Changning Notary Public Office in taking a team of the firm's lawyers to a unit of the Shanghai Armed Police. The visit marked the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army and was organised as a legal outreach programme for service members, part of the firm's public-interest work. It combined a tour of the unit, discussion, public legal education and one-to-one consultations, and offered practical guidance on protecting the rights of service members and their families.

Carrying forward the red heritage, understanding the original mission

The lawyers began in the unit's honour room, where they learned about its history and its traditions. Photographs and awards recorded how officers and soldiers had carried out their duties and met their responsibilities over the years.

Listening to the presentations, the lawyers gained a sense of the discipline and commitment of the force and of the mission of the modern army, and of the responsibility the firm carries in supporting service members.

Targeted legal education to protect service members' rights

Drawing on the legal questions that arise in service members' daily work and family life, the team focused on the issues they ask about most: protection of service members' rights, marriage and family, property transactions, private lending and the handling of traffic accidents.

Rather than reciting statutory text, the lawyers worked through real cases in plain language, explaining the legal aid policy available to service members and their families, the routes for pursuing a claim and the practical steps for managing risk. They answered the questions raised by the audience, cleared up common misunderstandings and explained how to assert rights in practice.

Questions answered on the spot

After the talk the team held one-to-one consultations. The lawyers listened to each question, worked through the facts and gave advice covering the legal provisions, the procedure, options for mediation, litigation and enforcement.

Deeper civil-military exchange and cooperation on the rule of law

At the event the lawyers and service members discussed civil-military cooperation on legal matters, regular legal education and the protection of service members' rights.

To build on that cooperation, Minton hopes to continue this work through regular visits to military units, dedicated training sessions and public-interest legal aid.

The event formed part of the firm's public-interest work and of its cooperation with the armed forces. Minton Law Firm will continue to apply its legal expertise in support of service members and their families, and to contribute to civil-military cooperation and the rule of law.