Workshop “Models of Public Lawyers Worldwide and Orientation for Vietnam in the Era of Integration”

On November 29, 2025, the Dong Nai Provincial Bar Association held a workshop titled “Models of Public Lawyers Worldwide and Orientation for Vietnam in the Era of Integration”. Attending the event were Dang Kim Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Judicial Support (Ministry of Justice), representatives of provincial departments and agencies, as well as experts and lecturers from domestic and international universities.

Delegates, experts, and speakers attend the workshop. Photo: D.Phu

The workshop gathered over 65 presentations, opinions, and speeches with both practical and academic insights on the institution and the models of public lawyers in various countries, presented by experts and practitioners. Topics included: Practicing law in the United States: organizational structure, ethical standards, and public accountability; the role of public lawyers in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups: experiences from India; assessing the feasibility of a state lawyer system (public lawyers) in Vietnam: lessons from the United States; opportunities and challenges in developing a public lawyer model in Vietnam today.

Deputy Director Dang Kim Hoa of the Department of Judicial Support (Ministry of Justice) exchanges ideas with experts and speakers on the topic: Orientations for establishing the public lawyer institution in Vietnam. Photo: D.Phu

According to the draft Resolution piloting public lawyers, Vietnam’s public lawyer workforce will be formed from civil servants and public employees working in ministries, agencies, and localities, mainly targeting legal officers and some practicing lawyers with capability and experience who wish to become public lawyers. The public lawyers have full authority as lawyers in litigation, legal consultation, complaint and denunciation handling, and policy consultancy. Therefore, the conditions, standards, and competencies required for recognition as a public lawyer are similar to those for current practicing lawyers.

Due to social and institutional demand, the public lawyer model will be piloted in eight ministries (including Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) and 10 localities, namely Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, and Bac Ninh.

By Doan Phu – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha