The potential impact of China's entry in the World Trade Organization on the country's legal system has seen more than 600 lawyers from across China converge in the capital to discuss what legal issues they will face.

Duan Zhengkun, vice-minister of justice, warned that "the WTO will bring a number of problems to many industries in China, including the legal profession. The problems are the result of our own structural defects."

"We will work on all aspects of the present management system as well as train experts to prepare themselves for the challenges which lie ahead," he said at the symposium on WTO and China's legal profession, which opened today in Beijing.

According to Gao Zongze, president of the All-China Association of Lawyers, China will further expand its legal service industry abroad.

Both officials have outlined the following reforms for the legal profession:

-- Reform the country's legal management and rely more on Bar Associations that conform with WTO practices.

-- Transform China's present small law firms into corporate ones with each lawyer focusing on specific areas.

-- Improving self-disciplinary functions of Bar Associations and formulate relevant rules, including the revising the Lawyers' Law.

-- Promote exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and lawyers abroad.

Lawyers also discussed the issue of Intellectual Property Rights, finance, insurance, securities and e-commerce vis-a-vis China's accession to the WTO.

The two day symposium were held by the All-China Association of Lawyers.