As China’s anti-corruption campaigns continue to target both the private and public sectors, a growing number of individuals are seeking legal counsel to prepare for potential inquiries. Lawyers like Zhang Dongdong report an uptick in requests for advice from entrepreneurs and government officials who fear they may be the subject of investigations by the country’s disciplinary authorities.

These consultations often involve clients who have received tip-offs regarding pending investigations or have been contacted by inspectors requesting their cooperation. The legal coaching typically centers on how to navigate the initial stages of an inquiry, including how to respond to questioning and what rights individuals have when approached by corruption busters. Clients frequently approach these lawyers with a degree of caution, sometimes framing their inquiries as hypothetical scenarios involving friends or acquaintances to avoid disclosing sensitive information prematurely.

While the legal advice is intended to help individuals understand their rights, the trend highlights the pervasive anxiety among those who believe they may be targeted by the state’s disciplinary apparatus. The reports suggest that the demand for such services is driven by a climate of uncertainty surrounding the scope and intensity of current anti-corruption efforts. Legal experts note that while some clients are genuinely seeking to comply with the law, others are looking for strategies to mitigate the risks associated with being caught in the crosshairs of the state's disciplinary inspectors.