Beijing lawyers stand ready to help journalists during Olympics

Journalists who might run into legal problems while covering the Beijing Olympics should know that lawyers will be standing by to help.

The Reporters Committee has joined with a number of other media organizations to publicize a list of law firms, compiled by the World Press Freedom Committee, that have agreed to be available to journalists in need. The lawyers may or may not donate their time; firms on the list will discuss any fee arrangements directly with journalists or their news organizations. All of the firms have lawyers fluent in English, Chinese and other languages, according to WPFC.

News organizations in the U.S. can also call the Reporters Committee’s legal hotline — (800) 336-4243 — during the Olympics for assistance if a journalist is detained in Beijing.