We show that judicial independence can reduce local protectionism and foster cross-regional economic integration. We exploit a judicial independence reform in China with staggered roll-out since 2014. The reform removed local governments’ control over local courts’ financial and personnel...

We show that judicial independence can reduce local protectionism and foster cross-regional economic integration. We exploit a judicial independence reform in China with staggered roll-out since 2014. The reform removed local governments' control over local courts' financial and personnel...

This paper examines how power lawyers shape judicial and economic outcomes by studying the "revolving door" between judges and lawyers in China's judicial system--namely, former judges who quit the bench to practice law. In otherwise identical lawsuits, revolving-door lawyers deliver 8-23%...