• Chairperson, Legal Aid Foundation, Taiwan

Chuang, Chiu-Tao

Current Position

8th Chairperson, Legal Aid Foundation (2025.03-present)

Education

• Bachelor of Laws, Department of Law, National Chengchi University
• Master of Laws, College of Law, National Taiwan University

Professional Career

• President, Taiwan High Court Kaohsiung Branch Court
• President, Taiwan Ciaotou District Court
• President, Taiwan Kaohsiung Juvenile and Family Court

A Letter from the Chairperson

By an unexpected turn in life, I have taken up the mantle and joined the team at the Legal Aid Foundation. Reflecting on my judicial career spanning more than forty years—including twelve years as the President of the Court—I have profoundly witnessed the anxiety, helplessness, fear, and unease that individuals experience when entangled in litigation. Whether within the courtroom or while engaging with external resources, these emotions are palpable. Every conflict that unfolds in a person's life reveals the immense challenges of the human journey. In court, emotions such as resentment, anguish, and sorrow often permeate the atmosphere, lingering with intensity.

How we, as members of the judiciary, can help those who are suffering to see a glimmer of hope, regain their strength, and overcome the trials of life is a question that lies at the heart of our responsibilities.

Having stepped away from the bench, I now stand shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues at the Legal Aid Foundation and with our dedicated community of legal aid attorneys. Together, we strive to support the underprivileged and all those in need of assistance as they navigate the judicial process. I hope to serve as a beacon—offering guidance and light to those whose lives are shrouded in hardship, and to listen with compassion to the stories that belong to them.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to the Foundation’s mission over the past two decades: the passionate staff, the more than 4,000 committed legal aid attorneys, and the successive chairs, chief executive officers, board members, supervisors, and committee members. Their unwavering efforts have formed a strong and professional team that continuously rises to meet diverse challenges, responds to the needs of the people, and works toward the development of a more comprehensive legal aid platform.

It is an honor to be a part of this team. Let us continue to support and encourage one another as we move forward together in this meaningful work.