BEIJING -- China's top court has forbidden its judges from work for any law firm within three years of resignation.

The ban includes officials at division-level or above, according to the Supreme People's Court.

Other officials must avoid working for law firms for two years, said the guideline.

Offices must contact resigned judges and officials at lease once a year and check their employment status.

Anyone found breaking the rules must stop working for the firm and the company will be fined based on the seriousness of the offense.