Translator：Wang Yichun

On November 18, 2022, Shanghai Landing Law Offices hosted a seminar in collaboration with East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL), focusing on the development of foreign-related legal talent. Esteemed representatives from ECUPL, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, Shanghai Arbitration Commission, Shanghai International Arbitration Centre, Shanghai Zhangjiang Notary Public Office, and Shanghai Landing Law Offices participated, with the seminar chaired by Dean Du Tao from the International Law School at ECUPL.

The seminar primarily revolved around discussions about evolving the talent development model, considering both the requirements of employers and practical demands.

Director Zhang Lei of the Shanghai Zhangjiang Notary Public Office shed light on the challenges faced by recent law graduates, emphasizing gaps in their knowledge base, versatility, and foreign linguistic skills. He lauded the innovative internship training initiative, which promises to nurture well-rounded talent while elevating the standards among university students.

The Public Affairs Director of the Shanghai International Arbitration Centre, Du Lijun, shared the centre's unwavering commitment to developing foreign-related legal professionals. By emphasizing a balance between theory, hands-on practice, and foreign language proficiency, they aim to offer opportunities for these professionals through commercial arbitration competitions, aligning with the "Belt and Road" initiative and global governance pursuits.

Zhu Ruohan, from the Shanghai Arbitration Commission, stressed the significance of comprehensive personal development and cross-cultural communication skills for those working in foreign-related legal contexts. Furthermore, Deputy Legal Advisor Yu Zijin of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre expressed optimism about the trajectory of foreign-related legal governance training.

Wang Yunqing, an Executive Committee Member at Landing, highlighted the critical nature of comprehensive skills and effective communication for lawyers involving foreign-related affairs. They should seamlessly meld theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure enhanced client experiences.

Senior Partner Guo Xiping of Landing's Family Affairs Department added that family matters and wealth inheritance often intersect with international components, underscoring the significance of the discussed theme.

Deputy Secretary Wu Jin from Lawyers School at ECUPL asserts that intertwining language skills with legal training is pivotal for the effective grooming of foreign-related legal talents. He anticipates myriad future collaborations in this realm. Meanwhile, Wang Meili, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Collaboration and Cooperation at ECUPL, is equally optimistic about the project's significance and envisions expanded collaborations, focusing on innovative practical methodologies.

Tian Lei, Director of Landing's Criminal Department, emphasizes the need for the principle of equality in foreign-related talent development, fostering students' insights into varying global legal jurisdictions and cultural nuances.

Senior Partner Li Xinli at Landing Law Offices believes that the current trajectory of foreign-related talent development is both open-ended and rooted in real-world applicability. Its direction is commendable, but perseverance and expanding participatory horizons are essential.

Drawing from his vast experiences, Landing's Executive Director, Yin Jun, discussed the multifaceted challenges Chinese enterprises face when expanding globally. He underscores the imperative of hands-on, ground-level involvement of lawyers in business practices abroad.

Wu Bin, a Standing Committee Member at Landing, lauded the capabilities of the four participating students, outlining his high expectations for their future endeavors.

From the vantage point of law firm evolution, Director Liu Yixing deliberated on the unique nuances of cultivating Chinese foreign-related legal expertise. He accentuated the essence of aligning with China's distinct characteristics while venturing into industries like the metaverse, the internet, the aviation, and the defense.

Concluding the seminar, Vice President Han Qiang of ECUPL articulated his aspirations for a robust partnership between the university and Hongkou district. He called on students to lead by example, fulfilling academic commitments, and actively contributing to the collaboration’s flourishing trajectory.