Translator：Wang Yichun

On January 5, 2024, the afternoon was marked by the formal inauguration of the Criminal Law Practice Research Center at Shanghai University Law School, alongside the premier High-End Forum on Foreign-related Criminal Defense and Innovation Development, held at Shanghai University.

Tracing its roots back to the Department of Politics of the Fudan University branch, established in December 1978, Shanghai University Law School was among the first in Shanghai to resume legal education post-reform and opening up. In a strategic move to foster academic progression and mutual benefit, Landing and Shanghai University Law School jointly established the Criminal Law Practice Research Center. Aimed at enriching the legal landscape, the center is set to undertake a spectrum of activities encompassing criminal compliance, theoretical and practical legal studies, academic exploration, societal engagement, and forum salons. 

The unveiling of the Research Center saw joint efforts from Professor Li Fengzhang, Dean of Shanghai University Law School, and Zhai Jian. Distinguished alumni and the inaugural East Lawyer, Mr. Zhai Jian, was honored as the Honorary Director, with Liu Gaigai from Shanghai Landing Law Firm appointed as the role of Director. The center further welcomed Pu Tian and Ji Junhui as its first set of esteemed researchers. Professor Li Fengzhang officiated the appointment ceremony, bestowing appointment letters to the center's newly appointed members.

In a poignant address, Tian Lei, a senior partner and member of the standing committee at Shanghai Landing Law Firm, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Research Center's establishment, expressing optimism for its trailblazing endeavors ahead. Highlighting Landing's prowess and distinctiveness in foreign-related legal services, with a global footprint spanning India, the USA, the UK, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, and New Zealand, he envisioned the firm's continued contribution towards enhancing Shanghai's legal framework in handling foreign-related criminal cases.

The establishment ceremony seamlessly transitioned into the inaugural High-End Forum on Foreign Criminal Defense and Innovation Development. Hosted by Shanghai University Law School, under the auspices of the Criminal Law Practice Research Center and in partnership with Shanghai Landing Law Firm, the forum convened a diverse assembly of experts, scholars, judicial officers, lawyers, and alumni to disseminate and deliberate on pioneering insights and case studies related to foreign criminal law and legal innovation.

The event concluded with a guided tour led by Professor Li Fengzhang, showcasing the law school's moot court and the Sanxingdui cultural relics exhibition at Wenxin Academy, culminating in a commemorative group photograph.