The Society for Chinese Law functions as a forum where students with an interest in Chinese legal development, U.S.-China Relations, and legal practice in China come together to share ideas, exchange information and experiences, and establish contacts that extend beyond the law school. The Society also works to generate interest and raise awareness within the law school community about the exciting legal developments taking place in China today.
The Society has benefited from rapidly growing interest in China's legal development over recent years and includes J.D. students with prior China experience and an interest in working in overseas, international students, and visiting scholars. The number of actively participating members has more than doubled over recent years and our events attract a large number of students and scholars.
Lunch Lecture Series
The Society's Wednesday Lunch Lecture Series is the group's primary way of providing CLS students a forum for learning about recent legal developments in China from a range of U.S. academics, Chinese visiting scholars and practitioners involved in both the private sector and public law. The series provides students the opportunity to interact with academics from leading Chinese and US law schools as well as practitioners from top international law firms. Speakers over the past few years have included Jerry Cohen, Professor at NYU Law School and a Paul Weiss partner; Chao Sun, Director of Bureau of Legislature of Shanghai Municipal People's Congress; and Changying Huang, Judge, Shenzhen Nanshan District People's Court.
Career-related Events
The Society regularly sponsors events for students interested in working in China-related fields. Past events have included student panels discussing summer work opportunities in China, as well as speakers from Paul Weiss, Freshfields, Sullivan and Cromwell, Clifford Chance and other organizations. Presentations have illuminated the challenges of Greater China legal practice and have provided information on work opportunities in China and Hong Kong.
Social and Cultural Events
Dinners, holiday celebrations, language exchanges, and other social events provide excellent opportunities for students to interact. They establish lasting connections and expand their Chinese and English language capabilities, both legal and day-to-day usage.
The Society for Chinese Law receives funding from the Columbia Law School Student Senate. All meetings and events are open to the law school community.
2009-2010 Society for Chinese Law Board
Faculty Advisors
Professor Benjamin L. Liebman
Professor Emeritus R. Randle Edwards
