STL established the new “PKU-STL Alumni Association” on March 20 in Shenzhen, in conjunction with the dedication of the new STL Building. The inauguration ceremony was attended by over 100 alumni and STL faculty and friends. The launch of the PKU-STL Alumni Association marked a much-expected milestone for STL, which now boasts five classes of highly successful and trailblazing graduates. The mission of the new Association is to promote the interests of STL by fostering meaningful opportunities for alumni (i) to stay connected to the law school and to network with each other, (ii) to provide support and mentoring of students, and (iii) to provide counsel to the law school’s administration and faculty with respect to trends and developments in the market for legal services.
The ceremony was officiated by STL’s Vice Dean Emeritus Stephen Yandle, who greeted the returning alumni and reminded them that STL would always be happy to welcome them home. Niu Hongwei, Vice-Chancellor of Peking University’s Shenzhen Graduate Campus (PKUSZ), extended his congratulations on behalf of PKUSZ and shared his hope that synergies would be developed between the STL Association and the PKUSZ Alumni Association.
STL’s Director of Development and Career Services, Zhang Chenli, whose efforts were instrumental in establishing the new Association, discussed the principal objectives of the Association and the mechanics of how it will function (e.g., membership, meeting plan, and so forth). He applauded the enthusiasm of STL alumni and said the new Association was a great opportunity for graduates to keep in touch with the work of STL and to participate in the law school’s development.
The inaugural chairperson of the Association, Zhou Bin (class of 2012), and two current 2L students, Qin Shijie and Fan Fumei, rounded out the group of speakers. They all expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this landmark event for STL.
Following the ceremony, STL’s Student Union hosted a “house-warming” and networking party for students and alumni in the coffee lounge of the new STL Building.
Wang Hui, an alumnus from the class of 2014 who works for JunHe LLP in Shanghai, said that what he learned in STL attaches great importance in his career. At STL, he learned many essential skills that include the capability to analyze problems, the ability to research and construct compelling legal memos and other important documents, and the confidence to communicate in English. “Current students should cherish their school days at STL and make full use of the rich learning resources, ” he said.
Post-graduate placement of STL graduates is nearly 100 percent by the time students graduate. STL graduates hold positions with leading Chinese and multinational law firms, companies, NGOs and government offices worldwide. STL graduates pursuing academic careers have been accepted into advanced degree programs at several of the world’s most selective universities, including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Chicago, Science Po, College of Europe and others.
