On May 16, 2026, the commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026 of Peking University School of Transnational Law (STL) was held at the International Conference Center of Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. A total of 147 JD/JM graduates and 11 LL.M. graduates from 11 countries and regions completed their studies and are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives across the world.
Professor Mark Feldman, Interim Dean of STL; Zhao Jie, General Manager of the Intellectual Property and Legal Department at BYD Group; Assistant Professor Wu Yifeng; and Class of 2026 graduate representatives Luo Siying (JD/JM), Li Jieran (JD/JM), and Dayana Veliz (LL.M.) attended the ceremony and delivered speeches, jointly witnessing this important moment.
The ceremony began with the solemn national anthem. Scenes from the graduation video unfolded one by one: spirited debates in the classroom, late-night lights in the library, collaborative efforts in moot court competitions, and moments of laughter and farewells on campus — together forming precious memories of the Class of 2026.
Dean Feldman's Address: Defining Legal Excellence in the Age of AI
Dean Feldman extended sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to all graduates of the Class of 2026 and their families and friends. He pointed out that AI is profoundly transforming the legal services industry, and familiarity with AI tools has become an essential capability for legal professionals. However, passively relying on AI outputs can only lead to mediocrity. True excellence still comes from creativity and professional competence, from a deep understanding of complex facts and legal issues, and from the ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and effectively.
Using Olympic champions Eileen Gu and Alysa Liu as examples, he shared the meaning of "process": believing in yourself, cherishing your time and those who walk alongside you, and learning to enjoy every moment on stage, rather than focusing solely on results. "You are already on the stage," he told the graduates.
Dean Feldman also recalled the time he spent with students in the Contracts Law classroom and encouraged LL.M. graduates to share their STL and China experiences with international partners in the future. He concluded by wishing all graduates continued excellence in the new phase of their lives, writing their own brilliant chapters.
Assistant Professor Wu Yifeng's Address: In Uncertainty, Love Yourself a Little More
As the faculty representative, Assistant Professor Wu Yifeng shared his thoughts on growth and the changing times with the theme "Love Yourself a Little More."
"If life is a long competition, you have already won the first twenty years. But entering society, the rules change." Facing the industry transformation brought by AI, global uncertainties, and the pressure of transitioning from campus to society, Professor Wu acknowledged that no one has a definitive answer. However, the education at STL has given students crucial abilities: valuing substance over form, asking for facts and reasons, and thinking in an open manner.
"You are smart enough and have received excellent training. Take a deep breath and relax a little."
He particularly reminded the graduates not to be overwhelmed by grand pessimistic narratives. China still needs legal talent with an international perspective and an understanding of global rules — opportunities still exist, just in new forms.
Professor Wu also encouraged students to embrace "compassionate love" — not only affirming themselves in success but also accepting their own fatigue, confusion, and imperfections. Rather than relentlessly chasing results, it is more important to feel life itself.
"Technology, civilization, and education should ultimately not just make people compete more efficiently, but help them live better lives." He wished the graduates both the courage to face change and the ability to be kind to themselves — becoming not only excellent people but also happy ones.
Graduate Representative Luo Siying: Appreciating the Beauty of Uncertainty
Luo Siying, a Class of 2026 JD/JM graduate representative, shared her journey from learning Swahili to entering the world of law.
During her undergraduate years, while working as an editor at an East African Studies Center, she realized that the biggest obstacles in cross-border cooperation were often not just language differences but, more importantly, differences in understanding rules. This reflection ultimately brought her to STL.
She recalled that past learning often had fixed answers, but entering law school shattered that sense of certainty. Whether it was complex case discussions in Criminal Law class or the challenging assignments in Advanced Chinese Legal Research, she often felt frustrated. But looking back, those moments of being constantly challenged and overturned became the most valuable experiences of growth.
"Studying law is not about finding ready-made answers, but about using logic and reason to gradually find a direction to think in places where there are no answers."
She noted that STL not only teaches legal knowledge but also enables students to appreciate a certain beauty of uncertainty — one without a single correct answer yet worthy of continuous questioning.
Facing the anxiety and confusion brought by AI transformation and global changes, she quoted a favorite saying of Professor Kerr: "Welcome to the scenic tour!" She believes that no matter how times change, people can still find meaning for themselves through continuous exploration and growth.
She concluded with the Swahili phrase "Hakuna Matata" (no worries, always happy), wishing all graduates that the real world is, after all, a scenic journey.
Graduate Representative Li Jieran: Since We've Chosen the Distance, We'll Travel Through Wind and Rain
Li Jieran, a Class of 2026 JD/JM graduate representative, shared his experience of transitioning from science and engineering to law.
Ten years ago, when he first came to Shenzhen, he was still a high school student preparing for a chemistry competition. Five years ago, at an STL summer camp, a class by Professor Norman on Pearson v. Post made him feel for the first time the intellectual allure of legal questions.
He hesitated and struggled between pursuing a PhD in chemistry and studying law. But he kept asking himself: "If I don't come to STL to see what the legal world looks like, will I regret it in the future?" The answer ultimately led him to embark on this journey.
Four years later, he found that STL has never let him down.
In his view, STL not only provides rigorous legal training but also offers a stage for students with different backgrounds and interests to grow. Beyond the classroom, organizations such as the Public Interest Law Association, student groups, moot court teams, bands, and academic journals allowed everyone to find their own passions and directions.
Looking back over four years, what he treasured most was not any particular outcome, but the excitement of forming a viewpoint, the relief after finishing a late-night brief, and the precious camaraderie built while walking alongside peers.
He concluded with the words Professor Rudolph shared with everyone: "Be professional. Be polite. Be kind. And take care."
Graduate Representative Dayana Veliz: Gratitude, Mistakes, and Stop Comparing
Dayana Veliz, a Class of 2026 LL.M. graduate representative, shared her understanding of growth and freedom through the key themes of "gratitude," "mistakes," and "comparison."
She noted that no one arrives where they are alone. Everyone's growth comes from the countless people who have accompanied and influenced them along the way. Therefore, receiving this degree is not only an honor but also a responsibility — to use what they have learned to help those who have not yet had the same opportunities.
Speaking of "mistakes," she admitted that many outstanding students carry a tendency toward perfectionism, but mistakes, failures, hesitation, and self-doubt are inevitable in life. In the past, she was afraid to take steps forward for fear of failing. Now, she is more willing to accept the existence of failure and live with it.
"If failure is inevitable, perhaps we can relieve ourselves of a lot of pressure."
Regarding "comparison," she argued that people often overlook their own growth by focusing on others' paths. Life is not a competition with others but an ongoing dialogue with one's past self. Everyone's life journey is different, and that difference itself is what gives life meaning.
She concluded by wishing all graduates the curiosity, confidence, courage, and passion to move toward a broader world in the future.
Keynote Speech | Zhao Jie: Anchor Your Heart in Law, Journey Far with Resilience
Zhao Jie, General Manager of the Intellectual Property and Legal Department at BYD Group, delivered a keynote speech titled "Anchor Your Heart in Law, Journey Far with Resilience." Drawing on her 26 years of experience at BYD, she shared her reflections on the opportunities of our time and the mission of legal professionals.
She noted that the world today is undergoing profound change: rapid technological development, continuous industrial upgrading, and the constant reshaping of international rules. STL graduates, with their backgrounds in both Chinese and Western legal systems, international perspectives, and professional competence, are precisely the most scarce and sought-after foreign-related legal talent today.
She articulated the responsibilities of legal professionals from three levels: social, industrial, and global. At the social level, legal professionals need to establish rules for new technologies and industries. At the industrial level, they need to help Chinese companies identify risks and break through international barriers. At the global level, they need to serve as crucial bridges between Chinese and international rules.
Zhao Jie also shared examples from BYD's experience in handling cross-border intellectual property litigation and the EU countervailing investigation, illustrating the qualities legal professionals need in international competition: persistence in adversity, calmness under pressure, and steadfast commitment to professional judgment.
She offered this advice to the graduates: stay grounded in your work, continue learning, cultivate resilience, and do not neglect your physical and mental health. "A healthy body and a positive mindset are what will allow you to go further and more steadily."
Subsequently, Dean Feldman and Associate Dean Mao Shaowei together turned the tassels for the graduates and conferred their degrees. As the tassels were gently moved to the other side, the campus journey of STL's Class of 2026 officially came to a close.
At the end of the ceremony, all faculty and students sang "Yan Yuan Qing". The familiar melody echoed through the auditorium, drawing to a close this chapter about youth, growth, and farewells.
Some will continue their studies, some will enter law firms, courts, corporations, and international organizations, and others are still exploring new directions. But no matter where they go, these individuals — who grew up together through classroom debates, exam weeks, moot court competitions, and late nights under the lights — will carry the courage, judgment, and warmth that STL gave them as they embark on a wider world.
The real world remains full of uncertainty. But as many speakers noted during the ceremony, life is not just about outcomes. Sometimes, simply being able to take the stage, move forward bravely, and truly experience life itself is already a precious form of meaning.
Congratulations, STL Class of 2026.
