A Message from the Chancellor and Founding Dean

The processes of globalization have created the need for a new kind of lawyer, the “transnational lawyer.”  This is especially true in China, where we are experiencing the most rapid modernization of any nation in history. 

Here at the Peking University School of Transnational Law, our mission is to prepare students to be transnational lawyers, offering an education that meets the world’s most demanding standards of transnational legal training.

All around the world, universities are choosing to prepare students for transnational legal practice with a three-year program of graduate education that leads to a “J.D.” degree.  The Peking University School of Transnational Law is honored to be the first school in China authorized to award this prestigious degree.

Our program of instruction is entirely in English, the common language of international business and legal transactions.  Our curriculum has been developed by reference to the programs of other J.D. programs around the world, adapted to China’s particular needs.  We are recruiting our professors from leading law faculties around the world.

Our campus captures the spirit of globalization.  We are located in Shenzhen, a city whose name is synonymous with economic growth.  And we are right next door to Hong Kong, one of the world’s great financial and cultural centers.  Our buildings are modern and comfortable, in a setting made beautiful by water, mountains, and trees.

Our first class of students will be true pioneers.  When they begin their studies in September 2008, they will open a new chapter in the development of China and in the development of transnational law.  I hope that you will join us in this exciting adventure!

Jeffrey S. Lehman