On November 26, 2024, Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and Fudan University Law School reinforced their academic partnership during a high-level meeting in Shanghai. Dean Stefanie A. Lindquist and Professor Luo Wei from Washington University engaged in substantive discussions with their Fudan counterparts to enhance collaboration in legal education and research. The Fudan delegation, led by Dean Du Yu, included faculty members Professor Wang Zhiqiang, Professor Ji Ligang, Professor Chen Li, Professor Chen Li (Director of Global Engagement Committee), Associate Professor Ge Jiangqiu (Assistant Dean), and Ms. Yu Shu from the International Affairs Office.

During his welcome address, Dean Du Yu highlighted Fudan University Law School's unwavering commitment to internationalizing legal education and nurturing legal talent with global perspectives. He emphasized the strategic significance of the partnership with Washington University School of Law, which has yielded remarkable achievements in faculty exchanges, student mobility programs, dual degree initiatives, and collaborative research endeavors.

Looking to the future, Dean Du articulated a vision of enhanced cooperation that builds upon both institutions' distinctive strengths in legal education. He emphasized that today’s legal professionals must combine robust academic foundations with sophisticated international perspectives and cross-cultural competencies. Through this strategic partnership, both institutions aim to cultivate legal professionals who possess not only a deep understanding of international legal frameworks but also the ability to navigate complex cross-cultural environments and address global legal challenges effectively.

In her response, Dean Stefanie A. Lindquist celebrated the remarkable achievements of the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, particularly highlighting the exceptional outcomes in student exchange programs and dual degree initiatives. She expressed appreciation for Fudan students' outstanding academic performance at Washington University, noting how their presence has significantly enriched the university's international character. With evident enthusiasm for the partnership's future prospects, Dean Lindquist outlined an ambitious vision for expanding bilateral cooperation. She emphasized the importance of further strengthening collaboration in legal education, enhancing academic exchange programs, and developing innovative approaches to joint student development. Her remarks underscored both institutions' shared commitment to fostering the next generation of global legal talent through their strategic partnership.

In a pivotal moment of the meeting, Dean Du Yu and Dean Stefanie A. Lindquist formalized their commitment to continued collaboration by signing the renewal agreement for both the dual degree Master's program in law and the student exchange. This significant milestone represents more than a mere continuation of existing programs; it marks the beginning of an enhanced phase in the strategic partnership between these prestigious institutions. The renewed agreement strengthens the foundation for international legal education at both schools, establishing an expanded platform for academic exchange and shared resources. Through this reinforced partnership, both institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to developing legal professionals who possess not only exceptional legal expertise but also the crucial skills needed for success in an increasingly interconnected global legal landscape – including cross-cultural competency and international perspective.

After the signing ceremony, Professor Luo Wei from Washington University in St. Louis delivered an engaging presentation to Fudan students. He clearly outlined the unique educational philosophy, innovative teaching methods, and professional development opportunities at Washington University School of Law, and he provided detailed answers to the students' inquiries regarding application matters. The atmosphere during the presentation was lively, with students demonstrating a strong interest in learning and a keen enthusiasm for in-depth discussions.

The strategic partnership between Fudan University Law School and Washington University School of Law in St. Louis stands as a model of international cooperation and exchange. The collaboration began in 2010 with the signing of a five-year student exchange agreement, and in 2015, it was not only renewed but also expanded to include a dual degree program, marking a new chapter in their partnership. Over the past decade, the two schools have worked hand in hand to develop comprehensive and multi-layered collaboration in legal education. As one of the most prestigious law schools in the United States, Washington University provides Fudan students with world-class legal education opportunities. Since the beginning of their partnership, nearly 100 exchanges have taken place between the institutions, allowing numerous outstanding students to broaden their international perspectives, enhance their professional skills, and realize their academic and career aspirations.