Focusing on the future of legal education, more than 500 experts gathered in Zhejiang to “discuss the sword”

In a recent interview, we explored the groundbreaking advancements in the legal field, particularly focusing on the newly launched “Artificial Intelligence + Trial” system in China. This pioneering system optimizes the entire legal process, from case filing to final verdicts, integrating features such as intelligent filing, automated document generation, smart case analysis, and digital management of courtroom proceedings.

Given the rapid pace of digitalization and globalization, we asked legal educators how the training of legal talents can adapt to meet new societal needs and technological advancements.

The “2024 Annual Conference of the Teaching Guidance Committee for Law Majors” and the “Forum on Deepening Reforms to Enhance Practice-Oriented Legal Education” took place in Hangzhou from October 18 to 19, hosted by Zhejiang Gongshang University. The event attracted over 500 experts and scholars from the legal field to discuss the future of legal education and explore the reforms necessary in this new era.

Mr. Yu Jianxing, the Secretary of the Party Committee at Zhejiang Gongshang University, emphasized the heightened importance of rule of law in the context of China’s modernization. He noted that the government has introduced a series of policies aimed at enhancing legal education and research. “These policies optimize the structural framework of legal studies, improve standards for teaching and textbooks, and strengthen the faculty,” he said. “They undoubtedly lay a solid foundation for the future development of legal studies and create excellent conditions for cultivating high-quality legal talents.”

Reflecting on the contributions of past legal pioneers like Shen Jiaben and Shen Junru, he acknowledged the ongoing efforts of leading legal scholars in Zhejiang to fortify China’s rule of law.

Furthermore, Wang Yonggui, the President of Zhejiang Gongshang University, highlighted the mission of legal educators in this era that values legal education and talent development. “It is crucial to address important questions like how legal education can further foster the thriving development of legal disciplines and how to nurture high-quality legal talents with moral integrity and competence,” he stated. “We must leverage the foundational and pioneering role of legal education to expedite the establishment of a legal discipline system, academic framework, and discourse system with Chinese characteristics, thereby providing robust theoretical support for building a socialist modern nation under the rule of law.”

Moreover, Zhang Wenxian, a member of the Party Leadership Group of the Chinese Law Society and the Chairman of its Education Research Committee, emphasized the foundational and leading role of legal education in the comprehensive rule of law. He called for adherence to the Party’s leadership and a focus on building a socialist legal system with specific requirements for cultivating high-quality legal talents with a solid theoretical foundation and practical skills. “I look forward to collaborative efforts from conference participants to propel legal education and talent development to new heights,” he concluded.