As part of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers’ China Program this spring. Bob Langdon and Kent Emison are both Fellows in the Academy, and as such have been invited to represent U.S. trial attorneys in hosting legal delegates from the Chinese government. This program has been described as “one of China’s most ambitious cooperative development efforts with representatives of the Western world.”
Launched in 1994 by then IATL President Raymond J. Tam, the China program was organized to form relationships with the Chinese people and assist in the development of that nation’s legal, economic, and financial infrastructure. The program brings Chinese government lawyers to the U.S. to be immersed in the lives of practicing American trial lawyers.
Each year, the IATL has hosted 7 to 12 Chinese legal delegates to the U.S. All have been government lawyers active in the drafting, teaching, and administration of the laws of China. More than 150 Chinese lawyers have participated and returned home to serve in prominent government positions.
A key component to the program’s success is the cultural immersion afforded Chinese lawyers by observing and actively participating in the U.S. legal system and American family life during their time here. The IATL China Program “promotes legal exchange, mutual understanding, and genuine friendship between the U.S. and China.” The firm is honored to serve as one of the United States firm to play a hosting role in this 20th year of the program.