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From 21 to 25 October 2025, Ms Huawei Zhang, Deputy Executive Director of the Global Board and Director of the Yingke Academy of Foreign-related Governance and Law at Yingke Law Firm, paid a week-long visit to Liverpool. She was accompanied by Ms Jing Qin, a partner at Yingke and an alumna of Liverpool Law School (Class of 2017).
The visit aimed to deepen existing collaboration between Yingke Law Firm, the University of Liverpool’s School of Law and Social Justice and the wider University, focusing on transforming legal education, advancing joint research initiatives and strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
Expanding legal education and research
The Yingke delegation first visited the School of Law and Social Justice and met with the School’s leadership and members of the Law Department to explore ways to broaden areas and deepen modes of collaboration. Building on the existing internship programme for LLM students, which offers six-week placements at Yingke’s global headquarters in Beijing, China, both parties discussed expanding the opportunity to include LLB students who are interested in Yingke’s legal services in China and its strategic priority regions, such as Southeast Asia.
The visit to the School of Law and Social Justice was followed by a meeting with Professor Richard Black, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, to explore potential avenues for Yingke to deepen its strategic partnership with the University. Discussions focused on developing long-term cooperation in areas such as legal education innovation, joint research initiatives, and student employability.
Engaging with law students on legal services in Chinese and global markets
During the visit, Ms Huawei Zhang delivered an inspiring talk to School of Law and Social Justice students as part of a SLSJ Extra Session. The talk focused on the rapid growth and transformation of China’s legal service market under the development of the rule of law, focusing on foreign law firms, evolving regulations and the cultivation of international legal talent. Ms Zhang shared insights into market trends, policy frameworks and case studies of cross-border transactions to reveal opportunities for cooperation between Chinese and foreign practitioners.
Law students learnt about emerging areas such as data compliance, intellectual property and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, which increasingly require globally minded professionals. This talk also helped encourage students to apply for Yingke and other internships to be engaged in foreign-related legal work, linking their studies to practical experience.
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Ms Huawei Zhang’s with law students at the SLSJ Extra Session
Strengthening ties with the City of Liverpool
The Yingke delegation, accompanied by Dr Chao Fang (Lecturer at the School of Law and Social Justice), extended their visit to the City Council to explore shared areas of interest between Yingke and Liverpool City Council. Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council, hosted the meeting and discussed how Yingke could provide legal support for Chinese companies in the North West and UK companies in China, further strengthening Liverpool’s ties with China.
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Councillor Nick Small hosted a meeting in the iconic Cunard Building
Another meeting was hosted by Mr Gary Millar, President of the Liverpool China Partnership and former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, at Liverpool Central Library. During the visit, the delegation was shown around the facilities and toured the Business and IP Centre Liverpool. The meeting included discussions on business support initiatives in Liverpool and the potential for developing mutual learning in entrepreneurship facilitation between the UK and China.
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The delegation was hosted by Mr Gary Millar at the Liverpool Central Library
The visit marked an important step in strengthening the partnership between Yingke Law Firm, the School of Law and Social Justice, and the University of Liverpool. By fostering deeper academic collaboration, enhancing student opportunities and building stronger links with the city, the visit has laid a solid foundation for future engagement between Liverpool and one of China’s leading legal institutions.
Head of the Liverpool Law School, Professor Rob Stokes, said: "The Yingke delegation's time in Liverpool has provided an excellent opportunity for the School of Law and Social Justice to deepen collaboration with one of China’s leading legal institutions. During their visit, both parties explored opportunities for joint research, expanded student internships and professional engagement. We look forward to building on these connections in the months and years ahead.”