ASU Law and Ajou University Sign Historic Partnership to Advance Global Legal Education

The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and Ajou University Law School in South Korea signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding to launch student exchanges and collaborative research between the two institutions.

The signing ceremony, held at ASU Law, marked the beginning of a new era of international partnership linking the Phoenix legal and academic community with Suwon, South Korea — a sister city of Phoenix.

Dean Byung Chun So of Ajou University School of Law joined ASU faculty, students and guests from the City of Phoenix Sister Cities program to commemorate the occasion. The event was also attended by ASU Law students from the Center for Law and Global Affairs, visiting students from Ajou, and faculty members engaged in international research.

The MOU establishes new opportunities for ASU Law students and faculty to study and collaborate in Asia, while providing Ajou students and scholars with a bridge to a leading U.S. law school. Both universities share strong programs in law and technology, an area expected to be a cornerstone of the partnership.

“This connection with Suwon adds a whole new dimension to our relationship with the city,” said Bruce Myerson, ASU faculty member and Phoenix Sister Cities board member. “We’ve had business and civic leaders visit from Suwon for years, but now we’re truly showing them the resources we have here at the law school. It’s a huge value for both our city and our academic community.”

The collaboration builds on efforts led by ASU Law’s Center for Law and Global Affairs, which serves as the hub for international programming and partnerships.

“It means so much to all of us that this signing is happening today,” said Andrea Cayley, executive director of the Center for Law and Global Affairs. “It really shows what the Sister Cities program can do — bringing together two leading universities in law and technology. It’s monumental for Phoenix.”

Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, ASU Law’s associate dean for inclusive excellence, said the partnership will enrich both universities through cultural and scholarly exchange. “Connecting our students and faculty across cultures through joint research and collaborative learning will support our city and strengthen our global impact,” she said. “Working together will advance scholarship and practical solutions for global challenges.”

Dean Byung Chun So of Ajou University expressed his gratitude for ASU’s hospitality and the partnership’s growing success. “This exchange began four years ago as part of the MOU between Phoenix and Suwon,” he said. “Thanks to Professor Myerson’s dedication, we’ve reached today’s signing between our law schools. Through joint research, faculty exchanges and student collaboration, we can help advance legal scholarship at both universities.”

As Korean investment in the Phoenix area continues to expand, the partnership is expected to enhance ASU Law’s academic presence in Asia and foster deeper international collaboration for years to come.

Written by Allison Otu