Handong International law school (HILS) is one of Korea’s finest American law schools. This law faculty under the Handong Global University(HGU) is an exceptional home for legal enthusiasts and Christian fanatics. It was my first choice, and I remain grateful I was admitted to study there.
Choosing a law school was a challenge during my search. However, after my 2019 graduation, I am elated I could be called a Hilsian. One of the most memorable things I did, was to attend a Christian lawyer’s conference in 2018. This is a joint initiative between HGU and Alliance Defending Freedom International.
HILS focuses on the biblical command to ‘Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.’ It brags to be a center of creative legal education in Asia for the 21st century. It is indeed a well of legal practical.
On the other hand, ADF International upholds the vision of advancing the God-given right to live and speak the truth. With emphasis on the following topic; Sanctity of Life
Religious Freedom
Freedom of Speech
Marriage & Family
Parental Rights, ADF International is committed to making a change in the world.
The marriage between HILS and ADF resulted in a special annual conference open to law school students and lawyers from around the world. I was opportune to be a part of the annual meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
What is Advocates International Student Chapter?
Advocates International Student Chapter (AISC) is a student community of “Advocates International (AI)”, the International Organization for Christian Legal Professions.
AISC has its roots from Handong International Law School. The former Dean, Lynn Buzzard, who is one of the founding fathers of AI established AISC.
What is the vision of AISC?
“A worldwide fellowship of advocates and law students bearing witness of Jesus Christ through the legal profession”.
WHat is the mission of AISC?
“Encouraging and enabling Advocates and Law Students to meet locally, organize nationally, cooperate regionally and link globally to promote justice, rule of law, religious freedom, reconciliation and integrity.”
How is Handong Global University and ADF International involved?
They support law school students on three levels:
- Encouraging AI and AISC networking on student level in countries around the world.
- Promoting wide spread awareness and support for six areas of advocacy: family and Community, Justice for the people with low income, Peace and reconciliation, religious freedom, rule of law and sanctity of human life.
- Increasing awareness of the global issues which threaten the above listed areas. Religious freedom has been a key area of discussion in Asia.
How does AISC work?
It carries out its mission in the following ways;
- By holding intercessory prayers for the persecuted churches in other countries.
- Carry out legal research and discuss legal issues related to the above listed six topics. This could also be via sharing resources, information and networking with lawyers.
- Another main role of being a part of the Advocates International Student Chapter is to participate in the annual Advocates Asia Conferences and/or Advocates International Conference.
- Other practical activities as a law student.
My experience as a member of the Handong International Law School AISC
I was elated to be accepted by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to participate at the conference. Though a non – potential lawyer (Masters student), I was welcomed as a legal mind and given equal respect as my classmates (Juris Doctorates). We all paid an affordable attendance fee and were lodged at the high class Holiday Inn hotel in Thailand’s capital for 3 days.
Every mornings and evenings within those days, we assembled at the small ventilated, beautifully decorated hall downstairs. All sessions began with worship and praise led by students as a way of acknowledging that Jesus is Lord of all.
The rest of the hours were diverse talks from some HILS professors and invited AI lawyers. In that year, we were delighted with the presence of the HILS Dean Enlow and Prof. John Park. For a few minutes, we heard the experience of Christian lawyers in different countries, mostly in Asia and the US.
How were the sessions?
In some sessions, we had round table group discussions between AISC and AIs. Thus, it was possible to ask direct questions and learn from lawyers in a more open way. I remember learning more about the legal situation and religious challenges many people face in India from the law school students from India. It was great to have insights about the Nepali law and to share about Cameroon law.
Whether for on a street walk in Asia’s famous city, or after the sessions, it was a time to build relationships with people I might otherwise never have met. Even during lunch, there was something to say and learn as we bite of the delights from Holiday Inn.
If you decide to study at HILS, you are sure to have a unique educational program whth the design to equip ‘lawyers without borders’ with professionalism, Christian values, international focus and servant leadership.
This link has articles of other things to expect in HILS and to-dos of different countries.
