Dear Fellows,
In partnership with Academic Travel Abroad, the American Bar Foundation offers our Fellows a unique opportunity to learn and experience the Rule of Law in the context of the Global Arena.
One of the first programs for Fellows is a trip to China and Tibet, May 4- May 12, 2013. I am honored to have been asked to lead this delegation and invite you to join me to explore China's complex and influential system of justice. I hope that you will also share with our counterparts your thoughts about our constitutional democracy.
The tentative itinerary is ambitious and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The program includes meetings with:
- the Beijing Bar Association
- the All China Lawyers Association
- the law faculty of The China University of Political Science and Law
- local Chinese law firms
- representatives of a community dispute resolution conference in Tibet
- experts on the role of the Monk Courts of Tibet
Of course, the group will experience the culture and history of China and Tibet through visits to the Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and to a Monastery in "Shangri-La" Diqing.
The estimated cost per delegation member is $5,690 double occupancy. This cost (excluding airfare to Beijing) includes group transportation, meetings, accommodations in double-occupancy rooms, most meals, and essentially all other costs associated with participation, as outlined in the final schedule of activities.
We also encourage you to share this experience with a guest who, during your professional meetings, will meet with the several NGO's and experience Chinese daily life.
For U.S. citizens, expenses associated with this program may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. We suggest that you consult with a tax advisor to determine if tax deductibility is applicable to you.
Travel arrangements and logistics will be provided by the Washington DC based Professionals Abroad, a division of Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). ATA is a 60-year-old organization that handles the logistical arrangements for prestigious organizations, such as National Geographic, The Smithsonian, The American Museum of Natural History and many top universities.
Due to the extensive planning and communication involved in coordinating a program of this nature, please respond with your intentions regarding this invitation as soon as possible. RSVP to Professionals Abroad at 1-877-298-9677 or via the web at www.professionalsabroad.org. A $500 deposit is required to secure your place on the team. In the event that you are unable to accept this invitation, an alternate delegate candidate will be invited. You may also recommend a colleague as your alternate for the program.
If you have questions regarding the delegation, contact our Program Representative at Professionals Abroad, at 1-877-298-9677. For additional program details, to or recommend a colleague to be invited please visit www.professionalsabroad.org.
I am pleased to be involved in this exciting opportunity and hope that you will strongly consider participating in the delegation to Beijing and Tibet.
Sincerely,
Wallace B. Jefferson
Chief Justice
Supreme Court of Texas