Shi Jiuyong was an eminent Chinese international lawyer who became the first Chinese national to helm the International Court of Justice. This tribute examines Shi’s underexplored university education years, illuminating how these early experiences proved formative in his subsequent years as an international law practitioner, scholar and judge. In doing so, this tribute explores the factors that animated Shi’s choices and focuses, giving context to his slew of admirable achievements later in life.
