Bridging Borders: Fang Chen’s Global Citizen Lawyer Experience at William & Mary Law School
With an already impressive background in law and a drive for international excellence, Fang Chen, an LL.M. student who graduated in 2012, is setting a precedent for aspiring lawyers worldwide. She traveled from Beijing to America to enhance her legal career while connecting with other Citizen Lawyers.
Before applying to William & Mary Law School, Fang worked for law firms in Beijing for several years. She focused on foreign investment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and initial public offerings (IPO).
“Working with foreign clients and international law firms highlighted the importance of a common law education for my career,” Fang says. “William & Mary’s prestigious reputation coupled with a scholarship offer made it an ideal choice.”
Fang decided to apply to William & Mary after reviewing U.S. News & World Report rankings, program offerings, and history.
“I considered the law school’s ranking, tuition, location, and history. Out of the 10, top-tier law schools I applied to, I received six offers. William & Mary stood out because LL.M. students can take classes alongside J.D. students, which was very appealing to me,” Fang explains.
Fang’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Legal English from a Chinese university and a master’s degree from Peking University Law School. She took key courses such as contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, civil procedure, and corporate law, which have significantly deepened her understanding of the legal system in America. She says her experience in Beijing helped her navigate her course load successfully.
“These foundational courses are crucial for building a solid understanding of the law,” Fang says.
During her time at the law school, Fang recalls one of the most rewarding aspects of the program --the opportunity to engage with J.D. students in the classroom.
“In China, classes are less interactive, but here, students are encouraged to speak up without fear. It was a cultural adjustment, but one that enriched my learning experience,” Fang says.
Despite facing challenges in communication and networking, Fang says she appreciated the supportive environment at William & Mary. She describes the campus culture as peaceful and conducive to focused study, while also providing many opportunities to enjoy various speeches and forums.
“The program that connects LL.M. students with the local community is excellent. Although I didn’t fully overcome these challenges during law school, I improved significantly after starting to work in the U.S.,” Fang shares.
Originally planning to return to Beijing after passing the New York bar, Fang’s career path took a new direction. She has now secured a position at an auto company in the U.S.
“The program taught me the fundamentals of the American legal system, prepared me for the bar exam, and opened doors for me to work here,” Fang says.
For those considering an LL.M. at William & Mary, Fang offers valuable advice:
“Study hard on foundational courses as they are crucial for the bar exam. Also, spend time on networking. If you aim to work in the U.S., consider transferring to the J.D. program for more comprehensive preparation. Understand your goals and choose courses that align with your career aspirations.”