Lin Bai
Interview With
Name: Lin Bai
LLM 2009
Home: China
Law School: Peking University; Tsinghua University
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Where is home? What is it famous for?Beijing, the capital city of China, famous for the 29th Summer Olympic Games, as well as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Place, and the nice people.
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You were awarded full scholarship by other prestigious U.S. law schools, why did you choose Duke?I chose Duke because, (1) I knew professors from Duke Law before applying for American law schools, who have been extremely nice and helpful; (2) some of my PKU schoolmates are JD students at Duke; (3) Duke Law has the reputation for its large network in China, and many famous alumni, such as, Mr. Gao Xiqing, have graduated from Duke.
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You studied at the Duke Asia-America Institute in Transnational Law in Hong Kong during the summer of 2006, how did you like that experience?That experience was very pleasant. I like the city. I made friends with some students from the U.S. and other parts of the world. Also, I learnt something useful in class, such as the international arbitration course. Judy had conducted a perfect organization job for the program and everybody felt comfortable.
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Your career goal is to work for the Chinese central government as an international legal expert. In the fastest-growing economy where everybody is pursuing the most profitable and lucrative job, why are you interested in working for the government?I was interested in the Ministry of Commerce primarily because I had interned there for more than three months. The work well matches my previous major in international trade law and the people taught me a lot. Yet after coming to Duke, my mind was changed a little bit. I was influenced, both in and outside class, by professors, students as well as my former employers (I wrote to them and got their suggestions) and figured out being a professional lawyer is another way, at least a good start, to realize my career objectives. It is even better in the sense that one can develop his potentials with more challenging work in a law firm, instead of performing as a technocrat every day confined within specific technical areas. Yet I still reserve a position for public service in my heart for the future of my life. Before that, I would further train myself professionally and strengthen my social resources.
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What do you like the most about Duke so far?I enjoy the beautiful campus, especially in the warmer season. I also like the libraries and sports facilities.
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What is your plan after graduation? How do you think the LLM will help you to achieve your goal?I will work for a Chinese law firm in Beijing. The LLM program not only offered me substantial knowledge and trainings on American law, but also "forced" me to develop myself in many other ways under pressure and challenges, such as reaching out for career opportunities in this special time, polishing the skills of communication with different people with various backgrounds and ideologies, and strenthening a mind that is more inclusive and steady for the difficulties and uncertainties in life.
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What advice will you give to international students studying in American law schools?I think it is important for an international student to look for places where they can merge into the local community with more ease and enjoyment. Find a way to be involved actively with the American people.