Student Spotlight: Chengyu Zhang LLM ’26

How did you decide to pursue law?

I was moved by an article arguing that it often takes a single individual’s struggle to push forward legislation that benefits society. In 2019, the Right Livelihood Award went to Guo Jianmei, the founder of China’s first public interest law firm—Beijing Qianqian Law Firm. I read this news before the National College Entrance Examination, and I copied several lines from the news commentary into my notebook: Speaking for the vulnerable groups is a hard way that requires dedication. It is their efforts that ensure the law fulfills its promises to marginalized people, turning individual cases into far-reaching impact. As long as injustice exists, society needs more lawyers like them. I had filled that notebook with countless inspiring figures as material for my exam essays, but none resonated with me as this one did. That was the moment I decided to pursue law.

You’re getting an LLM this year with a focus on criminal law. What drew you to this field? 

Although I am determined to start my career in criminal defense after finishing my master’s degree, I was somewhat at sea during my first two years of college. That changed in my third year at China University of Political Science and Law, when I took criminal procedure law. I found myself drawn to criminal procedure law’s dual goal—combating crimes and protecting the rights of individuals. In that course, my professor mentioned Gideon v. Wainwright and the famous epitaph: “each era finds an improvement in law for the benefit of mankind.” It was the first time I learned about public defense, one of the cornerstones of the US criminal justice system. That course ultimately led me to pursue my master’s degree in criminal procedure law and left a lasting impression on me.

In my final year of college, I started my internships related to criminal justice. To prepare for my criminal clinic and my later internship at Qianqian Law Firm, I took a victimology course, in which I first learned about Battered Women Syndrome and developed my ability to work closely with clients in crisis. At Qianqian, attorneys represented domestic violence survivors who fought back, and I had the chance to discuss this topic with them. That experience inspired my graduation thesis, analyzing the application of prosecutorial discretion in cases of domestic violence survivors. To better understand this, I later interned at a Procuratorate [office of a public prosecutor] and conducted comparative legal research on prosecutorial discretion in the US.

Despite all these academic and professional experiences, honestly, I had never thought about studying abroad until I attended an Oxford summer program after graduation. My uncle Brian lobbied me to study banking law abroad in the UK. Perhaps influenced by my prior academic focus, I was persuaded—but only partially—to study criminal law abroad in the US. I ultimately decided to apply just two months before the application deadline. The process was truly a whirlwind, and I am deeply grateful to my family and advisors for their support throughout that decision.

Looking back, none of my internships or research choices were part of some grand, strategic plan. I simply pursued what I felt was meaningful at each moment. And perhaps that is what a calling looks like, right? Something you don’t fully recognize at the moment, but sneakily guides you here and draws you into the field. Mine was advocating for the vulnerable with my expertise.

How do you hope to expand your knowledge during your time at NYU Law?

I came to NYU Law with a clear focus on criminal justice, particularly criminal defense. I hope to build a foundation of the US criminal procedure law and gain some hands-on experience in the US adversarial system. My professor of the victimology course, my graduation thesis, and my prior internship at Qianqian all motivated me to further develop my understanding of domestic violence law at NYU. At the same time, I remain interested in the public defense system my professor had introduced in class, as well as prosecutorial discretion. 

NYU Law offers a wide range of resources that allow me to pursue my various interests in criminal justice. I took Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and the Sentencing Seminar to gain basic knowledge of the US criminal justice system at the federal level. The Local Prosecution externship provided me with on-the-ground experience working with professional district attorneys at the state level. Every moment I spent on the Domestic Violence Law Seminar was extremely valuable to me. My Graduate Lawyering and Professional Responsibility courses were taught by two outstanding public defenders, deepening my understanding of the public defense system. Prosecutorial discretion was also discussed in almost every course.

As an international student, what is your advice for someone outside the US who is interested in pursuing an LLM?

I had not worked before my LLM program, which is different from most of my classmates. Therefore, I would encourage students like me to pursue an LLM with clear goals and to plan ahead. Many clinics and externships begin their application processes very early. 
For students who are interested in public interest, which is a broader definition here, I also recommend exploring online resources such as those from the Public Interest Law Center (PILC). Although some handbooks or instructions are directed at JD students, LLM students can still find a lot of useful information. 

Lastly, never hesitate to ask for career advice. Your classmates may well be the future version of yourself. NYU professors are generous, and the advisors and counselors at PILC are extremely experienced and can give you valuable career advice.

Which Law School class or experience has had the biggest impact on you?

Professor Emily Sack’s Domestic Violence Law Seminar is one of the best courses I have ever taken. Her knowledge in this field is extraordinary, considering it is an area of law not only about penal law or criminal procedure law. This course exposed me to so many novel theories and concepts, including criticism of the theory of battered women syndrome. The class discussions were comprehensive, including the movements, the reforms, and the solutions for domestic violence. Although there is still no definitive legal solution, one core principle Professor Sack consistently emphasized was empathy—treating the survivors with dignity, respect, and contextual understanding.

I also greatly enjoyed Criminal Procedure with Professor Barry Friedman. His teaching went beyond doctrinal rules, examining the incentives created by the law and the inconsistencies embedded within case law development. This course was extremely helpful for my externship at the District Attorney’s Office.

What do you most like to do outside of class? What’s your favorite way to spend a day in New York City?

Listening to and playing music. It’s really a good way to relax. I rented a violin to practice. Village Vanguard has some really good jazz musicians. Sometimes I watch TV series. I just finished watching Person of Interest. It felt really special watching it while living here, since most of the show takes place in NYC.

My favorite way to spend a day is to try some restaurants and dessert stores for lunch, and then find another place to have dinner with my friends.

This interview has been condensed and edited.