Submitted by Mengzheng Yao on the 2016 winter session program in China sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice…
Sadly, we quickly reach the last stage of our program. The last week is still filled with enjoyable moments. The most impressive excursion is the one we took to the world largest law firm – Dacheng Law Firm. It is located on the 7th floor in a recently built luxury commercial office building. When we arrived, we saw a huge indoor lounge and an outdoor one. Those are for customers to relax in while they are waiting. After we saw the reception lawyer, they both look just like the elite Asian Americans working on Wall St. – uniformed, handsome and professional looking. We sat down and had a discussion about ourselves and their business. After the discussion, we had a tour of their facility. I observed a huge disparity even within this elite law firm. Those who have already gotten a high title have their own private offices with all kinds of fancy entertainment equipment while freshmen lawyers have to work in open quarters that measure less than 3 square meters. Although it is considered to be the largest law firm in the world, and it is definitely prestigious, it’s only for those very few high ranking administrators instead of those grassroots lawyers who do most of the daily work of the firm. Other than the law firm, we also went to Yonghegong Lama Temple, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and the Zoo. After all, the last week is filled with fun and I have gained a lot during this program.
