Wei Wu’s journey to law school is a testament to the strength of diversity. Wei is the first in her family to graduate college, the first to pursue a graduate degree, and the first in her generation to achieve numerous milestones — displaying the tenacity and resilience that define her character.
Wei came to the United States without knowing anyone and started the adventurous journey knowing numerous challenges were awaiting her. An introvert at heart, she may not fit the typical impression of lawyers in films, but her actions speak volumes. Through her self-discovery, passion, and perseverance, she earned her J.D. from Texas A&M Law in 2022. She now works at the boutique firm Fulton Jeang PLLC.
From China to the United States
Wei found her passion when she first stepped into the world of intellectual property as a patent examiner in the China National Intellectual Property Administration. Armed with a strong science background and an innate curiosity, she delved into the intricacies of patents, dissecting innovations with precision. During three years in this patent examiner role, she honed her analytical skills and gained valuable insights into the world of innovation and technology. 
Wei embarked on a path less traveled, navigating uncharted territories in her pursuit of law in the U.S. After deciding to take the GRE (rather than the more common LSAT route to law school), she chose to attend Texas A&M Law.
“Texas A&M Law is the beginning of my life in the U.S. I started from ground zero, with no family or friends in this new land, but I am now proud to call Texas A&M my forever home,” Wei said. “At Texas A&M Law, I found myself enveloped in a cocoon of support and warmth that surpassed all expectations. Every encouraging word, every gesture of inclusion, and every moment of guidance I received from Texas A&M is instrumental in shaping my path, pushing me to strive for excellence and believe in my capabilities.” 
Challenge In a New Land
Fresh off the plane, Wei confronted entirely unfamiliar surroundings — the language, the customs, the people. At the time she was the only international JD student who spoke English as a second language. In the first two months, Wei approached each lecture like deciphering a cryptic code, as she strived to grasp the legal terminologies and the intricacies of American jurisprudence.
“The sense of alienation was overwhelming. I often found myself grappling with self-doubt. There were many moments when I felt like an outsider, struggling to bridge the gap between my native culture and the U.S. legal field. I often felt insecure in my own skin and was ashamed of being different.”
Persevering through those struggles, Wei sought support from professors and classmates, and they, in turn, embraced her with open arms. Study groups became spaces of camaraderie. Office hours were moments of unwavering support.
“In my 1L class, I was so lucky to have met many great people,” she said. “Professor Rich was my cheerleader, always embracing me with the biggest smile. Professor Welsh was the most patient professor, helping me navigate complicated legal issues. At the law school, I was met with a warmth that transcended borders.”
Because of all the support, Wei began to find her voice and presence. She engaged in class discussions, overcoming the fear of mistakes and accents. She pushed herself into multiple organizations, including Texas A&M Law Review, Speakers’ Bureau, Women of Color Collective Law Student Association, Intellectual Property Aggies, and Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. She also served as a student liaison between Texas A&M Law and Dallas Asian American Bar Association, Texas A&M Community Clinic participant, and Research Assistant for Professor Yu.
Strength in Diversity
As one of the two percent of Asian woman attorneys in the entire United States, from the classrooms of law school to the workplaces, Wei felt different, like a solitary figure amidst a sea of uniformity. Yet, Wei refused to let her differences deter her from pursuing her dreams.
In law school, Wei gave speeches on diversity in the Speakers Bureau and mentored other minority students, trying to become an agent of change. After graduating from law school, Wei bypassed a career in big law and decided to stay in Dallas, securing a job at Fulton Jeang PLLC — a firm founded by women who valued diversity.
Aiming to shape her own unique career path, Wei leaned heavily on her strengths. Finding solace in her quiet determination and refusing to let her introverted tendencies hold her back, she sought opportunities to publish articles on complex IP legal issues. Over time, Wei learned to embrace her foreign background and her expertise in Chinese patent law as an asset.
Today, she regularly publishes IP articles on IPWatchdog — one of the top IP legal blogs. She actively works with startups, providing expert IP advice. She serves as a mentor of the startup incubators 100K Ideas and XLerateHealth. She is also a columnist for IPRdaily — one of the largest intellectual property platforms in China. Through her dedication to IP law, she’s built a reputation as a meticulous legal mind and has been invited to be a lecturer at institutions in China. Utilizing her Chinese background, she has continued building her client base.
“Everyone can find a unique place in the legal profession. I want to prove that introverted attorneys, like myself, could excel and make a profound impact in their own quiet and meaningful way,” she said. “At certain moments in life, we may fear our differences but try to appreciate and understand our differences. Utilize our differences to make a difference.”