Qian Julie Wang

Qian Julie Wang is a New York Times bestselling author and civil rights litigator known for her work in immigration law, education rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Wang is the author of "Beautiful Country: A Memoir of An Undocumented Childhood," a memoir that recounts her experiences growing up as an undocumented immigrant in New York City. The book appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers list, was selected for the Today Show Read with Jenna, and was recognized as a best book of the year by the New York Times, NPR, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and others.

"Beautiful Country" follows Wang and her family as they navigate life in the United States after fleeing government persecution in China. The memoir explores themes of poverty, manual labor, and the constant threat of deportation, while highlighting the resilience and hope that defined her family's journey. The title references the Chinese term for America, reflecting both aspiration and irony.

Wang is a graduate of Yale Law School and Swarthmore College. She wrote "Beautiful Country" on her iPhone during subway commutes while working at a national law firm, where she was elected to partnership within two years. Wang has served as a judicial clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and has more than a decade of experience as a civil litigator. Her legal work includes representing Fortune 500 companies, governmental entities, and individuals in civil rights, constitutional, education, employment, and contract disputes before state and federal courts, including filings before the U.S. Supreme Court. Wang later co-founded Gottlieb & Wang LLP, a boutique firm focused on advancing education and civil rights for marginalized groups.

At Gottlieb & Wang, Wang leads the employment practice, advocating for women and people of color facing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. She works extensively with federal statutes such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Cut, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar, and she has been featured on PBS NewsHour, ABC News, NPR, BBC World Outlook, C-SPAN, and the TODAY Show.

Wang is a frequent speaker on topics including immigration, education, discrimination, and literacy, addressing audiences at conferences, universities, corporations, and community organizations. Drawing on her experiences as an immigrant and civil rights advocate, Wang discusses the impact of storytelling and the importance of sharing personal narratives to foster understanding and social change.