American University Washington College of Law

Gear up in style for the 2024-25 school year! Shop the latest AUWCL apparel and merch at auwclshop.com.

AUWCL alumna Julia Fox of Perkins Coie LLP was named a rising star in government contracts law by Law360! The 2015 graduate successfully defended clients in high-stakes government contract bid protests and has a knack for finding creative solutions outside of the courtroom.

Read more about Julia’s successes here: https://tinyurl.com/Julia-Fox


American University Washington College of Law Alumni

American University Washington College of Law‘s Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is excited to welcome incoming students! Connect with current BLSA members and meet our Black faculty and staff while learning about the resources that will help you succeed in law school. Register now: tinyurl.com/BLSAMeetGreet

Professor Padideh Ala’i’, Director of International Law at American University Washington College of Law, continues to elevate AUWCL’s global influence, as she shares her expertise on U.S. trade policy and WTO law with scholars from 24 countries at the prestigious Seoul Academy of International Law.

El Diplomado Internacional en Litigación Penal Estratégica ofrece dos semanas de cursos en español. La primer semana de instrucción será virtual y la segunda presencial en Washington D.C. en American University Washington College of Law. Revisa las agendas. Te esperamos! https://mailchi.mp/adfd56239b79/f2d621maou-795

The 2024 issue of the Advocate is here! Celebrating AUWCL’s 125th anniversary, this edition is packed with must-read stories, including a 125th Anniversary timeline feature story, a reflection on Brown v. Board of Education at 70 years, the 25th anniversary of The Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project, and a tribute to Professor Brenda Smith’s work on prison r**e elimination. Discover these stories and more in our interactive online version here: tinyurl.com/Advocate-2024


American University Washington College of Law Alumni

Last week, the AUWCL Center on International Commercial Arbitration held its summer program certificate ceremony for the International Arbitration Summer Institute. Taught by leading practitioners and arbitrators from around the world, the program is an intense three-week certificate program that addresses foundational and practical aspects of international commercial arbitration. Photos: https://www.auwclphotos.com/Events-2023-2024/Commercial-Arbitration-Summer-Certificate-Ceremony

Professor Andy Popper delivered an insightful two-hour presentation to the Office of the General Counsel at the United States Surface Transportation Board. The topic, "The Spring 2024 Term of the Supreme Court: Understanding and Integrating into Agency Practice a Dozen New Cases in the Administrative Law Field," covered crucial updates for the agency that regulates all domestic railroad and trucking services in the U.S.

The American Health Law Association (AHLA) has named Asha Scielzo as its new president. As Director of AUWCL's Health Law Program, Scielzo brings extensive experience and a commitment to diversity and innovation in health law. AHLA CEO David S. Cade praised her passion and leadership, calling her an "influential ambassador for health law." Read more: https://tinyurl.com/AshaScielzo-AHLA

See video message from Asha: https://youtu.be/b9Dg6wxK6cg?si=VQzdVZ0kiCwNW92E

Professor Elizabeth Keith, a legal rhetoric expert at AUWCL, is leading a groundbreaking initiative with her students to protect consumers worldwide. In collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Professor Keith's innovative "International Legal Drafting" course, involving upper-level JD students, tackled a critical issue: unsafe consumer products in the global marketplace.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/Draft-UN-Legislation

International Law at American University Washington College of Law

We are honored to announce that Professor Brenda V. Smith, director of the Community Economic and Equity Development Law Clinic at AUWCL, has been appointed to the Council on Criminal Justice Women’s Justice Commission. Under the leadership of former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the Council is undertaking a multi-year initiative aimed at documenting and raising awareness of the distinctive needs of women in the criminal justice system, and building consensus for evidence-based reforms that enhance safety, health, and justice for women in custody and communities. Professor Smith will work alongside a diverse group of commissioners who share these common goals. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/Womens-Justice-Commission

WCL Clinical Program

American University Washington College of Law has appointed highly respected litigator Stephanie L. Johnson as the new associate director of the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program. Offering extensive trial experience in the District of Columbia and Maryland, Johnson previously taught at Harvard Law School, held key positions at Howard University School of Law, and co-founded the law firm Hunter & Johnson, PLLC, focusing on criminal defense and complex civil litigation. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/Johnson-WCL-Advocacy



The WCL Advocacy Program

Anita Sinha has been named Director of the newly titled Program on Gender, Theory, Law & Practice. As Interim Director of the Women & the Law Program last semester, Professor Sinha collaborated with students, campus groups, faculty, staff, and alumni to envision the program's future. The new name reflects the culmination of their collective efforts and marks an exciting new chapter. Learn more: https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/gender/

Happy 4th of July! As we gather to celebrate our nation's independence, let's honor the spirit of resilience and the pursuit of equality. May we continue to build a future where freedom and justice are accessible to all. Wishing you a joyful and safe holiday filled with pride and unity!

Congratulations to AUWCL Alumna Sarah Yurasko '05, who has been admitted to the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court, allowing her to practice law before the Court. Yurasko serves as senior vice president, Law and General Counsel for the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) and is President of the League of Railway Women. Recently, she participated in an in-person admission ceremony at the Court and had the opportunity to witness case rulings. Read more about her achievement: https://tinyurl.com/Yurasko-WCL05

The American University Washington College of Law proudly congratulates Associate Adjunct Professor Robert J. Hildum on his swearing-in as a Magistrate Judge on the D.C. Superior Court. Officiated by AUWCL Adjunct Professor and Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring, this milestone highlights Judge Hildum's distinguished career in law and public service. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/Judge-Hildum

The WCL Advocacy Program

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American University Washington College of Law proudly announces the appointment of three new associate deans: Brandon Weiss as Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs, Cynthia Jones as Associate Dean for the Part-Time and Evening Program, and Elizabeth Earle Beske as Associate Dean for Scholarship. These leaders, along with the new tenure-line faculty, will enhance AUWCL's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and diversity in legal education. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/New-Associate-Deans

American University Washington College of Law Appoints New Associate Deans Introduction of new tenure-line faculty will also enhance academic excellence

AUWCL has received a multi-million dollar grant from Arcadia Fund to establish the Geneva Center on Information Justice. This significant grant will enhance the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property's efforts in promoting evidence-based international policy on access and use of materials for research. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/Arcadia-Grant

World Intellectual Property Organization

American University Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Grant from Arcadia Fund to Build Geneva Center on Information Justice American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) received a major grant from Arcadia, a charitable foundation, for its Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP) to build a new Geneva Center on Information Justice. The grant will advance PIJIP’s ongoing project on Copyri...

AUWCL's International Human Rights Summer Program is officially underway in Geneva! Under the expert guidance of Professors Claudia Martin and Diego Rodriguez-Pinzon, students began their journey with a visit to the International Labour Organization. Over the next two weeks, they will delve into United Nations international human rights law, exploring its implementation and enforcement through the Geneva-based UN mechanisms.



American University Washington College of Law

The second edition of the WIPO-American University Summer School on International Trade and Intellectual Property was a resounding success. Held in Geneva, Switzerland, eighteen Juris Doctor students from AU gained invaluable insights from WIPO experts on topics such as IP treaties, generative AI, climate change, and international protection of inventions. As Yara Misto, an AU Juris Doctor student, remarked, the experience was "transformative, offering a deeper understanding of IP on a global scale." Read more: https://bit.ly/AU-WIPO-Summer


Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property
International Law at American University Washington College of Law

Congratulations to AUWCL alumna Amy Karpel '99, on becoming chair of the U.S. International Trade Commission. Prior to being named chair, Amy served as a commissioner to the USITC. President Joe Biden designated her as chair for the term, which will expire on June 16, 2026. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/Karpel-WCL

American University Washington College of Law Alumni

Professor Steven Shapiro was recently featured in WalletHub, sharing his expert thoughts on Capital One Venture X. As the Director of the Hospitality & Tourism Law Program and a Fellow at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Professor Shapiro offers valuable insights on whether high annual fee credit cards are worth it, the potential drawbacks of booking travel through credit card portals, and how to evaluate benefits like airport lounge access and concierge services. Check out his full interview here: https://tinyurl.com/Shapiro-WalletHub.

Congratulations to AUWCL Professor Jamie Abrams WCL/JD '02, prominently featured in a recent New York Times article discussing her influential work on reproductive rights and her involvement in drafting key amicus briefs for the Supreme Court. Her insights highlight the legal complexities and social implications of current abortion debates. Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/Abrams-NYT

There is still time to register for the "Ending Violence in PreK–16 Schools” panel, moderated by AUWCL's Professor Lia Epperson, at the 7th Annual Summer Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice (SIEEJ). Register at bit.ly/SIEEJ2024.

Join American University Washington College of Law's Lia Epperson in the panel "Legal Advocacy for Safer Schools," where law professors and practitioners will share expertise, insights, and research findings on the legal dimensions on school violence. Register today at at bit.ly/SIEEJ2024 Addressing school violence demands a holistic approach, and legal perspectives play a crucial role in shaping policies, protecting rights, and promoting safety within educational institutions.

6 days left to register for "Ending Violence in PreK–16 Schools,” the 7th Annual Summer Institute on Education, Equity, and Justice (SIEEJ) taking place June 24-26.

American University

On Juneteenth, we honor the resilience and courage of those who fought for freedom and justice, reaffirming our commitment to equality and the ongoing pursuit of civil rights.

Congratulations to Fielding Burnette, Robbie Gordon, and David Kimelman for being awarded the 2024 Program on Environmental and Energy Law (PEEL) Environmental Justice Fellowship! These AUWCL students will receive stipends of up to $3,000, along with professional development support and networking opportunities. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/PEEL-Fellows24

Celebrating the incredible journey of friendship and success! Ashlee Davis JD, and Tianna Williams, JD, recently graduated cm laude from law school side by side - Ashlee from American University Washington College of Law and Tianna from Rutgers Law School. They posted their heartwarming photoshoot, capturing their bond and determination, on social media, which was then shared by the Black inspirational website, Because of Them We Can (BOTWC). See more now… https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/the-feels/childhood-best-friends-celebrate-graduating-from-law-school-together
WCL Black Law Students Association

Childhood Best Friends Celebrate Graduating From Law School Together - Because of Them We Can What’s better than one lawyer? TWO! 🎓🙌🏾 Ashlee M. Davis, J.D., recently graduated cm laude from American University Washington College of Law, but she didn’t do it alone. Her best friend of 22 years, Tianna Williams, J.D., graduated right alongside her! In a heartwarming photoshoot sha...