American University Washington College of Law

Celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the women who shape our community through leadership, learning, service, and impact—today and every day.

#ChampionWhatMatters

Congrats to Associate Professor of Law Andy Budzinski, director of AUWCL’s Elliott Milstein Civil Advocacy Clinic, on his appointment to the D.C. Access to Justice Commission. His three-year term begins March 1. #ChampionWhatMatters

International Reactions to Military Strikes on Iran: A Tipping Point for the UN Charter? Can the legal cornerstone of the current international order that is designed to maintain peace and security hold following Iran strikes?

Are we at a tipping point for the UN Charter? In Just Security, Prof. Rebecca Hamilton examines how U.S. strikes on Iran test Article 2(4) and whether international law protects all states—or only some. Read the full article here: tinyurl.com/Hamilton-TippingPoint @bechamilton.bsky.social

Congrats to Ellaina Sanders, JD ’25, for being selected as one of the finest law school writers of 2026 by the Burton Awards Program. She will receive the “Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Awards” in June.

There’s still time in this 36-hour celebration of collective impact. Allegra Thatcher ’26 shares how scholarships help students move forward with confidence. Be part of the impact: https://tinyurl.com/AUWCL-GivingDay26

#ChampionWhatMatters #AUGivingDay

Giving Day continues! Be part of our 36-hour celebration of collective impact. Kayla Anthony ’27 shares how donor support helps students grow into confident leaders. Support what matters: https://tinyurl.com/AUWCL-GivingDay26

From emerging financial technology and environmental protection to international human rights and mental health advocacy, AUWCL faculty continue to share expertise that matters. Check out their recent contributions in leading media outlets and policy forums:

Giving Day is here! A 36-hour celebration of collective impact. Ashley Dominguez Garcia ’27, a current scholarship recipient share how donor support makes a difference. Extend the impact: https://tinyurl.com/AUWCL-GivingDay26

#ChampionWhatMatters #AUGivingDay

Prof. & Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman has been unanimously elected General Rapporteur of the UN International Law Commission. In this role, he will help shape the Commission’s work and present it to the UN General Assembly. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/Grossman-ILC-Appointment

Your opportunity to create opportunities is just hours away! Giving Day is tomorrow! On February 25–26, join us in championing what matters most at AUWCL. Every gift helps create opportunity. Give here: tinyurl.com/AUWCL-Giving... #ChampionWhatMatters #AUGivingDay

Join the AUWCL Health Law and Policy Program on March 2 from 12–1:30 p.m. for a book talk on The Pregnancy Police: Conceiving Crime, Arresting Personhood with Grace Howard of San José State University. RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/5fzc7dvf

Steve Wermiel receives award

Steve Wermiel and family at EJF Auction

A student holds her auction prize and number

Students hold up auction numbers to bid on prize

Last week, the AUWCL community raised thousands at the EJF Auction to fund stipends for students in public interest internships this summer! We also honored the legendary Professor Steve Wermiel ahead of his retirement. Photos: https://tinyurl.com/EJF-Auction-26

YouTube video by American University Washington College of Law Black History Month is More Than a Moment

“Built on trust. Driven by vision. Powered by purpose.” Conceived by Judge Zuberi Bakari “Zu” Williams ’03, this Black History Month convening brought AUWCL Black male alumni together to honor legacy and shape what comes next. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LWP...

YouTube video by American University Washington College of Law Professor Chaz Brooks on Black History Month

During #BlackHistoryMonth, Prof. Chaz Brooks, co-director of AUWCL's Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, reflects on uncovering family history and how stories of Black land ownership, racial terror, and lost generational wealth still shape opportunity. @profchazbrooks.bsky.social youtu.be/I49OT2jNGuU?...

Steven Shapiro, director of the Hospitality & Tourism Law Program, recently visited the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where he shared real-world insight into the economic and legal structures of the hotel industry with Entrepreneurship 3100 students.

Join us on Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. for the EJF Auction. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, live jazz, and a special tribute to Professor Stephen Wermiel, all supporting public interest scholarships. RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/EJFAuction2026

Celebrating our amazing law alum Joe Lapan, WCL/JD ’04, cofounder of DC’s beloved Songbyrd Music House (@songbyrddc.bsky.social) and curator of his AU soundtrack in the latest American University Magazine. Check it out now…https://tinyurl.com/AUWCL-Lapan

Great turnout of Kovler Project Against Torture alumni who gathered to celebrate KPAT’s unique role supporting the UN Committee Against Torture. The event featured remarks by Professor of Law & Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman. More photos here: https://tinyurl.com/Kovler2026

The Program on Law & Government at AUWCL welcomed Danielle Sassoon for a conversation on professional responsibility and public service, featuring a Q&A with Professor Kahn and a discussion on ethical leadership and career paths in law.

YouTube video by American University Washington College of Law Amanda Abbud Rodrigues da Costa LLM 25

Amanda Abbud Rodrigues da Costa shares her LL.M. experience, shaped by global perspectives and engaged faculty at AUWCL. Learn how international lawyers deepen their understanding of U.S. legal culture: https://youtu.be/y1MuPEsLPqE

Congratulations to Ira Robbins, who was recently highlighted by SCOTUS blog as one of the most influential scholars shaping Supreme Court decisions through academic amicus briefs. A meaningful acknowledgment of scholarship that makes a real-world impact.

YouTube video by American University Washington College of Law AUWCL Celebrates Black History Month!

AUWCL Celebrates Black History Month! Hear from Ellie Samuels, 2L; Bailey Davis, B.A., 1L; and Wesley Days, Jr., 1L on why Black history is American history—and why representation in the legal profession matters.
#BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2026 #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory youtu.be/rlAUqz30CZk

AUWCL is proud to celebrate 3L Rebecca Vernail on receiving the American Bankruptcy Law Journal Prize for earning the highest grade in her bankruptcy law course — a distinguished recognition from the American Bankruptcy Law Journal!

#AcademicExcellence #BankruptcyLaw

Congratulations to AUWCL students Katherine Angell, Madyson Brown, and Elise Hall on their performance at the Jack Tieder Pre-Moot! The team is officially locked in for the 33rd Vis Moot in Austria this March.

For Katie Lawrence, the path to law school was paved in a classroom. The Georgia native taught third grade after earning her undergraduate degree. Her time teaching revealed systemic challenges that eventually led her to AUWCL. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/Katie-Lawrence

Join AUWCL and NACDL for Code, Culpability, and Constitutional Law: AI in the Criminal Legal System on Feb. 5 to examine AI’s impact on policing, surveillance, evidence, and constitutional rights. Learn more: tinyurl.com/NACDL-AI-Event-26

At AUWCL, we honor the voices, stories, and impact that shape our shared history.

#BlackHistoryMonth, #BlackHistoryMonth2026, #BHM2026, #BlackHistoryIsAmericanHistory, #BlackVoices

AUWCL will host Judge David Tatel, retired from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, for a conversation and book signing of Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, led by 3L students Abby Rubin and Rachel Bechtel.

American University Washington College of Law takes great pride in Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman, who was invited by the Senate of Chile to serve as a keynote speaker at Congreso Futuro 2026.

Champion of Kindness: Tabitha Pitzer Named National Jurist Law Student of the Year The first-generation AUWCL student reflects on the power of community, the importance of public service, and why the law should always lead with humanity.

Congrats to 3L Tabitha Pitzer, National Jurist's Law Student of the Year! As a first-gen law student & leader of Advance, Tabitha shows that you can be a fierce advocate while leading with kindness. Check it out: https://tinyurl.com/Tabitha-Pitzer
#ChampionWhatMatters #lawschool #lawstudent