American University Washington College of Law

05/29/2026

Congratulations to rising 3L John Daniels on being selected for the Virginia State Bar's Local Government Fellowship. This summer, he will intern with the Arlington County Attorney's Office, gaining valuable experience in local government law and public service. We are proud to see our students earning opportunities that make a difference in their communities.

WCL Office of Public Interest

05/28/2026

AUWCL is pleased to welcome Professor Melanie Oberlin Knapp as the new director of the Pence Law Library.

Selected following a national search, Professor Knapp brings extensive experience in academic law librarianship, legal research instruction, technology leadership, and faculty support. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing research services, student learning, faculty scholarship, and innovation within legal education.

We look forward to the leadership and expertise she will bring to the AUWCL community.

Discover more at https://tinyurl.com/Melanie-Oberlin-Knapp

05/27/2026

Summer bar prep starts now, and AUWCL Office of Academic Excellence is here to help you stay focused, prepared, and confident.

Interim Assistant Dean for Academic Excellence Rachel Gordon and 2022 AUWCL alum Henry Shikani share practical advice and encouragement on building strong study habits, using available resources, and staying motivated throughout the journey.

You’ve put in the work. Now it’s time to finish strong.

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

When Jihoon Cha, LL.M. '01, enrolled at American University Washington College of Law, he was a Korean-trained lawyer searching for a more comprehensive understanding of international human rights. Today, he serves as South Korea's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and his path from AUWCL's classrooms to the Security Council is a testament to what a rigorous legal education grounded in universal values can make possible. During a recent campus visit, Ambassador Cha also met with Professor and Dean Emeritus Claudio Grossman and Professor Padideh Alai. Discover more: https://tinyurl.com/Ambassador-Cha

05/23/2026

The Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at AUWCL proudly concluded the 31st Annual Inter-American Human Rights Moot Court Competition, welcoming law students, coaches, and judges from around the world for this unique trilingual competition conducted in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

This year’s competition brought together participating teams from 21 countries and 44 universities, reaffirming AUWCL’s leadership in advancing international law, human rights education, and the Inter-American Human Rights System.

Congratulations to the 2026 winning team from Andrés Bello Catholic University in Venezuela: Jimena Jose Montaño Rojas and Catherine María Alves Goncalves.

Thank you to all participants, judges, coaches, alumni, and supporters whose passion and commitment continue to make this one of the world’s premier human rights competitions.

MORE PHOTOS: tinyurl.com/2026-IAMOOT

———————

Academia de Derechos Humanos y Derecho Internacional Humanitario de AUWCL concluyó con orgullo la 31.ª edición anual de la Competencia Interamericana de Derechos Humanos de Tribunal Simulado, dando la bienvenida a estudiantes de derecho, entrenadores y jueces de todo el mundo para esta singular competencia trilingüe, llevada a cabo en inglés, español y portugués.

La competencia de este año reunió a equipos participantes de 21 países y 44 universidades, reafirmando el liderazgo de AUWCL en la promoción del derecho internacional, la educación en derechos humanos y el Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos.

Felicitaciones al equipo ganador de 2026 de la Universidad Católica Andrés Bello de Venezuela: Jimena Jose Montaño Rojas y Catherine María Alves Goncalves.

Gracias a todos los participantes, jueces, entrenadores, exalumnos y colaboradores, cuya pasión y compromiso continúan haciendo de esta una de las principales competencias de derechos humanos del mundo.

Haz clic aquí para ver más fotos: tinyurl.com/2026-IAMOOT

05/21/2026

Before graduating, Ella Kruczynska, JD ’26, experienced something few attorneys ever do: she watched her client walk free.

Working through AUWCL’s Decarceration and Re-entry Clinic under the direction of Professor Rachel Marblestone Kamins, Kruczynska helped prepare one of Maryland’s early petitions under the Maryland Second Look Act, spending hundreds of hours building the case, preparing witnesses, and working directly with her client.

After more than 31 years of incarceration, her client was released following a successful Motion for Reduction of Sentence.

Discover more: https://tinyurl.com/Ella-Kruczynska

WCL Clinical Program

05/19/2026

At commencement, Rep. Jamie Raskin challenged the Class of 2026 to lead with courage, stand on the side of justice, and recognize the responsibility that comes with a legal education. As he reminded graduates: “You’re the hope.”

Discover more: https://tinyurl.com/AUWCLGrad2026 American University

05/17/2026