American University Washington College of Law Alumni

AUWCL is pleased to welcome Marjorie McDowell as the new assistant dean of advancement.

McDowell brings more than 20 years of fundraising and advancement leadership experience, most recently serving as executive director of development at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Throughout her career, she has led major and planned giving programs, strengthened alumni engagement, and built high-performing teams.

Known for her collaborative leadership style and strategic approach to advancement, McDowell has a strong track record of partnering with academic leaders, faculty, alumni, and volunteers to expand philanthropic support and deepen engagement.

We look forward to the leadership and expertise she will bring to the AUWCL community. Discover more: https://tinyurl.com/Marjorie-McDowell

American University Washington College of Law Alumni

When Jake Christensen ’16 began his law school search, Washington, D.C. had already emerged as the place where he planned to build his next chapter. What ultimately drew him to American University Washington College of Law, he reflected, was something deeper than geography. Today, Christensen is senior counsel at Zoom, helping navigate the legal, technological, and trust challenges that shape a global platform. Discover more here: https://tinyurl.com/Jake-Christensen

American University Washington College of Law Alumni

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

American University Washington College of Law Trial Advocacy Program program is on the rise. In the latest GAVEL Rankings, the program climbed nearly 50 spots to #15 nationally, reflecting strong performance in trial competitions across the country. Unlike perception-based rankings, GAVEL is grounded in results, measuring success through win-loss records and performance in the nation’s toughest tournaments. This momentum builds on AUWCL’s recent “A” rating from preLaw Magazine for Trial Advocacy. A testament to our students, our faculty, and the leadership of Cynthia Goode Works, Stephanie Johnson and the advocacy team.

American University Washington College of Law has once again earned an A+ rating for Intellectual Property Law from PreLaw Magazine, further recognizing the strength of AUWCL’s nationally respected IP program and its leadership in law, technology, innovation, and creative rights.

The recognition adds to AUWCL’s recent ranking as the #6 Intellectual Property Law program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Learn more: nationaljurist.com/top-law-schools-for-intellectual-property-law/

Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property The National Jurist

American University Washington College of Law is thrilled to welcome Michael Barry as its next dean at a time of continued momentum and national recognition. Bringing a record of strategic leadership, innovation, and student-centered academic excellence, Barry joins AUWCL as the law school continues to build on its many strengths. AUWCL remains nationally recognized for its strength across key areas, with four programs ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report: Clinical Training ( #2), International Law ( #4), Intellectual Property ( #6), and Part-Time Law ( #9). The law school also continues to see progress across its academic offerings, including upward movement in Health Care Law and Environmental Law. With a distinguished faculty, dedicated staff, talented student body, and a dynamic campus in Washington, D.C., AUWCL is well-positioned for continued success and impact under Dean Barry’s leadership. Discover more: https://tinyurl.com/Dean-Michael-Barry



American University

AUWCL alumna Nabila Aguele ’05 has been named Chief Executive Officer of Malala Fund, becoming the first Africa-based CEO to lead the global organization. A lawyer, public policy expert, and gender equality advocate, Aguele brings more than two decades of experience in law, governance, and international development to the role, where she will help lead the organization’s global strategy advancing education for girls around the world. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/AUWCL-NabilaA

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