American University - Washington College of Law

American University's Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., offers a renowned program in international law. The school is one of the top programs for foreign attorneys, and “the international opportunities for gaining real world experience are exceptional.” In addition, “the legal writing program is superb,” and all aspects are only strengthened by the school's cutting-edge legal fields and close proximity to the nation's courts. Thanks to that, the school places more than 350 students in externships each year, ranging from government agencies to public interest organizations, and it offers summer abroad programs in Geneva, London, Brussels, and The Hague. Additionally, 10 in-house clinics let students represent low-income and under-represented clients in areas ranging from Disability Rights to Federal Income Tax, which is great since “many people are interested in public interest/government” with “a large number of human rights-minded students” in attendance. On the topic of the school's abundance of social activism, one student shares, “I'm deeply impressed by the student body's desire to give back.”

At AU, professors “are well-connected … and will go the extra mile to help students with academics or career prospects.” There is “ample opportunity to connect with professors to learn about getting into a particular field,” and teachers also “really care about the school as a whole.” They “are very intertwined with the administration,” which “creates an environment where you aren't terrified of taking a sick day,” as one enrollee puts it. The administration even “gives lunch vouchers to professors to take students to lunch and get to know them.” Other recent administrative initiatives include “establishing the ‘Office of Academic Excellence' for academic advising and bar support” and offering a bar preparation course. Beyond that, career counselors “are available year-round to advise students on professionalism and career development,” and “the alumni network in D.C. is formidable, particularly with regard to public interest and government work.” The school's reputation and location are such that it “is constantly hosting events that bring amazing individuals to campus, which are often free to students,” and “the extracurricular programs, including law review, clinic, [and] moot court … are tailored to several areas of the law, enabling students to pursue their unique legal interests.” One student says of the nearby Red Line, “We are a small hop to the most accessible metro which allows for amazing internship opportunities you cannot get anywhere else.” Another shares that “the school's location also provides for excellent adjunct professors who are knowledgeable in their field of specialty.” As for facilities, they “are amazing and [the] technology is … advanced.” Students are big fans of the law library in particular, which “is full of natural light … [and] really great for studying.”

The campus is “located in a quiet part of D.C. [that's] still easily accessible to internships downtown,” and the school “utilizes the nation's capital well as an additional resource for students.” Here you'll find a “supportive and cooperative” group wherein “the majority of students identify as liberal and are passionate about their views,” but “differences of opinion are respected.” There's a sense of camaraderie, and students “routinely help one another find jobs and internships, edit each other's résumés, and rely on each other for networking opportunities.” The university “does a great job of getting students to create social bonds with one another,” which “encourages students' health and well-being.” And that starts early: Orientation week “is replete with events that are great networking and icebreaking opportunities,” and the school “does an excellent job at choosing students and curating a harmonious community.” Continuing throughout the year, there are “numerous student organizations and student social events,” meaning “free pizza [is] always available.” Students “are always eager to participate in strictly social gatherings as well as social gatherings based in an academic or activist project.” Overall, “this is such a happy campus,” and “everybody is close like a modern family.”