Adjunct Professors Bring Distinguished Expertise to the Classroom
May 10, 2019
Going to law school in Washington, D.C., has many advantages – access to branches of government, hundreds of interesting externship opportunities, and being at a campus location that exposes you to top attorneys from D.C., regional, and international law firms and organizations. That exposure continues inside American University Washington College of Law classrooms, as students learn from our extended network of adjunct faculty who bring their day-to-day experience and drive, and share stories of current cases, law firm dynamics, and practicing internationally.
We asked some of our adjunct professors to talk about what it’s like bringing their professional expertise to AUWCL, their favorite teaching moments, and what advice they give to students who are preparing to embark upon their own legal careers.
CARLOS ACOSTA
Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland
“Both of the classes which I currently teach at AUWCL rely on a case study approach…Both courses allow the students to examine all parts of each case and its procedural history. As we do so, I have been able to draw from my experience as both a local and federal prosecutor to compare and contrast salient case points with other cases and situations to demonstrate lessons learned and best practices.
As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve noticed that those folks who earn reputations for being considered excellent lawyers invariably share certain characteristics. I so firmly believe that these traits as career-making that I make it point of discussing these capabilities with each incoming extern who has worked with me over the last couple of decades. These are: 1. Take Ownership 2. Exceed Expectations 3. Anticipate Needs. Successful people in any field integrate these maxims into their daily work. They are known for consistently producing exceptional work product. They become the ‘go-to’ people in their organizations.”
TERRI SEGURA
Director & Senior Counsel, Zimmer Biomet
“I have been blown away at the level of engagement and diversity of experience and approach I've seen from my students. Their excitement about the subject matter and curiosity about its practical application energizes me each week. My best experience at WCL was seeing my students apply weeks of study to successfully conduct mock witness interviews for their mid-term assignment. We brought in real practitioners as witnesses and the students' preparation and confidence in conducting the interviews made me so proud!
We're constantly discussing how the course topics present themselves in practice. Also, many of our practical discussions are ripped from the headlines, so the class will discuss and apply the concepts we learn as white collar investigations unfold before us throughout the semester.”
ERICA SPENCER
Anticorruption and Government Compliance Counsel, Accenture
“My favorite part of teaching has been hearing the students' perspectives on the materials we are teaching. Many students have interesting work backgrounds, and they bring so much context to our class discussions. We try to include as much context from our practice as possible. Because our students have been interested in hearing about our compliance practice, we have woven that context into the entire course. As a first time teacher, the best part of the experience has been hearing from our students that we have sparked an interest in our area of practice.
My top advice is to learn as much as you can about possible careers and keep and open mind. Though things may not work out as you expected when starting law school, there are so many fulfilling career options. Keep working hard, and you will find something you love.”
BEHZAD GOHARI
Managing Director and General Counsel, Althing Group
“I’m incredibly lucky to have a very diverse professional background and I try to include my experience as someone who has helped businesses throughout their lifecycle in the classroom. I love teaching at AUWCL because of my students. I’m privileged to teach diverse, accomplished, motivated law students year after year. It is the best part of my teaching experience. My most memorable moment at AUWCL is the same every semester. I love the expression on my students’ faces at the end of our semester-long simulation when they have a flash of realization and the material we’ve been working with for three months finally coalesces.
I consider being a lawyer to be the highest of callings. My best advice is to spend your career living up to your oath to be fair and honorable to all before you.”
TANYA JONES BOSIER ’00
Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
“I love teaching in the Externship Program, because I have the unique opportunity to assist students in their transformation from law students to legal professionals. I enjoy being a part of my students’ growth in their confidence, knowledge and vision for their legal careers. I incorporate my experiences in the law practice into the classroom by candidly sharing my experiences, bringing in guest speakers and taking field trips so that the students can observe my world first-hand.
[My advice is] remember that your first job is not your last job. Use each experience as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Lend your legal skills and talents to serve communities and individuals in need. You will ultimately land in a position that reveals your true calling.”
JOHN T. HENDERSON
Administrative Law Judge, Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings
“AUWCL has demonstrated to me its demand to uphold excellence in the study of the law and in nurturing its law students to be the best legal professionals that they can be. It is a first class law school. I enjoy teaching at the law school as it gives me the opportunity to give back what I have learned in 30 years of professional legal experience. My current course, Alternative Dispute Resolution, lends itself to my being able to provide anecdotes of experiences that I then relate to mediation, arbitration or negotiation. In narrative form, insert these anecdotes in efforts to break up the monotony of lecture.
I often tell my law students, that in my view, the lawyer's first job is to protect the U.S. constitution and our form of government. Lawyers are involved in this first line of defense in various ways. One need not be Thurgood Marshall to have this mindset, but should be prepared if the time comes to defend. In addition, I stress that lawyers should have courage, conviction, honor and the propensity for truthfulness in order to serve the profession well.”
MEGAN WALLACE
Principal and Founder, Wallace Law, LLC.
“I enjoy the interaction with students and well remember certain professors. The professors that had the most impact on me were the most animated, fervent teachers who clearly loved what they taught. I found their enthusiasm for the topic infectious. I still have very fond memories of certain professors from my JD and my LLM courses. I hope to bring the same energy to my classroom, as I am passionate about my course.
Pursue the area of law that incites the most passion inside you. While your first job may not be your dream job in your chosen field, be open to making a change in the future. Listen to that voice inside you that yearns for the type of practice and clients that excite and challenge you. If you are fortunate, you will get to practice law for a very long time. Spend that time doing something you love each and every day - or at least most days. I know I do.”
BARRY BREEN
Deputy Assistant Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency
“Environmental law is intellectually fascinating, and also completely real-world at the same time. It appeals to both the heart and the mind. It's such fun to help students explore all this, and AUWCL students are so great at appreciating the challenge. It's such a great feeling to have a personal experience to share that is spot on for a central teaching point. It's the reward of giving students something they can take with them as they take on clients for themselves.
I think the most memorable [moments at AUWCL] for me are the times I meet former students. I love to follow their experiences, what they go on to do.”
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