American University Washington College of Law Names Brandi Harden Associate Director of Advocacy Program
WASHINGTON, DC — American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) is pleased to announce the selection of Brandi Harden as the Associate Director of the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program.
Brandi Harden is widely regarded as one of the best trial attorneys in Washington, D.C. She is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, has been recognized as a “Top Lawyer” in criminal defense by the Washingtonian, and brings more than 20 years of litigation experience to AUWCL.
“Brandi Harden brings a wealth of advocacy experience and practical expertise, as well as unparalleled enthusiasm to our Advocacy Program, which is currently ranked third in the country for trial advocacy,” said Llezlie Green, Associate Dean for Experiential Education. “She is an outstanding attorney and teacher, with years of experience teaching advocacy courses and workshops and coaching law school advocacy teams. We are excited to watch our students thrive in Advocacy competitions under her direction.”
Harden began her career at the D.C. Public Defender Service, where she worked as a staff attorney and supervisor. In 2008, Harden became the managing partner of Harden Pinckney, PLLC, specializing in complex criminal and civil matters. Currently, she is the principal of Harden | Law which specializes in criminal defense and civil rights wrongful death cases.
Harden has also trained the best attorneys in the nation. She has held faculty appointments at Harvard Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and AUWCL. At Howard University School of Law, Harden served as an adjunct professor from 2006 to 2019, coaching the nationally renowned Huver I. Brown Trial Advocacy Team.
“I am honored to become a part of the AUWCL team, and excited to train our students to become the best advocates in the country,” Harden said.
Harden also develops advocacy and training programs for lawyers across the country. She serves as faculty for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Criminal Defense College, Gideon’s Promise, Washington Council of Lawyers, and several other public and private sector organizations.
Harden is a native of Dallas, Texas, a graduate of Howard University, and holds a law degree from Howard University School of Law.
The Advocacy Program is currently ranked 3rd nationally in the 2022 U.S. News and World Report and is regarded as one of the best advocacy programs in the country.