When Chase Serota decided to attend American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL), he knew he wanted more than a traditional law school experience. For him, it was about immersion in public policy, legislative law, and the unique energy of Washington, D.C.

“AUWCL offered the chance to study legislative law at the center of government, surrounded by accomplished legal minds and a network of faculty and alumni that genuinely cares and invests in students,” he said.

Coming to law school with a strong background in politics and public service, Serota brought with him campaign experience and a vision for a legal career rooted in policy. At AUWCL, he found not only the tools to build on that vision but the support system to make it thrive.

“I’ve gained access to faculty who’ve worked at the highest levels of government and who go above and beyond to connect with students to help them succeed, even in less traditional legal fields like legislative law,” he explained.

That support came in many forms. Rigorous coursework in legislative law, hands-on opportunities on Capitol Hill, and career development that helped Serota secure high-profile roles. While in law school, Serota held multiple legal clerkships in both the House and Senate, including a prestigious position with the Senate Judiciary Committee. More recently, he landed a highly competitive legal internship at Amazon’s Public Policy and Legal Department, following a national search and a multi-round interview process.

“Law school is demanding, but it’s a short-term challenge that leads to a lifelong credential, a versatile skill set, and a network that supports your career, even in non-traditional legal paths,” Serota said. “AUWCL helped me chart a path that fits my passion for public policy.”.

One of the most striking parts of his law school experience was the culture he found at AUWCL: both inside and outside the classroom.

“Students genuinely support one another here, and the law campus has become a calm enclave where I could go from the hustle and bustle of a full workday in the U.S. Congress, to class, often learning about the very policies I had just worked on,” Serota said.

For students considering law school, particularly those interested in forging a non-traditional path, Serota offers this advice: embrace uncertainty and chart your own course.

“There isn’t one set path to follow,” he stated confidently. “It’s very easy to become disillusioned if you diverge from the traditional track, but as much as it can be frightening to chart your own course, it is also something that can allow you to pursue a legal career that truly aligns with your interests.”

Now, working at Amazon HQ on a range of public policy matters, Serota continues to expand his impact at the intersection of law and policy. And, as he reflects on his AUWCL experience, he credits the school with not just teaching law but opening doors.