From Trial Lawyer to Educator: Developing the Next Generation of Advocates at AUWCL
AUWCL Alum, U.S. Air Force Veteran and Former Assistant State's Attorney Kristopher Vicencio brings passion and expertise to the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program
Kristopher Vicencio is a man of many talents. The 2018 American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) alum has been appointed as the new associate director for training & advocacy competitions of the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program. The U.S. Air Force veteran brings a wealth of experience to the role, including trial experience and a background in public service.
In his new position, Vicencio will help develop students into strong and ethical advocates and continue to build upon AUWCL's reputation of excellence.
"If I was not a trial lawyer, I would be an educator," he said. "This [role] allows me to do both. I love celebrating with students when they learn, grow, and succeed. I am thrilled to join the Advocacy Program at AUWCL to help develop our students into strong, ethical advocates, and continue to build upon our reputation of excellence."
Vicencio replaces Brandi Harden who is returning to private practice.
"I have worked directly with and coached side by side with Kris. He is an outstanding educator and consummate professional," Harden said. "Kris is passionate about trial advocacy and will make an outstanding addition to the WCL Advocacy Program. Welcome Kris!"
Vicencio began his legal career as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Richard S. Bernhardt in the Circuit Court for Howard County, MD. He then served as a Staff Attorney at Maryland Legal Aid, where he provided pro bono legal representation to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Most recently, he worked as an assistant state's attorney (ASA) at the Office of the State's Attorney for Anne Arundel County, MD, establishing and supervising the office's Body Worn Camera Review Unit and prosecuting cases in bench and jury trials. He also trained paralegals, law clerks, and new ASAs on discovery and legal issues surrounding body-worn cameras.
Vicencio's background in mock trial, as a competitor and a member of the Senior Executive Board of the Mock Trial Honor Society during his time as a law student, catalyzed his professional journey into victim advocacy. Vicencio continued to stay involved with the Advocacy Program after graduation, leading multiple student teams to advance in their competitions and individual students to win individual accolades.
"Vicencio's appointment to this position is a testament to his exemplary work as a trial lawyer, educator, and mentor," said Cynthia Goode Works, director of the Trial Advocacy Program at AUWCL. "He is passionate about trial advocacy and dedicated to public service, which makes him an excellent addition to the Advocacy Program at AUWCL."
The oldest of four children, Vicencio's upbringing played a significant role in his pathway to where he is now. His parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines. Vicencio was born in the Bronx and grew up on Long Island.
"My parents were tough on me and my siblings in the best way possible," he said, candidly. "I was never allowed to quit anything I started. I had to finish it, whether I liked it or not."
Vicencio's parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility to give back to his community.
"Since we were children, they instilled in us a desire for service," he said. "Everything that we do takes a village. I did not get to where I am by myself. It was my family, my mentors, and my friends that helped me get to where I am."
Vicencio's passion for public service, his dedication to teaching and mentoring, and his experience as a trial lawyer make him an outstanding addition to the Advocacy Program at AUWCL. He is excited to take on this new role and help develop the next generation of advocates who will go on to make a positive impact in their communities.
The Trial Advocacy Program at AUWCL is regarded as one of the best advocacy programs in the country.
~Story and photo by Keith Pierce.