Amanda Hichez, President of GW Law’s Student Bar Association (SBA), is dedicated to making law school more connected and enjoyable for everyone.
In her first few months in the role, Hichez and her team have focused on helping transfer and part-time students feel more included, expanding networking and career development opportunities, and creating space for students to have fun amid the stress of law school.
Read on to learn more about Amanda’s goals for her term leading the SBA and how she has made the most of her GW Law experience.
What made you want to go into law school?
I always knew I wanted to go to law school. I was president of my mock trial team in high school and participated in Model UN and Model Congress. Being in a courtroom always fascinated me, so becoming a lawyer felt like the natural path. Especially with my political science degree, my options were somewhat limited—so law school was always the answer.
What made you choose GW Law?
I wanted to be in D.C. for the opportunities it offers—like working on the Hill or in the nonprofit sector. Through the Field Placement Program, I’ve been able to do just that while also expanding my network. D.C. felt like the right place for me, and GW has proven to be a great fit.
What do you want to do with your law degree?
I’m interested in commercial litigation, which I’ll be pursuing after graduation in New York. I’m also passionate about civil rights and constitutional law, which is why participating in the Van Vleck Moot Court competition has been so valuable.
What made you want to join SBA and run for SBA president?
As a 1L, I was curious about the financial side of the SBA, so I joined as the Deputy Vice President of Finance under Spencer Sandusky. After working closely with him, he recommended me to succeed him as VP of Finance during my 2L year.
In that role, I learned the inner workings of SBA and how all the moving parts fit together. That experience motivated me to run for President—I understood what the position required, and I felt confident I could do the job well. My background managing SBA’s finances gave me a strong foundation for leadership.
Now, as a 3L, I can confidently say running for President was a great decision. It’s been incredibly rewarding so far—and it’s only October! What’s made it such a great experience is the team I get to work with. I have 12 Cabinet members, over 16 Senators, and 5 Supreme Court Justices whom I nominated. Everyone in SBA has been a pleasure to work with and has helped me grow both personally and as a leader.
What specific goals do you have for your term as SBA president?
My top priority is helping students feel connected and comfortable at GW Law—especially transfer and part-time students. Integrating into the social community can be difficult, but that’s such a vital part of the law school experience. As a 1L, I can’t imagine having gone through law school without good friends, so helping others build that sense of community is important to me.
Another priority is expanding academic and professional networking opportunities. People come to law school to build their careers, so bridging that gap is essential. The Career Development Office is a great resource, but I want SBA to supplement it by creating more student-led opportunities—like amplifying student voices and experiences in different legal practice areas. There’s truly so much out there.
And of course, law school should be fun too! We’ve continued our Weekend Windups, and we just had a successful Lawloween, another great opportunity for students to connect outside the classroom. I think all these initiatives together can make the law school experience more fulfilling, which is exactly what my team and I are working toward this year.
Outside of SBA, what are some experiences you’ve had at GW Law that have meant the most to you?
Serving on several executive boards for student groups has helped me meet people, connect with alumni, and explore different practice areas. My involvement in BLSA (Black Law Students Association), LALSA (Latin American Law Students Association), and as President of the Law Association for Women has been especially meaningful. These groups helped me find mentors who continue to support me, and they played a huge role in helping me land my summer position.
I’ve also really enjoyed Van Vleck Moot Court—I competed last year and found it both challenging and fun. Through the Field Placement Program, I externed with the Poverty and Race Research Action Council, where I’m now working on publishing my FCBJ Note. Last spring, I also served as a Student Attorney in the Prisoner Civil Rights Clinic, representing a formerly incarcerated client in an excessive force case.
Overall, maintaining connections and staying involved has been invaluable to my law school experience and my career growth.
What are some of the lessons you’ve learned so far being SBA president?
Time management and balance are essential. It’s easy to burn out, especially as a 1L or 2L when your workload is heaviest. For me, keeping a healthy balance has been key—I make time to hang out with friends and go to church every Sunday. Those things ground me and help me start each week with a positive mindset. Prioritizing self-care and maintaining relationships that refill your cup really makes all the difference.
What advice in general do you have for law students or potential law students?
Don’t stress too much. Everyone can finish law school, do well, and find a job. The extra anxiety doesn’t help. If you keep a good balance, maintain a positive attitude, and take advantage of the resources here—like office hours, study groups, tutoring, and mentorship—you’ll be just fine. Those supports make a big difference and help ease the stress along the way.