are figuring out their paths. We’ve even had some excellent WCL grads join our firm's fellowship program, which is specifically designed for lawyers starting their privacy and technology careers,” she said.
Melissa figured out her path towards technology law as an undergraduate at Boston University. Majoring in American history and communication studies, she took advantage of the opportunity to enroll in a selection of technology and privacy- related law courses.
“I loved my time at WCL. I had a fantastic experience, and I always wanted to stay involved,” Maalouf said
Melissa threw herself into AUWCL life, acting as editor-in- chief of the American University Law Review and participating on the moot court team. She was a Dean’s Fellow for both Professor Ira Robbins and Professor Emerita Mary Siegel, received an Outstanding Graduate Award, and was awarded a Myers Law Scholarship.
Melissa has taught an advanced externship seminar as an AUWCL adjunct professor. As a member of the John Sherman Myers Society, her financial giſts support scholarships, technological developments, facilities, academic initiatives, and student services.
She is excited about what the PIJIP Alumni Advisory Council can achieve.
“We’re trying to figure out ways to help give students more opportunities in the intellectual property space because it is an area that continues to grow. We want to bring in speakers and set up programs having to do with novel concepts like generative AI and open up our networks to students to help them find jobs, provide mentoring, and make connections across the field,” she explained.
“We also want to bring together a broader engagement of alumni and reconnect them with one another and students and give back substantive expertise.”
Navigating Law and
Amanda La Forge ’97 describes herself as a “political junkie.” Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, she began her journey into politics by working on a mayoral campaign for a year before attending law school.
BY LIZ NEWTON
Her choice to attend American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) was fueled by her aspiration for a career in public service. She also found AUWCL’s size and atmosphere appealing.
La Forge entered law school during the Clinton administration. While at AUWCL, she took advantage of externship opportunities and contributed to the Administrative Law Journal.
Amanda La Forge ’97
“The ability to do externships was fantastic”, she said. “I also loved working on the Administrative Law Journal, being part of a student-run publication was an excellent experience.”
It was during her first year at AUWCL that she met her husband, Mark Denbo ’97. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, they are the proud parents of two sons.
Currently, La Forge serves as chief legal counsel for Maryland Governor Wes Moore, where she offers legal advice and counsel to the administration. Before joining the governor’s office, she gained experience at Sandler Reiff Lamb Rosenstein & Birkenstock, P.C., as well as the Maryland Democratic Party, Maryland Higher Education Commission, Democratic National Committee, Office of the Attorney General, and Maryland Office of the Secretary of State.
She credits her wide range of perspectives to her time at AUWCL and acknowledges her husband’s unwavering support.
“My WCL experience prepared me very well for my current career because I met my husband there and he has been a wonderful and supportive partner,” La Forge said.
Reflecting on her time at AUWCL, La Forge notes that all of her peers have embarked on interesting and varied career paths.
“I made wonderful lifelong friendships because the students were fun, accessible and, while driven, not competitive,” she said.
La Forge and her husband now reside in Chevy Chase, Maryland. She has her bachelor’s degree in international relations from Boston University. –Liz Newton
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW 43
Politics with Passion: The Inspiring Career Path of Amanda La Forge ’97
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