in shaping law enforcement culture.
“Sergeants run the world,” he says with a slight chuckle. “If a chief implements a new policy but the sergeant doesn’t buy into it, it won’t happen.”
Beyond leadership development, Moore is passionate about addressing trauma, which he believes is one of the most overlooked challenges in the criminal justice system.
“So many of the behaviors we see, especially in young people committing violent crimes, are trauma responses,” he explains. “If we ever want to get truly serious about solving real problems, we have to address trauma.”
For law students interested in public service, Moore offers simple but profound advice: Stay true to your values. “Know who you are,” he says. “Respect, kindness, honesty, and integrity — those aren’t just words. They’re essential.”
He also stresses the importance of genuine empathy: “You have to care about people — all people. Not just those who agree with you or share your background.”
Building trust is equally critical. “People will follow your leadership if they see you are honest and consistent. But if they see you twist facts, talk behind people’s backs, or manipulate numbers, they won’t.”
AUWCL has long been known for its commitment to public interest law, and Moore believes its students have a unique opportunity to make an impact. His advice? Never lose sight of the people you serve.
“Don’t forget the public part,” he says. “If you choose this path, give it everything you’ve got — because people are counting on you.”
With a career defined by service, leadership and a relentless pursuit of justice, Karhlton Moore exemplifies the values AUWCL seeks to instill in its graduates. As he continues shaping public safety policy and training law enforcement leaders, his journey serves as an inspiration to the next generation of lawyers committed to making a difference.
Melissa Nasrah ’98 , Sharon Maerten-Moore ’98 , Kari Larsen Fonss ’98 , Kelly McCormicka ’98 and Kharlton Moore ’98 at the 2023 Alumni Weekend — Class of ’97 & ’98 Reception.
The Power of Empathy and Trauma-
Informed Lawyering in Legal Education Trauma-informed lawyering and empathy — central themes in Karhlton Moore’s public service journey — have long been foundational to the clinical experience at AUWCL.
BY BINNY MILLER
Professor Caroline Wick introduces students in the Disability Rights Law Clinic to the concept of empathy from day one, during a session titled “Beginning the Client Relationship.” Students explore the value of empathy and the challenges it can present in legal advocacy.
This theme continues across other
clinics. Professors Olinda Moyd and Binny Miller — who lead the Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic and the Criminal Justice Clinic, respectively — guide students in representing clients serving life or lengthy sentences, many of whom experienced complex trauma during their youth. “Understanding the complexities of trauma is the cornerstone for zealous representation of these clients,” says Professor Moyd, “and advocacy for the marginalized communities from which they come.”
Professor Miller’s scholarship further deepens this approach. In her article “Building Fierce Empathy,” students reflect on the role of race, identity, proximity, and vulnerability in forging meaningful connections with clients — while also confronting the emotional demands of such relationships. As one student wrote after visiting an elderly incarcerated client: “There is another layer to empathizing ... that comes from being in the room together — seeing how his body is aging and the toll prison has taken.”
Binny Miller is a professor of law, the associate dean for experiential education and the director of the Clinical Program.
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COLLEGE OF LAW 29
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