WCL alumna seizes opportunity to ‘help someone else’
BY ADRIENNE FRANK
For Jessica Waters, it’s time to return the favor.
In 1999, Waters, CAS/BA ’98, WCL/JD ’03, was the keynote speaker at a scholarship luncheon attended by AU benefactor Abbey Butler. Something about the ambitious Waters resonated with Butler, and he encouraged her to go to law school.
“He said, ‘If you decide on AU, give me a call,’” recalls Waters.
A year later, she did.
“They offered me loans, but I couldn’t afford to go, so I took a chance and called him,” says Waters. She was shocked when Butler offered to finance all three years of law school.
“To this day, I don’t really know why he did it,” Waters says. “After I graduated I said to him, ‘I don’t know how I can thank you.’ He said, ‘Just do it for someone else.’”
And with the establishment of the Jessica Waters and Douglas Ward Scholarship, which will benefit a CAS or SPA student with a solid academic record and a demonstrated commitment to community service, she’s done just that.
“My husband and I are still fairly young and getting on our feet so we can’t do what Abbey did, but it’s a start.
“Abbey’s words stuck with me,” continues Waters. “He was such a huge supporter, I would not be an attorney today if not for his generosity. And now I know it’s my turn to help someone else.”
As an undergraduate, the New Jersey native was interested in politics and women’s issues and became involved with the College Democrats and the AU chapter of the National Organization for Women, which she founded. Waters also served as chair of the Freshmen Service Experience for two years, a position which cemented her commitment to community service.
When it came time to apply to law school, Waters says WCL was at the top of her list.
“It’s one of the few law schools in the country that really focuses on public service. WCL’s not just cranking out lawyers to make money,” says Waters, who taught a daily, year-long constitutional law class at Cardozo High School in the District while attending WCL.
Now an associate at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr in Washington, Waters focuses on pro bono work. About one-third of her time is spent on cases related to women’s health issues and reproductive rights—issues close to her heart.
“I have had so many opportunities. I’ve been really lucky and I realize that,” says Waters. “Because I’ve had choice, options, and support, it’s important to me that other women have that, as well.”
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