Name: Amanda Hichez

Position Running for: President

AH: “As a former college rugby player, I’ve always enjoyed being part of a team. That same passion drives me in law school, where I compete in advocacy competitions and serve on executive boards of student organizations. It’s really rewarding to connect with others and work toward a shared goal. Through teamwork, I’ve also developed strong leadership skills. Right now, I’m serving as President of the Law Association for Women and Vice President of Finance for the SBA.”

Why should students choose you for President?

AH: “GW Law students should elect me as their next SBA President because I am qualified, passionate, and hardworking. Qualified: I have a deep understanding of SBA operations and the responsibilities of every executive member of the Cabinet, including the President. Most notably, I manage the finances not just for SBA but for every law student organization at our school. Hardworking: My track record speaks for itself. I successfully recovered the law school budget from a deficit by meticulously tracking every expense from every student organization—processing over 250 expenses totaling more than $100,000. Passionate: I want to serve as SBA President because I care about our collective law school experience. Every student should feel that they are getting the most out of their three years at GW Law—academically, professionally, and personally—while also finding a strong sense of community.”

What is the No. 1 issue students are facing and how will you address it?

AH: “There isn’t a single issue that all students struggle with equally in law school—different groups face different challenges. First-year law students often struggle to find balance as they adjust to the academic rigor and demands of law school. Meanwhile, public interest students are facing uncertainty due to recent Presidential Executive Orders, particularly the federal hiring freeze, which has led to cancelled PSRP interviews and rescinded job offers. As SBA President, I will advocate for resources and policies that address these concerns. For 1Ls, I will work to expand mentorship programs and wellness initiatives to help them navigate law school more effectively. For public interest students, I will collaborate with the Career Center and faculty to explore alternative employment opportunities, push for increased institutional support, and advocate for stronger networking connections with organizations less affected by federal hiring policies.”

How do you plan on bettering our standing with the administration and the school as a whole?

AH: “I am committed to advocating for the student body and strengthening our relationship with the law school administration. As VP of Finance, I work directly with the GW Law Finance Office and the Dean of Students Office. As President, I will request biweekly meetings with our SBA faculty advisor to ensure that student concerns are consistently heard and addressed, and I will request monthly meetings with the law school Dean to ensure that our needs as a student body are effectively supported.”

How will you better serve J.D. students?

AH: “While the administration focuses on academics and policies, the SBA should advocate for students, build community, and enhance the overall law school experience. I will be committed to organizing social and networking events that are inclusive to all students; address student concerns and feedback; advocate for policy changes; and, advocate for resources that improve student life. As future GW Law alumni, we will be connected for life within the legal field, so I aim to create opportunities for students to connect, build lasting relationships, and find balance amid the demands of law school during my term as SBA President.”

How will you better serve evening students?

AH: “More events should be scheduled at times that accommodate all students, with virtual attendance options when possible. SBA bylaws should encourage student organizations to host evening events and offer incentives for doing so. I will also work with the Career Center to highlight evening-friendly opportunities and advocate for the needs of evening students. Supporting the ELSA is also essential, which is why this year I helped facilitate a grant to offset decreases in their account balance.”

How will you better serve LL.M and S.J.D. students?

AH: “LL.M. and S.J.D. students should have access to the mentorship program offered to 1Ls. I will work with my team to gather a network of GW Law LL.M. alumni willing to serve as mentors and offer guidance to non-J.D. students. Given that many LL.M. students are international, I would also advocate for writing workshops to support their success. SBA will also commit to hosting networking events tailored to the LL.M. concentrations to provide opportunities specific to their interests.”

What do you plan to do regarding the Public Interest Journal?

AH: “The team of three second-year law students behind the initiative collected over 400 signatures — this shows that there is strong, collective support for the Journal. To move forward, we need to discuss the idea with faculty and decision-makers to understand the barriers. Collaborating with Dean Morrison and JOLT to understand the process of creating a new journal is key. Additionally, working with the EICs of existing journals will help make the PIJ successful.”

What should and should not change going into next year for the following roles SBA plays?

Advocacy.

AH: “SBA should speak up for the important issues affecting students and communities around the world. Right now, SBA is running a Fire Relief Donation Match initiative to help those impacted by the California wildfires. As SBA President, I will continue to support our community, address global events that affect students, and encourage students to speak out for the causes they care about.”

Finances.

AH: “Unless the administration hires a full-time director of finances to take over the Vice President of Finance’s role, SBA should continue overseeing the finances of all student organizations. This ensures financial accuracy and accountability. It also helps smaller student groups that may not have the resources or experience to manage their budgets or follow financial rules. By handling this, SBA helps make the process smoother, more transparent, and ensures all organizations follow the proper guidelines, leading to a more organized and efficient student community.”

Programming.

AH: “Our programming events should be consistent while also incorporating new ideas, different locations, and fun experiences to keep things exciting. Major events should be planned months in advance so students can budget and plan ahead, ensuring everyone can take part. The SBA Director of Student Organizations should work closely with student groups to help them plan their own events. This includes helping with order requests, creating and printing flyers, submitting events for the newsletter, and booking spaces. The role will expand to give more support, especially to new groups, so they can navigate the process and make the most of their events.”

Umbrella Organization for GW Law Student Organizations.

AH: “SBA’s role as an umbrella organization should offer valuable guidance to sub-organizations, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive without creating unnecessary obstacles. SBA should be a source of encouragement and assistance, providing clear direction when needed but also giving space for student groups to take the lead in their own projects.”

What is your opinion on the current SBA administration?

AH: “The current SBA administration focused on recovering from last year’s deficit, supporting student organizations’ fundraising efforts and hosting its own initiatives. This led to raising over $30,000, which includes proceeds from Lawloween. This financial recovery gives the incoming administration a strong foundation to focus on supporting students academically, professionally, and personally.”

Rate your agreement with the following statements:

QuestionResponse
SBA should have to fundraise itself.Strongly Agree
The R fund and C fund distinction should be abolished.Agree
The Career Center is doing a good job.Agree
The Dean of Students office is doing a good job.Disagree
The Finance office is doing a good job.Agree
The GW Law administration communicates clearly.Disagree
The SBA Executive Branch is too big.Disagree
The SBA should constitutionally reorganize as a one-branch institution.Disagree
The SBA operates effectively right now.Agree
Barrister’s Ball is the most important thing SBA does.Strongly Disagree
Students should know what goes on in Faculty meetings.Strongly Agree
The Nota Bene is an important institution at GW Law.Strongly Agree

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