Nan Shuker ’69 (center) at the Robert A. Shuker Endowed Scholarship Fund wine tasting event.
Nan Shuker ’69 toured many law schools, but American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL) was where she found a sense of belonging. What intrigued her most was the school's distinction as the first institution founded by women. Recognizing the importance of this historical context, Nan understood that her education would be a vital chapter in her overarching career narrative. The mission of the original founders—providing opportunities for those historically outside the mainstream in the legal profession—became the cornerstone of her legal career.
Key figures in her law school journey, including Dean Myers, Professor Anthony Morella, and Professor Nicholas Kittrie, shaped her perspective as she learned about the legal profession and the role of law. Professor Kittrie, in particular, offered Nan her first job after law school—a proposition she gladly accepted, often quipping, "I hate job searching."
This initial step led her to the criminal justice program at the University, setting the stage for a distinguished career as a trial lawyer before ascending to the bench in 1983. Nan concluded her full-time judicial service in 2020, transitioning to a private mediator. She remains very active in the legal community through her mediation practice, noting that many of her clients are AUWCL alumni.
Diversity, a core value that Nan’s parents instilled in her, has guided her throughout her life. Nan says her experience as a female law student in the 1960s differed from those attending AUWCL today, although she acknowledges there remains plenty of work yet to be done. Her commitment to inclusivity was acknowledged when she became the inaugural recipient of the Women in the Law Award in 2001.
Beyond her time on the bench, Nan's commitment to philanthropy and mentorship have become integral to her personal values and legacy within the Washington DC legal landscape. Her impact extends beyond courtrooms, as she has dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of legal minds.
To honor her commitment to her law school alma mater, Nan named AUWCL a beneficiary of her charitable estate plans, a reflection of her dedication to creating opportunities for future generations of students, and an affirmation that her impact will reverberate through the corridors of legal education for years to come. This incredible gift will support the Robert A. Shuker Endowed Scholarship Fund, created in memory of her late husband, Judge Shuker, which will provide direct financial aid to JD students who demonstrate financial need, service to the community, and scholastic ability.
American University Washington School of Law is renowned for the diverse specialties and rich opportunities it offers students. Learn about ways you can help strengthen the future for AUWCL students by contacting Kelly McCarthy at (202) 274-4236 or kellyam@wcl.american.edu.