Washington DC Semester Week: Spotlight on Brittany Hughes (JD '17)

Brittany Hughes (JD '17)
Externship: United States Agency for International Development
Current Job: Deputy Legislative Director, House of Representatives GA-5
Location: Washington, DC

During the Spring Semester of my 3L year I participated in the Washington, D.C. Externship Semester, where I interned in the Legislation and Policy Division, Office of General Counsel, at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The D.C. program really allowed me to launch my career in Washington. While interning at USAID I met so many amazing attorneys and learned valuable lessons about the way our government works. Those same attorneys connected me with their networks in various branches of government. Through these connections, I was able to have an informational interview with the Legislative Director in the Office of Congressman John Lewis. This informational interview led to me accepting a Legislative Fellowship in the Office of Congressman John Lewis after completing my bar exam.

After completing my fellowship, I worked at the Small Business Administration and practiced immigration law at a small firm. Eventually, I returned to the Office of Congressman Lewis as Policy Advisor and Counsel. I was subsequently promoted to Deputy Legislative Director. I've enjoyed my time on Capitol Hill and appreciate the critical role that the DC program played in allowing me to truly learn to navigate Washington.

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Washington, D.C., Externship Semester Week!

This week we are highlighting five alumni, one each day, who have used DC as the launching point for great careers. If you like what you hear and want the chance for a similar experience, reach out to Professor Hunt (nancy.hunt@pepperdine.edu) for more information. The DC Semester will run this spring. We are currently planning for on-the-ground classes, and will be monitoring health and safety guidelines to inform our final decision.