Recently, the Washington College of Law’s Clinical Program community came together to celebrate excellence in legal education and honor the lasting impact of its people. The event recognized the 2025 recipient of the Elliott Milstein Award for Professional Excellence and paid tribute to three departing practitioners-in-residence whose dedication and mentorship have shaped student advocates in the clinic program.

Named in honor of Emeritus Professor Elliott Milstein, who attended the event, the award recognizes a Clinical Program alum whose legal skills and values reflect the highest standards of the profession. Professor Milstein, a pioneer in clinical legal education, served as Dean of WCL from 1988 to 1995 and Interim President of American University from 1993 to 1994. His vision helped shape WCL’s nationally recognized Clinical Program.

Professor Andrew Budzinski, director of the Elliott Milstein Civil Advocacy Clinic, opened the event with a warm welcome. Professors Jayesh Rathod and former Practitioner-in-Residence Elizabeth Keyes then introduced this year’s Milstein Award honoree: Shiwali Patel. A proud alum of the International Human Rights Law Clinic, Shiwali is now Senior Director of Safe and Inclusive Schools at the National Women’s Law Center. In this role, she leads legal strategy and advocacy to combat sex-based harassment in schools, represents students and organizations in Title IX litigation, and advances protections for LGBTQI+ students. Before joining NWLC, she served as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Professors Rathod and Keyes recalled Shiwali’s commitment and leadership as a clinic student, describing her as a clear force in public interest law from the start.

The celebration also marked heartfelt goodbyes to Tracie Siddiqui, Citalli Ochoa, and Olinda Moyd. Professor Vicki Phillips reflected on Professor Siddiqui’s inspirational work with students in the Glushko-Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic. Professor Anita Sinha praised Professor Ochoa’s contributions as a teacher and scholar with the International Human Rights Law Clinic. Professor Binny Miller, joined by clinic alum Hope Kashatus, honored Professor Moyd’s powerful legacy with the Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic—highlighting her dedication to students, clients, and systemic justice.

The WCL Clinical Program community will deeply miss these outstanding educators and advocates—and remains grateful for their service, passion, and impact. See event photos here.