Jessica Killeen is a 2023 graduate of the George Washington University Law School with a Graduate Certificate in International Commercial Arbitration from the American University’s Washington College of Law. Jessica is currently clerking in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and plans to join a firm as a litigation associate at the conclusion of her federal clerkship.
Since starting law school in the height of the pandemic, the WBA community has been integral to Jessica’s experience in connecting with DC’s legal community. Jessica serves as co-chair of the WBA’s Young Lawyers Committee and International Law Forum.
From 2023 to 2025, Jessica clerked for an administrative law judge in the Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Law Judges where she practiced federal whistleblower and labor and employment law. During law school, Jessica interned with Disability Rights DC, the Department of the Interior’s Office of Civil Rights, the Disability Rights Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Jessica is passionate about public service, mentoring, and building a network of fellow lawyers that inspire her to excel in the legal profession.
Jessica is from Bedfordshire, England, and has lived in six countries and three states. Jessica lives with her rescue dog, Mischief, in Northwest DC and enjoys frequenting the trails of Rock Creek Park.
When did you join the WBA?
I joined the WBA during my second semester of law school in January 2021. The first event I attended was a Galentines Speed Networking event hosted by former WBA President and current DC Bar President, Sadina Montani.
Why did you join the WBA?
As a first-generation American and a first-generation lawyer, I joined the WBA to build community in Washington, D.C. and connect with like-minded women in the profession. I wanted to be part of an organization that not only supports women lawyers at every stage of their careers but also creates a space where mentorship, leadership, and friendship can thrive.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
The WBA has given me a strong professional network and a sense of belonging in the D.C. legal community. Through events, leadership opportunities, and friendships formed along the way, I’ve gained support and perspective that have shaped my career and perspective. The WBA is an invaluable place to find mentors, collaborators, and peers who will both challenge and encourage you.
Do you have a mentor/hero? Please describe her/his impact on your professional and/or personal life
I’m fortunate to have several friends and mentors who have shared their time and wisdom with me as I navigated law school and clerkships, most of whom I met through the WBA. Their examples of leadership and resilience remind me that success in this profession comes from lifting others as we climb. In my personal life, I am constantly inspired by my mother, Lynne. She made sacrifices throughout her life to give me incredible opportunities here in the US. She is the most generous, hard-working, and exceptionally well-organized person I know. I’m beyond lucky to have her in my life and even luckier that I get to call her my mum
What is the best advice you have received?
To treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn something new. Whether you learn something about someone else, a new field of practice, or a fun fact about the city you’re in, every interaction is a chance to learn something new about the other person, your community, or even about yourself.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Go to events! It is truly incredible how much you can learn, how many conversations you can participate in, and how many times you can get a seat at the table just by being in the room. Make sure you seek out community early and often, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Some of the best opportunities in my career have come from conversations where I asked questions and attended events I was curious about. Also, remember that your unique background and perspective are assets to any room you find yourself in. Be proud of who you are and where you came from.
What other organizations are you involved in (professional, civic, etc.)?
I volunteer with We Are Family DC, a local non-profit that delivers groceries to and builds community with senior citizens in the District. I also frequently return to my law school as a volunteer judge for various advocacy competitions.