John Wayne Lui, a class of 2016 graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, was recently appointed to serve as Administrative Law Judge for the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings. He met with third-year law student and SBA President Imani Roberson to share his post-law school journey and how his UDC Law experience has shaped his career and reinforced his enduring commitment to serving the public.
Reflecting on his educational path, which began at American University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in public policy respectively, Lui shared, “Every educational opportunity leads somewhere. Back in undergrad with international relations, I was really into it… [Later], I joined the Peace Corps and thought I would be in the State Department, become an ambassador, and pursue a career there. But I pivoted while abroad to public policy, where I learned more and got more interested in law.”
Lui decided he wanted to continue his educational journey at UDC Law, known for its fifty-year legacy of serving the public by providing vital legal services to the D.C. community. Lui’s acceptance into UDC Law was a tremendous moment that deepened his commitment to serving others. However, during his first semester of law school, he faced challenges. “I got a solid 2.69 GPA in my first semester of law school…” he disclosed. Although disappointed by his performance, Lui recalls making a pivotal decision that would change his life. He asked for help. Lui sought support from professors and classmates, and as a result of the mentorship and guidance he received, he “was able to improve [academically] and graduate with high honors [magna cum laude].”
Lui’s professional trajectory has been marked by diverse experiences, reflecting his proactive approach to seeking new opportunities. He has held positions including Assistant Attorney General at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Reserve Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Coast Guard, and currently as Administrative Law Judge in the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings. Encouraging others to embrace new experiences, Lui emphasizes the importance of flexibility, resilience, perseverance, and humility. These core principles have also aided Lui in becoming an expert marathon runner, owning the impressive accomplishment of setting the record in 2012 for becoming the youngest person to complete fifty marathons in all fifty U.S. states. He stated, “There’s always room for growth. That’s an important mentality and mindset to carry forward, and if you stay humble and keep raising your hand, opportunities will come. And I think it’s important to be persistent and not let the failures hold you back or down.” He also added that the ability to “pivot, … go in a different direction, and keep going forward” is “really important as well.”
Reflecting on how his commitment to public service has impacted his educational and professional experiences, including his time at UDC Law, where students are instilled with a commitment to public service, Lui stated, “I have a deep commitment to public interest. I always find myself raising my hand for these opportunities, and that’s how I found out about openings at the Office of Administrative Hearings to serve as an ALJ and administrative law judge.” He added that people should “double down on public interest in a public service career and encourage others to get into this arena as well because it is very rewarding.”
Lui has served the public within his professional positions and through his military endeavors. When asked about his role as Reserve Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Coast Guard, Lui explained that he was commissioned with the United States Coast Guard last July and that “as reservists, you’re known as the weekend warriors. The more I do, the less my unit is burdened by that task and that they can focus and turn their attention to those on active duty and other tasks that pop up for them.” He added, “We’re all part of a collaborative group. We support each other. We’re supporting the mission of the legal office.”
Perhaps most notably, Lui expressed a deep passion for community service directly in the field, directly interacting with his community, something everyone can do. He explained that serving the community outside of his position as a judge is equally important as serving the community as a judge, stating, “For me, it’s important to serve on and off the bench. We can do limited things while we’re on the bench as judges, but off the bench, you can volunteer with all sorts of different organizations. I regularly volunteer with So Others Might Eat and Capital Area Food Bank because what’s important to me is to continue serving in public service. It’s very important.”
Amidst all his professional endeavors, Lui consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public service. Whether presiding as an Administrative Law Judge or rolling up his sleeves to volunteer at a local food bank, Lui’s dedication to serving others remains resolute. His devotion underscores his professional principles and reflects the essence of who he is.