Professor Deyka Williams Spencer has been a practicing attorney for the past 17 years where she has specialized in resolving disputes through negotiating a high volume of settlements, participating in numerous successful mediations, and mediating. In addition to American University Washington College of Law, Professor Spencer is the founder and Managing Partner of The Spencer Firm, LLC. The firm’s practice has focused mainly on employment law and conflict resolution for the past 12 years. The majority of her practice involves negotiation, mediation, and other conflict resolution options.

Professor Spencer has earned the distinction of Super Lawyers Rising Star, Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and 40 under 40 as well as the Top Attorney in Bethesda recognition. She has participated in numerous instructional presentations to the legal and business community over the years. For example, she conducted a presentation to other attorneys on communication with the Spanish speaking community; another presentation to business owners on prevention of employment lawsuits (compliance), and training on diversity/discrimination. Professor Spencer has also presented to the public on employment law for the benefit of employees.

Prior to founding the firm, Professor Spencer worked as a Public Defender (criminal law) in Montgomery County, Maryland and as a Public Interest attorney (elder law) for AARP’s Legal Counsel for the Elderly in the District of Columbia.