CUA Columbus School of Law

The Institute for Communications Law Studies:

2009 graduates of the Institute for Communications Law Studies, posing with (front row, L-R): Rosemary Harold, a member of the Institute's adjunct faculty, Professor David Irwin, director of the Institute, Visiting Assistant Professor Donna Gregg and law school Dean Veryl Miles.

Founded more than 25 years ago, the Institute for Communications Law Studies (CLI or the Institute) is devoted to the specialized training of select students in a vital area of law at the heart of 21^st Century global society – Telecommunications and electronic mass media.

Among America’s law schools, CLI offers the broadest range and greatest number of courses in communications law, together with invaluable externship opportunities that can only be found in the Washington, D.C., area. The Institute prepares its students for the practice of communications law with law firms, governmental agencies, industry trade associations, U.S. Congress, media and public interest organizations, as well as with private communications companies.

Preparation for the practice of communications law includes the opportunity to develop brief writing and oral argument skills through participation in the annual National Telecommunications Moot Court Competition, founded by and held at Catholic University's law school. The competition is jointly sponsored by the Federal Communications Bar Association and CLI and held early in the Spring Semester. Students may also gain subject matter, in-depth experience and sharpen their legal research and writing skills by joining CommLaw Conspectus, the law school’s Journal of Communications Law and Policy.

Whether an independent television station is up for sale to a big media conglomerate, an international communications company is establishing telephone service with a local provider in Brazil or a start-up company is launching a novel Internet service, these transactions all require expert communications attorneys. The goal of the Institute for Communications Law Studies is excellence in the development of these professionals and facilitation of their entry into the field.

CLI, in concert with the University's commitment to fostering servant leadership for the Church, the nation and the world, encourages it’s students to think critically about the broader impact electronic mass media and the proliferation of Telecommunication technology have nationally and internationally on society and on fostering freedom.

Students who successfully complete their CLI course and externship requirements receive, in addition to the J.D. degree, a Certificate attesting to their completion of CLI’s specialized educational program.

Last Revised 30-Jun-09 10:12 AM.