CUA Columbus School of Law

Rev. Raymond C. O'Brien
Professor obrien@law.edu

Rev. Raymond C. O'Brien, professor of law, is a graduate of La Salle University and the University of Virginia Law School. In addition, he has earned a master's degree in church administration and a doctorate in ministry from The Catholic University of America. He is an ordained Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. Father O'Brien has published extensively in the area of family law, to include the casebook Domestic Relations (1998), with Professor Walter Wadlington. Articles include topics involving AIDS, the rights of children, pedophilia and marriage. In addition to family law, he has published in the field of decedents' estates, including a book entitled Long Term Care: Federal, State and Private Options (1997) with Michael Flannery. He has taught at the law school since 1977 and is also a permanent Visiting Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center; since 1990 he has taught a summer course for the Loyola Law School (L.A.). He teaches family law and trusts and estates.

Date of Birth: January 18, 1944.

Ordained Roman Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., May 17, 1975.

Education

D. Min. 1985 Doctor of Ministry

School of Religious Studies, Department of Theology, the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

M.Ch. A. 1975 Masters in Church Administration

School of Religious Studies, Department of Theology, the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

J.D. 1969 Juris Doctor

The University of Virginia School of Law

Charlottesville, Virginia.

B.A. 1966 Bachelor of Arts

La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Professional Experience

Present: Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Courses taught: Family Law and Decedents’ Estates. Serve on various law school committees as well as supervising and counseling students.

1987-1992: Associate Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching courses, supervised student-directed research, served as faculty advisor and worked with various law school committees.

1977-1983: Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Columbus School of Law, the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Within the law school, initiated a national recruitment effort involving students and graduates, ex officio membership on the Admissions Committee, the Judicial Clerkship Committee, and the Student Affairs Committee. At the university level, serving with the President on the Pastoral Council, the Committee on Aging, Committee on the Handicapped, Spanish Affairs Committee and various dean and faculty appointment committees. In addition to the speeches and panels presented throughout the country, I gave numerous talks at professional associations, elementary and secondary school associations, religious groups and societies plus career meetings. Counseling responsibilities included coordination with the Counseling Center at the University and the supervision of various tutorial programs operated at the law school and university/law school levels.

1987-present: Visiting Professor of Law, The Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.; Teach Decedents’ Estates each spring semester.

1990-present: Visiting Professor of Law, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California; Teach Family Law or Decedents’ Estates during the summer session.

1985, 1990 and 1992: Visiting Professor of Law, Washington College of Law, American University, Washington, D.C. Taught Descendents’ Estates in the fall or spring semester.

1983-1987: Visiting Professor of Law, St. Mary’s Law School, San Antonio, Texas.

Taught Family Law during the summer session.

1971-1975: Adjunct Professor of Law, School of Law, George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia. Participated in the establishment of the law school prior to its purchase by George Mason University. This included petitions for accreditation and purchase of the present location. Courses taught: Criminal Law and Procedure, Estates, Estate and Gift Tax, and Professional Responsibility.

1969-1971: Captain, United States Army

For nearly two years I taught all types of classified materials at the main Army installation concerned with electronic warfare and intelligence gathering. I possessed the highest security clearance and was sent to many areas of the world to learn and to teach. I also served in various other responsibilities as a duty officer, to include: troop commander, legal affairs officer, and special events coordinator.

Professional Offices

2002-2006: Council Member, the Advisory Council, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland

2002-2006: Council Member, Division of AIDS, The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland

1987-1991: Trustee, Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

The LSAC joins the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools in its governance of legal education in the United States. Elected by the nation’s law school deans to a three-year term, responsibilities included the overall supervision of the eleven million dollar LSAC budget.

1988-1996: Faculty co-editor, The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy.

Was responsible for coordinating students’ efforts in producing a scholarly publication of international import.

1978-1992: Director, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

Coordinated approximately 80 law school students and graduates in completing federal and state income tax returns as a service to the Spanish-speaking community. Served at least 500 clients each year.

Bar Admissions and Honors

Virginia State Bar

District of Columbia Bar

American Bar Association

United States Army Meritorious Service Medal

Co-dedication, Volume 5, Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy

Vicennial Medal, Georgetown University, Washington, DC

Papers Presented and Public Addresses

“Adoption in America,” University of Lisbon School of Law, Lisbon, Portugal, 2004.

"Health Care Reform: Medicaid and Medicine," University of Virginia School of Law, 1998.

"Elder Law Seminar: Effective Management of Personal and Financial Resources," University of Virginia School of Law, 1997.

"Pedophilia: The Church’s Response to a Grave Problem," Address to faculty and students, the North American Pontifical College, the Vatican, 1991.

"AIDS and the Future of the Family," Address to students, The University of Virginia School of Law, 1991.

Keynote Address, annual meeting, American Association of Affirmative Action, Boston, Massachusetts, 1990.

"Legal Aspects of the HIV Pandemic," panel presentation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.

Fourth International Conference on AIDS, the Vatican, Rome, Italy, 1989.

"AIDS Within the Academic Community," San Marcos University, San Marcos, Texas, 1988.

"AIDS: What Is It?" St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, 1987.

Books

Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations (with Professor Walter Wadlington) (6th ed. 2007), Foundation Press.

Family Law in Perspective (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 2d ed. 2007, Foundation Press.

Family Law Statutes, International Conventions and Uniform Laws (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 3d ed. 2007, Foundation Press

Decedents’ Estates: Cases and Materials (with Professor Michael Flannery) 2006, Carolina Academic Press.

Supplement for Domestic Relations: Cases and Materials (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 5th ed. 2005, Foundation Press.

Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 5th ed. 2002, Foundation Press.

Family Law in Perspective, (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 2001, Foundation Press.

Family Law Statutes, International Conventions and Uniform Laws (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 2d ed. 2000, Foundation Press.

Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 4th ed. 1998, Foundation Press.

Long Term Health Care: Federal, State and Private Options for the Future (with Michael T. Flannery) 1997, Haworth Press.

AIDS and the Family, AIDS and the Law, 2d ed., 1991 & Supp. 1993, Wiley L. Publications.

AIDS and the Family, AIDS and the Law, 1988, Wiley L. Publications.

Articles

“Adoption in America,” 1 Univ. of Lisbon L. Rev. 69-94 (2006).

“Clergy, Sex and the American Way,” 31 Pepperdine Law Review, 363-476 (2004).

“The Reawakening of Marriage,” 102 W. Virginia L. Rev. 339-391 (1999).

"Single Gender Marriage: A Religious Perspective," 7 Temple Policy & Civil Rights. Law Review, 429-484 (1998).

"Mandatory HIV Testing of Professional Boxers: An Unconstitutional Effort to Regulate a Sport That Needs to Be Regulated." (With Michael T. Flannery), 31 U.C. David L. Rev. 409-502 (1998).

“An Argument for the Inclusion of Children Without Medicare,” 33 J. FAM. LAW 567-627 (1995).

“Domestic Partnerships: Recognition and Responsibility,” 32 San Diego L. Rev. 163-220 (1995).

"Analyzing the Due Process Rights of Children and Parents in a Clash of Best Interests," 26 U. Conn. L. Rev. 1209-1260 (1994).

"The Legal Dilemma of Partner Notification During the HIV Epidemic: A Commentary," Journal of Clinical Ethics (In press 1993).

“Book Review Essay: The Culture of Desire by Frank Browning,” 9 J. Contemporary Health L. & Policy 605-621 (1993).

“Book Review Essay: Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations by Walter Wadlington,” 8 J. Contemporary Health L. & Policy 473-494 (1992).

"The Pending Gauntlet to Free Exercise: Mandating That Clergy Report Child Abuse" (with Michael T. Flannery), 25 Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review 1-56 (1991).

"A Legislative Initiative: Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990," 7 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 183-205 (1991).

"Discrimination: The Difference with Aids," 6 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 93-125 (1990).

"AIDS: Perspective on the American Family," 34 Villanova Law Review 209-279 (1989).

"Pedophilia: The Legal Predicament of Clergy," 4 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 91-154 (1988).

"Analytical Principle: A Guide for Lapse, Survivorship, Death without Issue, and the Rule," 10 George Mason Law Review 383-428 (1988).

"A Theological Method for Legal Education," 1985 Journal of Christian Jurisprudence 87-110 (1985).

"Illegitimacy: Suggestion for Reform Following Mills v. Habluetzel," 15 St. Mary’s Law Journal 79-122 (1983).

"Religious Education in the 1980’s: Perspectives and Challenges," 1982 Journal of Christian Jurisprudence 205-218 (1982).

Monographs

Legal Education and Religious Perspective, Bethesda, Maryland: Cambridge, 1985.

Book Chapters

"AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law (Supplement) (1993).

"AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law (2d ed.), New York, New York: Wiley Law Publishers (1992).

"AIDS and the Integrity of the Family," To Live: Why? Church and Health in the World 266-275 (1990).

"AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law (Supplement), 28-42 (1990).

"AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law, New York, New York: Wiley Law Publishers, 85-139 (1987).

Book Reviews

Shattered Mirrors: Our Search for Identity and Community in the AIDS Era, by Monroe Price, Dean and Professor of Law, 40 Journal of Legal Education 399-402 (1990).

Book Review Essays

Domestic Relations: Cases and Materials (2d ed.) by Walter Wadlington, 8 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, 473-494 (1992).

The Culture of Desire by Frank Browning, 9 J. Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1993).

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	Rev. Raymond C. O'Brien Professor obrien@law.edu Rev. Raymond C. O'Brien, professor of law, is a graduate of La Salle University and the University of Virginia Law School. In addition, he has earned a master's degree in church administration and a doctorate in ministry from The Catholic University of America. He is an ordained Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. Father O'Brien has published extensively in the area of family law, to include the casebook Domestic Relations (1998), with Professor Walter Wadlington. Articles include topics involving AIDS, the rights of children, pedophilia and marriage. In addition to family law, he has published in the field of decedents' estates, including a book entitled Long Term Care: Federal, State and Private Options (1997) with Michael Flannery. He has taught at the law school since 1977 and is also a permanent Visiting Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center; since 1990 he has taught a summer course for the Loyola Law School (L.A.). He teaches family law and trusts and estates. Date of Birth: January 18, 1944. Ordained Roman Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., May 17, 1975. Education D. Min. 1985 Doctor of Ministry School of Religious Studies, Department of Theology, the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. M.Ch. A. 1975 Masters in Church Administration School of Religious Studies, Department of Theology, the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. J.D. 1969 Juris Doctor The University of Virginia School of Law Charlottesville, Virginia. B.A. 1966 Bachelor of Arts La Salle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Professional Experience Present: Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Courses taught: Family Law and Decedents’ Estates. Serve on various law school committees as well as supervising and counseling students. 1987-1992: Associate Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. In addition to teaching courses, supervised student-directed research, served as faculty advisor and worked with various law school committees. 1977-1983: Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Columbus School of Law, the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Within the law school, initiated a national recruitment effort involving students and graduates, ex officio membership on the Admissions Committee, the Judicial Clerkship Committee, and the Student Affairs Committee. At the university level, serving with the President on the Pastoral Council, the Committee on Aging, Committee on the Handicapped, Spanish Affairs Committee and various dean and faculty appointment committees. In addition to the speeches and panels presented throughout the country, I gave numerous talks at professional associations, elementary and secondary school associations, religious groups and societies plus career meetings. Counseling responsibilities included coordination with the Counseling Center at the University and the supervision of various tutorial programs operated at the law school and university/law school levels. 1987-present: Visiting Professor of Law, The Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, D.C.; Teach Decedents’ Estates each spring semester. 1990-present: Visiting Professor of Law, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California; Teach Family Law or Decedents’ Estates during the summer session. 1985, 1990 and 1992: Visiting Professor of Law, Washington College of Law, American University, Washington, D.C. Taught Descendents’ Estates in the fall or spring semester. 1983-1987: Visiting Professor of Law, St. Mary’s Law School, San Antonio, Texas. Taught Family Law during the summer session. 1971-1975: Adjunct Professor of Law, School of Law, George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia. Participated in the establishment of the law school prior to its purchase by George Mason University. This included petitions for accreditation and purchase of the present location. Courses taught: Criminal Law and Procedure, Estates, Estate and Gift Tax, and Professional Responsibility. 1969-1971: Captain, United States Army For nearly two years I taught all types of classified materials at the main Army installation concerned with electronic warfare and intelligence gathering. I possessed the highest security clearance and was sent to many areas of the world to learn and to teach. I also served in various other responsibilities as a duty officer, to include: troop commander, legal affairs officer, and special events coordinator. Professional Offices 2002-2006: Council Member, the Advisory Council, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 2002-2006: Council Member, Division of AIDS, The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 1987-1991: Trustee, Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The LSAC joins the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools in its governance of legal education in the United States. Elected by the nation’s law school deans to a three-year term, responsibilities included the overall supervision of the eleven million dollar LSAC budget. 1988-1996: Faculty co-editor, The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy. Was responsible for coordinating students’ efforts in producing a scholarly publication of international import. 1978-1992: Director, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Coordinated approximately 80 law school students and graduates in completing federal and state income tax returns as a service to the Spanish-speaking community. Served at least 500 clients each year. Bar Admissions and Honors Virginia State Bar District of Columbia Bar American Bar Association United States Army Meritorious Service Medal Co-dedication, Volume 5, Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy Vicennial Medal, Georgetown University, Washington, DC Papers Presented and Public Addresses “Adoption in America,” University of Lisbon School of Law, Lisbon, Portugal, 2004. "Health Care Reform: Medicaid and Medicine," University of Virginia School of Law, 1998. "Elder Law Seminar: Effective Management of Personal and Financial Resources," University of Virginia School of Law, 1997. "Pedophilia: The Church’s Response to a Grave Problem," Address to faculty and students, the North American Pontifical College, the Vatican, 1991. "AIDS and the Future of the Family," Address to students, The University of Virginia School of Law, 1991. Keynote Address, annual meeting, American Association of Affirmative Action, Boston, Massachusetts, 1990. "Legal Aspects of the HIV Pandemic," panel presentation, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Fourth International Conference on AIDS, the Vatican, Rome, Italy, 1989. "AIDS Within the Academic Community," San Marcos University, San Marcos, Texas, 1988. "AIDS: What Is It?" St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas, 1987. Books Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations (with Professor Walter Wadlington) (6th ed. 2007), Foundation Press. Family Law in Perspective (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 2d ed. 2007, Foundation Press. Family Law Statutes, International Conventions and Uniform Laws (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 3d ed. 2007, Foundation Press Decedents’ Estates: Cases and Materials (with Professor Michael Flannery) 2006, Carolina Academic Press. Supplement for Domestic Relations: Cases and Materials (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 5th ed. 2005, Foundation Press. Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 5th ed. 2002, Foundation Press. Family Law in Perspective, (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 2001, Foundation Press. Family Law Statutes, International Conventions and Uniform Laws (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 2d ed. 2000, Foundation Press. Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations (with Professor Walter Wadlington) 4th ed. 1998, Foundation Press. Long Term Health Care: Federal, State and Private Options for the Future (with Michael T. Flannery) 1997, Haworth Press. AIDS and the Family, AIDS and the Law, 2d ed., 1991 & Supp. 1993, Wiley L. Publications. AIDS and the Family, AIDS and the Law, 1988, Wiley L. Publications. Articles “Adoption in America,” 1 Univ. of Lisbon L. Rev. 69-94 (2006). “Clergy, Sex and the American Way,” 31 Pepperdine Law Review, 363-476 (2004). “The Reawakening of Marriage,” 102 W. Virginia L. Rev. 339-391 (1999). "Single Gender Marriage: A Religious Perspective," 7 Temple Policy & Civil Rights. Law Review, 429-484 (1998). "Mandatory HIV Testing of Professional Boxers: An Unconstitutional Effort to Regulate a Sport That Needs to Be Regulated." (With Michael T. Flannery), 31 U.C. David L. Rev. 409-502 (1998). “An Argument for the Inclusion of Children Without Medicare,” 33 J. FAM. LAW 567-627 (1995). “Domestic Partnerships: Recognition and Responsibility,” 32 San Diego L. Rev. 163-220 (1995). "Analyzing the Due Process Rights of Children and Parents in a Clash of Best Interests," 26 U. Conn. L. Rev. 1209-1260 (1994). "The Legal Dilemma of Partner Notification During the HIV Epidemic: A Commentary," Journal of Clinical Ethics (In press 1993). “Book Review Essay: The Culture of Desire by Frank Browning,” 9 J. Contemporary Health L. & Policy 605-621 (1993). “Book Review Essay: Cases and Materials on Domestic Relations by Walter Wadlington,” 8 J. Contemporary Health L. & Policy 473-494 (1992). "The Pending Gauntlet to Free Exercise: Mandating That Clergy Report Child Abuse" (with Michael T. Flannery), 25 Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review 1-56 (1991). "A Legislative Initiative: Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990," 7 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 183-205 (1991). "Discrimination: The Difference with Aids," 6 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 93-125 (1990). "AIDS: Perspective on the American Family," 34 Villanova Law Review 209-279 (1989). "Pedophilia: The Legal Predicament of Clergy," 4 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy 91-154 (1988). "Analytical Principle: A Guide for Lapse, Survivorship, Death without Issue, and the Rule," 10 George Mason Law Review 383-428 (1988). "A Theological Method for Legal Education," 1985 Journal of Christian Jurisprudence 87-110 (1985). "Illegitimacy: Suggestion for Reform Following Mills v. Habluetzel," 15 St. Mary’s Law Journal 79-122 (1983). "Religious Education in the 1980’s: Perspectives and Challenges," 1982 Journal of Christian Jurisprudence 205-218 (1982). Monographs Legal Education and Religious Perspective, Bethesda, Maryland: Cambridge, 1985. Book Chapters "AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law (Supplement) (1993). "AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law (2d ed.), New York, New York: Wiley Law Publishers (1992). "AIDS and the Integrity of the Family," To Live: Why? Church and Health in the World 266-275 (1990). "AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law (Supplement), 28-42 (1990). "AIDS and the Family," AIDS and the Law, New York, New York: Wiley Law Publishers, 85-139 (1987). Book Reviews Shattered Mirrors: Our Search for Identity and Community in the AIDS Era, by Monroe Price, Dean and Professor of Law, 40 Journal of Legal Education 399-402 (1990). Book Review Essays Domestic Relations: Cases and Materials (2d ed.) by Walter Wadlington, 8 Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy, 473-494 (1992). The Culture of Desire by Frank Browning, 9 J. Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1993).
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