LAW 420P - Telecommunications Law and Policy Practicum.

This course is aimed at students who are interested in representing clients before federal regulatory bodies and Congress. It is also aimed at students who are interested in telecommunications and media regulation by the Federal Communications Commission. The course will include principles of administrative law and practical exploration of client representation before the FCC and in Congress. During the course of the semester, students will be asked to assume the role of an advocate representing stakeholder interests in FCC proceedings. In that role, students will prepare comments for filing in the proceeding, conduct an ex parte session with FCC staff where they present their arguments and respond to questions, and marshal arguments in anticipation of a possible legal appeal of an FCC decision against their stakeholder’s position. The class also will explore the role Congress plays in defining and overseeing the actions of federal regulatory agencies. In that role, students will prepare background material and brief a Member of Congress on an FCC regulatory action. Through these practical assignments, students will gain a better understanding of the role Federal regulatory agencies play in the legal process and the practical impacts they can have on client interests. They also will gain insights into the relationship between Congress and the administrative state. Three hours. Bone