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Forum on Communications Law

Network with lawyers in the print broadcast, online & mobile media, and the telecommunications industries. Keep up to date with cutting edge issues in defamation, privacy, commercial speech, freedom of information, data collection and use, FCC regulation, and First Amendment law.

Diversity Moot Court Competition

Moot Court Competition

Applications Due: Monday, October 23, 2023

The 16th Annual First Amendment and Media Law Diversity Moot Court Competition is designed to introduce minority law students to the practice of media law and to lawyers active in the communications law bar. The competition offers cash awards for superior performance in appellate briefing and oral argument.

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Nominations Open

Nominations

Deadline: Monday, November 6, 2023

Nominations are now open for three At-Large Governing Committee Members. Self-nominations as well as nominations by other Forum members are invited. Please feel free to forward this notice to others. The Nominating Committee shall determine that each nominee agrees to be nominated and to serve if elected. Additional information regarding the nominating and election process may be found in the Forum’s Bylaws.

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Women in Communication Law (WICL)

Thursday, November 9 | 7:00 p.m.

Join us for WICL Theater Night wit the Broadway show “Kimberly Akimbo,” at the Booth Theatre, 222 W 45th St. (between 7th & 8th). We are holding a block of seats in the center orchestra. The cost is $129 per ticket (there are no additional fees). After the show, join us for post-theater drinks, dining, and mingling at Café Un Deux Trois, approximately 9:30 p.m. Even if you are not attending the Broadway show, you are welcome to join us. Let us know, so we can make sure we reserve enough space for our group. RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected] by October 5!

Annual Conference Scholarship

Scholarship

Deadline: Friday, November 24, 2023

The Forum awards two scholarships for each annual conference: one scholarship is for a minority student (the Forum's Governing Committee looks for applicants who will add diversity to the current membership of the Forum and the communications law bar in general) and one scholarship is open to a general pool of applicants.

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Save the Date

29th Annual Conference

February 1 - 3, 2024

Mark your calendar for the 29th Annual Conference in Santa Barbara, CA. The next Annual Conference includes an array of plenaries and workshops – and a compelling roster of speakers and facilitators - addressing the pressing issues confronting content, communications. Entertainment and media lawyers today. Attendees will also be able to enjoy several offsite activities including a wine tasting and dinner in the gorgeous Santa Ynez Valley. This will be a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues in the incomparable vistas of the Pacific Coast.

2023 - 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities

The Sponsorship Committee develops an annual fundraising plan and identifies potential sponsorship opportunities. The committee is responsible for initiating discussions with potential sponsors, confirming sponsorship commitments and ensuring that each sponsor receives the full benefit of their contribution.

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The New Solo Practitioners and Small Firm Committee

The new committee aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas, “best practices” and useful materials, regarding practicing media law “leanly,” in the rapidly changing economic and digital media landscape.

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Strategic Plan

The Long-Range Planning Committee will assist the Governing Committee with helping further develop the Forum’s mission, vision and strategic direction given the changes in the industry, the media market, and the American Bar Association.

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Join Us

Join the ABA Forum on Communications Law to expand your knowledge with a community and advance your experience.

Media Bar Resources

Articles

Read articles by attorneys from the law firms who represent the media and those who serve as in-house counsel at media organizations in the United States.

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Videos

Watch videos featuring leading attorneys as they discuss issues facing the media bar and those who defend and protect the First Amendment.

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ABA Communities

Join the Conversation

Introducing Communications Law Communities. Join this new, exclusive online community site for ABA Forum on Communications Law members to connect and interact.

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Publications

Contact Us

Contact Forum staff using this online form.

Latest Job Postings

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About the Forum

The more than 2,200 members of the Forum on Communications Law represent a wide variety of specialized legal talent. The principal aim and objective of the Forum are: (1) To encourage discussion of problems relating to legal counseling and representation of the print media, the telecommunications industry, and the electronic media. (2) To promote the exchange of information among practitioners in the field. To support and promote research, forums, and publications focusing on communications (3) To keep abreast of developments in the law and to discuss evolving issues. (4) To preserve and develop professional competence and integrity in the practice of law.