Professor Silecchia has taught at Catholic University's Columbus School of Law since 1991. She has been an ordinary professor since 2004, and served as the law school's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in 2004 and 2005. From September 2015 to August, 2017, she served as Catholic University's Vice Provost for Policy. She was also the founding director of Catholic University's Summer Law Program in Rome.    

Professor Silecchia is the author of "On Ordinary Times,"  a bi-weekly column for Catholic publications begun in January 2019 and published in diocesan newspapers across the country. For copies of past columns please visit law.edu/ordinarytimes  

In 2016, she began service as an Expert to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, assisting on matters related to older persons, persons with disabilities and ecology.  Since 2016, she has also been a Faculty Fellow of Catholic University's Institute for Human Ecology, and, since 2022, an Academic Advisory Council member for the Center for Law and the Human Person.

 Professor Silecchia received her B.A. degree summa cum laude from Queens College (C.U.N.Y.) and her J.D. from Yale Law School where she was a Francis Coker Teaching Fellow, senior editor of The Yale Law Journal, and current topics editor of The Yale Law & Policy Review. After law school, she was a litigation associate at Rogers & Wells (now Clifford, Chance) in New York City.

During her 2000-2001 sabbatical, she spent the fall semester as a Visiting Scholar at Yale Law School and the spring term in Rome conducting research on environmental ethics issues from the perspective of Catholic social thought. Her 2007-2008 sabbatical saw travel to Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

In April 2007, Professor Silecchia was one of nine Americans to participate in a Vatican conference on Climate Change and Development, organized by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. She has participated in the Association of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools, and hosted the 2008-2009 Conference on Catholic Legal Thought.

Professor Silecchia has written in the areas of environmental law and ethics, elder law, Catholic social thought, legal education, law and literature, and legal writing. She has presented at national and international conferences for legal educators, law librarians, lawyers, religious groups, students, and environmental professionals. She has also participated in projects of the Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace and the Environmental Justice Project of the U.S. Catholic Conference;  taught in Catholic University's cooperative programs at Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland; and lectured in Portugal as part of Catholic University's U.S. - Portuguese Law Initiative at the University of Lisbon. She has also been a member of the teaching faculty for international law students in the Washington D.C.-based Institute for United States Law.

She provides commentary to television, radio and print media outlets on matters related to religion, environmental ethics, elder law, and Catholic social thought.

In 2015, Professor Silecchia received the Distinguished Alumna Award from the Queens College Political Science Department for teaching that "prepares your own students to combine faith with a passion for justice." She was named one of three national "Persons of Distinction" by the Association of Legal Writing Directors and was Catholic University's "Mirror of Justice Scholar" in 1996.

Professor Silecchia is admitted to the bars of New York, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Media

Author of "On Ordinary Times,"  a bi-weekly column for Catholic publications begun in January 2019 and published in diocesan newspapers across the country. For copies of past columns please visit law.edu/ordinarytimes  

Commentator on EWTN News Nightly, TeleSur Television, EWTN Pro Life Weekly, Morning Glory (radio), Catholic Connection (radio), Sacred Heart Radio, WWVA Radio, National Public Radio (NPR).

Published op-ed pieces in The Wall St. J., National Review On-line, Crux, The National Catholic Register, The Washington Post (Post Everything on-line),The Washington Examiner, The Environmental Forum, and The New York Daily News (online).

Quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Washington Times, U.S. Catholic Magazine, Crux, Catholic News Service, Catholic News Agency, Catholic  Register, Energy and Environment News, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Newsweek, The Journal Record, Deseret News, and Science & Technology News, discussing topics such as the Catholic majority on the Supreme Court; moral considerations in estate planning; environmental ethics; the dignity of human life, Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si', Catholic social teaching; assisted suicide legislation; the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI; purchase agreements for preconstruction condominiums; and indoor air quality.

PUBLICATIONS

(Most academic publications are available on-line at http://ssrn.com/author=625430). 

Law Review Articles: 

Lucia A. Silecchia,  A Critique of Guardianship Theory from the Perspective of Catholic Social Thought: Conflict Between the Duty to Protect and Preservation of Legal Autonomy, 38 Notre Dame JL., Ethics & Pub. Pol'y. 87 (2024)

Lucia A. Silecchia, Property and Moral Responsibilities: Some Reflections on Modern Catholic Social Theory, 9 Texas A&M J. Prop. L. 733 (2023).

Lucia A. Silecchia, COVID-19, Visitation and Spiritual Care: Responding to the Silent Suffering of the Isolated in Times of Crisis, 74 Baylor L. Rev 634 (2022).

Lucia A. Silecchia, 2022 Conference of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools: Reflections on Faculty Vocation and Support, 38 Touro L. Rev. 101 (2023).

Lucia A. Silecchia, Assisted Suicide, Forced Cooperation, and Coercion: Reflections on a Brewing Storm, 98 Notre Dame L. Rev. S68 (2023).

Lucia A. Silecchia,  A Directed Trust Approach to International Solidarity in American Environmental Law and Policy: A Mideast Proposal, 45 William & Mary Envtl. L. & Pol’y Rev 377 (2021).

Lucia A. Silecchia, Conflicts and Laudato Si’, 33 J. Land Use & Envt’l. L. 61 (2017). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Laudato Si’ and Care for Our Common Home:  What Does It Mean for the Legal Professional?, 6 Seattle J. Envt’l. L. 1 (2016). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, “Social Love” as a Vision for Environmental Law:  Laudato Si’ and the Rule of Law, 10 Liberty U. L. Rev. 371 (2016). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Pope Francis and the Vocation of the Lawyer:  Reflections on Responsibility and Service, 54 J. Catholic Legal Studies 23 (2015). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, The Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities:  Reflection on Four Flaws that Tarnish its Promise, 30 J. Contemp. Health L. & Pol’y 96 (2014). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, On “Unease” and “Idealism:”  Reflections on Pope Benedict XVI’s “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace” and Its Message for Law Teachers, 27 Notre Dame J. L. Ethics, & Pub. Pol'y 101 (2013). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Pope John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae and the “Horizon of the Good,” 1 J. Christian L. Thought 17 (2011). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Reflections on the Right to Environmental Health as a Condition for Development, 2 Comparative Law Portuguese-American Perspectives 301 (2010). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Integrating Catholic Social Thought in Elder Law and Estate Planning Courses:  Reflections on Law, Age, and Ethics, 7 Villanova J. Of Catholic Social Thought 353 (2010). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, “The Preferential Option for the Poor:”  An Opportunity and a Challenge for Environmental Decision-Making, 5 U. St. Thomas L. J. 87 (2008). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Discerning the Environmental Perspective of Pope Benedict XVI, 4 Villanova J. of Catholic Social Thought 227 (2007). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Faith in the Public Square:  Some Reflections on Its Role and Limitations From the Perspective of Catholic Social Teaching, 6 U. Md. L. J. Race, Religion, Gender & Class 69 (2006). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Catholic Social Teaching and Its Impact on American Law:  Observations on the Past and Reflections on the Future, 1Villanova J. of Catholic Social Thought 277 (2004). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Environmental Ethics from the Perspective of NEPA and Catholic Social Teaching: Ecological Guidance for the 21^st Century, 28 William & Mary Envtl. L. & Pol’y Rev. 659 (2004). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, The Catalyst Calamity:  Post-Buckhannon Fee-Shifting in Environmental Litigation and a Proposal for Congressional Action, 29 Columbia J. Envtl. L. 1 (2003) (lead article). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Things Are Seldom What They Seem:  Lawyers and Judges in the Tales of Mark Twain, 35 Conn. L. Rev. 559 (2002). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Reflections on the Future of Social Justice, 23 Seattle U. L. Rev. 1121 (2000). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Integrating Spiritual Perspectives With the Law School Experience:  An Essay and an Invitation, 37 San Diego L. Rev. 167 (2000). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Pinning the Blame & Piercing the Veil in the Mists of Metaphor:  The Supreme Court’s New Standards for the CERCLA Liability of Parent Companies and A Proposal for Legislative Reform, 67 Fordham L. Rev. 115 (1998). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Of Painters, Sculptors, Quill Pens and Microchips:  Teaching Legal Writers in the Electronic Age, 75 Nebraska L. Rev. 801 (1997). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, On Doing Justice and Walking Humbly With God:  Catholic Social Thought on Law as a Tool For Achieving Justice, 46 Catholic U. L. Rev. 1163 (1997). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Ounces of Prevention & Pounds of Cure:  Developing Sound Policies for Environmental Compliance Programs, 7 Fordham Envtl. L. Rev. 583 (1996 Symposium Issue). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Judicial Review of CERCLA Cleanup Procedures:  Striking a Balance to Prevent Irreparable Harm, 20 Harvard Envtl. L. Rev. 339 (1996) (lead article). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Legal Skills Training in the First Year of Law School:  Research?  Writing? Analysis? or More?, 100 Dickinson L. Rev. 245 (1996). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, New York Attorney Malpractice Liability to Third Parties:  Toward a Rule of Reason and Predictability, 15 Pace L. Rev. 391 (1995). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Designing and Teaching Advanced Legal Research and Writing Courses, 33 Duquense L. Rev. 203 (1995).

Additional Writings: 

Lucia Silecchia, Let Independence Day be an Occasion for a Civic Reawakening, NATIONAL REVIEW (ONLINE), July 4, 2022 (available at https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/07/let-independence-day-be-an-occasion-for-a-civic-reawakening/)

Lucia Silecchia, In The Post Dobbs Era, Universities Must Step Up to Support Pregnant Students, NEWSWEEK, August 23, 2023 (available at https://www.newsweek.com/post-dobbs-era-universities-must-step-support-pregnant-students-opinion-1735825

Lucia Silecchia, The Great Resignation and the Spirituality of Work, AMERICA MAGAZINE, March 2022, (available at https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/03/16/great-resignation-john-paul-laborem-exercens-242554)

Lucia Silecchia, The Real Tragedy Behind Operation Varsity Blues, N.Y. DAILY NEWS, March 19, 2019 (available at http:www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-the-real-tragedy-behind-operation-varsity-blues-20190319-k7bdpg)

Lucia Silecchia, Recalling Pope Benedict XVI’s Human Rights Appeal, in The National Catholic Register, April 30, 2018 (available at http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/recalling-pope-benedict-xvis-human-rights-appeal 

Lucia Silecchia, Who Are the Victims of Elder Abuse?, The Washington Post (Post Everything on-line) June 15, 2017 (available at
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/posteverything/wp/2017/06/15/who-are-the-victims-of-elder-abuse-the-disabled-cognitively-impaired-and-poor/?utm_term=.0f6e6c53ddac) 

Lucia Silecchia, Elderly at Special Risk in a “Throwaway Culture,” Crux, June 15, 2017 (available at https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2017/06/15/elderly-special-risk-throwaway-culture/). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Rejecting the View That Any Life is Dispensable, The Environmental Forum, March/April, 2017. 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, The Legacy of Roe v. Wade Extends Beyond Abortion, Crux, Jan. 22, 2017 (available at https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2017/01/22/legacy-roe-v-wade-extends-beyond-abortion/). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, On Abortion, the Supreme Court Can No Longer Remain on the Periphery, The Washington Examiner, Jan. 26, 2017 (available at http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/on-abortion-the-supreme-court-can-no-longer-remain-on-the-periphery/article/2613103). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, D.C.’s Dangerous “Death With Dignity” Act, The Washington Examiner, October 7, 2016 (available at https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/dcs-dangerous-death-with-dignity-act)

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Give Thanks for Your Brothers and Sisters, U.S. Catholic (on-line), July 28, 2016 (available at http://www.uscatholic.org/articles/201607/give-thanks-your-brothers-and-sisters-30717). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Tapping Our Better Nature to Solve Global Woes, 33 Envtl. Forum 55 (March/April 2016). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, (with Leslie Carothers, Bob Perciasepe and Caroline Farrell, Dialogue:  The Morality of Market Mechanisms, 46 ELR 10005 (Jan. 2016) (available at http://ssrn.com/author=625430). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, A Witness First Lives the Life He Proposes, (May 21, 2015) (text of a speech to the St. Thomas More Society of Baltimore, available at http://ssrn.com/author=625430). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Peter Stuyvesant vs. the Quakers:  How A Revolt in Dutch New York Planted the Seeds for the Right to Religious Free Expression, The Wall St. J., Jan. 10, 2014, A11. 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Opening Doors to Life, Natl. Rev. On-line, Dec. 4, 2014.

Lucia A. Silecchia, Law and Life:  The Dignity of Life and the Teaching of Law, 1 Pro Vita, 3, 7-9 (January 2013). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, Reflections on the Link Between Faith and Intellect, January 18, 2011 (available at http://ssrn.com/author=625430). 

Lucia A. Silecchia, After Copenhagen, Some Lessons from Rome, (published online with the Catholic Conservation Center and available at http://ssrn.com/author=625430).

Lucia Ann Silecchia, When Do Claims Challenging a Statute’s Effect on Pre-Existing Contracts Accrue?, Preview Of United States Supreme Court Cases, April 2002. 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Raising the Bar in Law School, Legal Times, Sept. 6, 1999 at S29. (reprinted as Lucia A. Silecchia, Law School Survival and Success, Texas Lawyer, Nov. 15, 1999 at 38). 

Joseph DiMento & Lucia Ann Silecchia, A Time to Put Things Together and ... A Time to Question Strategies of Environmental Law in the Mid ‘90's in Rapporto Mondiale Sul Diritto Dell’Ambiente 659 (Stefano Nespor, ed., 1996) (American contribution to “A World Survey of Environmental Law” published by the Italian environmental law journal, Rivista Giurdica Dell’ Ambiente). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Challenges for Environmental Professionals in a Climate of Increased Criminal  Enforcement of Environmental Violations in Practical Environmental Directions:  A Changing Agenda 55 (1996 Conference Proceedings of the National Association of Environmental Professionals). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia & Michael J. Malinowski, Square Pegs and Round Holes:  Does the Sentencing of Corporate Citizens for Environmental Crimes Fit Within Guidelines?, 8 Fed. Sent. Rptr. 230 (1996). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Regulation and Certification of Environmental Professionals, J. Envtl. L. & Prac. 38 (Nov./Dec. 1994). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, The Environmental Professionals Training and Certification Act:  A Critique, NAEP News 5 (May/June 1994) (reprinted as Lucia Ann Silecchia, Congress Seeks to Certify Environmental Professionals, Environmental Update 3 (Oct. 1994). 

Book Chapters: 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, The When and the Where of Love:  Subsidiarity as a Framework for Care of the Elderly, in Agape, Justice and Law (Robert Cochran and Zachary R. Calo, eds.) (Cambridge University Press) (2017). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, The Call to Stewardship:  A Catholic Perspective on Environmental Responsibility, in American Law From A Catholic Perspective (Ronald J. Rychlak, ed., Rowman & Littlefield) (2015) (https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780810889170).

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Skill Development, in J.P. Ogilvy et al., Learning From
Practice:  A Professional Development Text for Legal Externs (2^nd ed., Thompson West, 2007) and (1^st ed., West 1998). 

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Management Skills, in J.P. Ogilvy et al., Learning From Practice:  A Professional Development Text for Legal Externs (2^nd ed., Thompson West, 2007) and (1^st ed., West 1998).

Encyclopedia Entries:

Lucia A. Silecchia, completed entries on Catholic Higher Education, Parochial Schools, John Foster Dulles, Fulton Sheen, John Carroll, Charles Carroll, the Baltimore Catechism, and Clever v. N.J. Township for The Encyclopedia Of Christianity In The United States (2016).

Unpublished Reports:

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Comments Submitted to the Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace: Response to the Chairman’s Paper for the Second Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (March 14, 2002).

Lucia Ann Silecchia, The Environmental Agenda Of The 104^th Congress:  A Legislative Analysis Submitted To The United States Catholic Conference (February 20, 1996).

Lucia Ann Silecchia, Comments:  Draft Forms Of Business Enterprises Law For Estonia (March 25, 1995).

Speeches & Professional Presentations

• Speech, Subsidiarity as framework for Care of the Elderly
  Faith and Law
  April 12, 2024 (Washington, DC)
  
  
• Speech, Legal Trends in Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
  St. John Paul II Foundation Converging Roads Conferences
  March 16, 2024 (Charlotte, N.C.)
  
  
• Speech, Mutual Dependency and Indispensable Solidarity: A Catholic Perspective in Guardianship Policy
  Catholic Healthcare Leadership Alliance 2023 Symposium for the Advancement of Catholic Health Care
  November 9, 2023 (Washington, D.C.)
  
  
• Panelist, New Frontiers of Humans Rights: "Right to a Healthy Environment" Fordham Law School Institute on Religion, Law & Lawyer's Work
  April 24, 2023 (online)
  
  
• Commentator, AALS Property Mentor Session: "New Voices in Property Law
  AALS Annual Meeting
  January 7, 2023 (San DIego, CA)
  
  
• Speech, Assisted Suicide and Unconstitutional Conditions
  Notre Dame Law review Symposium
  October 24, 2023 (South Bend, Indiana)
  
  
• Speech, The Burden of Isolation: Forced Isolation of the Elderly during COVID-19
  12th Interdisciplinary Conference on Aging and Social  Change
  September 22, 2022 (online)
  
  
• Panelist, Religiously Affiliated Law Schools and Faculty Hiring
  Touro Law School
  Conference on Religiously Affiliated Schools
  September 15, 2022 (Islip, N.Y.)
  
  
• Speaker, "Environmental Law and the Common Good" Collegium Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture
  University of Pennsylvania
  February 7, 2022 (Philadelphia, PA)
  
  
• Speaker, Property and Moral Duties: "Some Reflections on Modern Catholic Social Theory"
  Texas A&M Journal of Property Law Symposium on National Property Rights
  October 22, 2021 (on-line)
  
  
• Panelist, “Rejoice and Be Glad” for Lawyers
  Fordham University School of Law Symposium, “Religious Lawyering at Twenty”
  September 12, 2018 (New York City, NY)

• Panelist, “Environmental Justice in the 21^st Century: Threats and Opportunities
  Discussion Sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, and Georgetown University Law Center
  April 16, 2018 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Laudato Si’ and the “Throwaway Culture”: Toward a Moral and Legal Response
  Marquette University
  March 28, 2016 (Milwaukee, WI.)

• Conflicts and Laudato Si’ Keynote Speaker
  Fordham University School of Law
  Dispute Resolution Society Symposium
  November 2, 2016 (New York City NY)

• Speech, Human Rights and Human Dignity: Protecting the Human Person in a Fragile World
  International Congress on the Environment and Law: Responsibility and Participation
  November 15, 2015 (Castle Gandolfo, Italy)

• Co-Organizer and Moderator, Conference on Laudato Si’ and the Protection of “Our Common”: Faith and Science in Conversation
  The Catholic University of America
  October 26, 2015 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Pope Francis and Laudato Si’  
  Loyola Law School
  October 11, 2015 (Chicago, IL)

• Dinner Speech, Laudato Si’ and Care for Our Common Home: What Does it Mean for the Legal Professional?
  Diocese of Austin Red Mass
  October 8, 2015 (Austin, TX)

• Speech, “Social Love” as a Vision for Environmental Law: Laudato Si’ and the Rule of Law
  Liberty University Law Review Symposium
  October 2, 2015 (Lynchburg, VA)

• Panelist, The Morality of Market Mechanisms
  Environmental Law Institute Public Seminar
  October 1, 2015 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Pope Francis and the Ecology of Life
  Discussion Sponsored by Catholic University Students for Life
  September 15, 2015 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Evangelization and the Catholic Legal Professional
  4^th Annual Lecture for Catholic Legal Professionals Hosted by the Archbishop of Baltimore
  May 21, 2015 (Baltimore, MD)

• Speech, Pope Francis and the Challenge of Sustainability
  1st Annual Sustainability Conference of American Legal Education
  Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
  May 8, 2015 (Tempe, AZ)

• Speech, Pope Francis and the Vocation of the Lawyer
  Fordham Law School
  April 29, 2015 (New York, NY)

• Cummins Institute Annual Lecture, Promises to Keep:  Intergenerational Solidarity as a Touchstone for Law-Making
  St. Mary’s College
  April 14, 2015 (Moraga, CA)

• Panelist, Religious Beliefs and Political Agenda:  What Role Should Faith Play in the Public Square?
  AALS Annual Meeting
  January 4, 2015 (Washington, D.C.)

• Moderator, Pope Francis:  The First Year
  Fordham Law School
  October 14, 2014 (New York, NY)

• Discussion Leader, The Future of Catholic Higher Education:  Changes and Challenges
  Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
  September, 9, 2014 (Bethesda, MD)

• Speech, The When and the Where of Love:  The Complexity of Subsidiarity as a Framework for Law
  Pepperdine University, Annual Nootbaar Conference
  February 8, 2014 (Malibu, CA)

• Panelist, Toward a Comprehensive Internationalization at CUA
  The Catholic University of America
  November 18, 2013 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Environmental Protection of Oceans in the Twenty-First Century
  University of Lisbon Conference on the 30th Anniversary of UNCLOS
  December 10, 2012 (Lisbon, Portugal)

• Discussant, Climate Change and the Church in the Southeast: Exploring Moral and Theological Resources and Principles
  Duke University
  November 28-29, 2012 (Durham, NC)

• Panelist, The Place of Religion in the Law School and in the Practice of Law:  Focus on Ethics
  2012 Biennial Meeting, Religiously Affiliated Law Schools Association
  Touro Law School
  May 4, 2012 (Islip, NY)

• Workshop Leader, International Human Rights and Environmental Law: Connecting Contemporary Legal Principles and Catholic Social Teaching
  Faculty Workshop, Marquette University
  February 18, 2011 (Marquette, WI)

• The 2011 Marquette University Simons Lecture, More Will be Expected:  Catholic Social Thought and International Environmental Stewardship
  Marquette University
  February 17, 2011 (Marquette, WI)

• Panelist, What Faith Has to do with the Intellectual Life
  The Catholic University of America
  Presidential Inaugural Event
  January 18, 2011 (Washington, D.C.)

• Instructor, Catholic Coalition on Climate Change:  Climate Ambassador Training
  Presented the basic theological perspective on Catholic environmental ethics to a group of twelve Catholic leaders from across the country
  December 2 – 5, 2010 (Bethesda, MD)

• Panelist, The Changing World of Trusts and Estates
  Southeastern Association of Law Schools
  August 2, 2010 (Palm Beach, FL)

• Speech, Toward a Pro-Life Environmental Movement
  University Faculty for Life Annual Meeting
  June 5, 2010 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Discussion of Francis Cardinal George’s The Difference God Makes: A Catholic Vision of Faith, Communion, and Culture Conference on Catholic Legal Thought
  Loyola Law School
  May 25, 2010 (Chicago, IL)

• Speech, Integrating Catholic Social Thought in Elder Law and Estate Planning Courses: Reflections on Law, Age and Ethics
  Joseph T. McMullen Jr. Symposium on Catholic Social Thought and the Law
  Villanova Law School
  September 25, 2009 (Villanova, PA)

• Speech, The Environment, Poverty and Sustainable Development: Reflections on Our Common Responsibilities
  The Rosalie Rendu Roundtable on Religion and Science Lecture at St. John’s University
  February 19, 2009 (Queens, NY)

• Moderator and Discussant, Scholarly Career Planning as a Christian
  Conference on Catholic Legal Thought
  Seattle University
  May 29, 2008 (Seattle, WA)

• Panelist, The Challenge of Inclusion:  Avoiding the “Us” and “Them”
  Conference of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools
  Boston College Law School
  April 8, 2008 (Boston, MA)

• Speech, Reflections on the Right to Environmental Health as a Condition for Development
  University of Lisbon
  March 10, 2008 (Lisbon, Portugal)

• Speech, Ecological Guidance for the 21^st Century
  Fordham Law School
  Catholic Lawyer’s Program on Globalizing Justice
  November 1, 2007 (New York, NY)

• Speech, The Preferential Option for the Poor: An Opportunity and a Challenge for Environmental Decision-making
  University of St. Thomas
  September 21, 2007 (Minneapolis, MN)

• Participant, International Conference on Climate Change and Development
  Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace
  April 26-27, 2007 (Vatican City)

• Speech, Religion in the Public Square:  Some Reflections on its Role and Limitations from the Perspective of Catholic Social Teaching
  University of Maryland, Symposium on Religion and the Law
  April 11, 2006 (Baltimore, MD).

• Respondent to Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Presentation, Climate Change:  An Alaskan Perspective
  Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
  February 13, 2006 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Discerning the Environmental Perspective of Pope Benedict XVI
  Villanova University
  Conference on Catholic Social Thought and Ecology
  November 11, 2005 (Villanova, PA)

• Speech, Catholic Social Teaching and Its Impact on American Law:  Observations on the Past and Reflections on the Future.
  Villanova Law School, Symposium on Catholic Social Thought and the Law
  October 3, 2003 (Villanova, PA)

• Speech, Environmental Stewardship
  St. Patrick’s Church, Lenten Lecture Series on Catholic Social Teaching
  April 16, 2003 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Perspectives on Law Teaching
  AALS Faculty Recruitment Conference
  October 18, 2001 (Washington, D.C.)

• Instructor, Introduction to Environmental Law in the United States
  Institute for United States Law
  August 1, 2001 and August 5, 2002 (Washington, D.C.)

• Instructor, Introduction to American Property Law
  Institute for United States Law
  July 26, 2001 and July 31, 2002 (Washington, D.C.)

• Instructor, Introduction to Corporate and Business Law
  Institute for United States Law
  July 24, 2001 and August 1, 2002 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Teaching Advanced Legal Research Through the Use of Research Journals: Sources & Strategies
  American Association of Law Librarians
  July 16, 2000 (Philadelphia, PA) (via videotape)

• Speech, Spiritual Perspectives on Law Practice and Professionalism
  St. Thomas More Society of Rhode Island
  May 16, 2000 (Providence, RI)

• Speech, Catholic Perspectives on the Future of Social Justice
  “Major Address” at the Dedication of Seattle University Law School Building
  October 18, 1999 (Seattle, WA)

• Panelist, Bridging the Gap Between Teaching and Scholarship
  Association of Legal Writing Directors’ Biennial Conference
  July 31, 1999 (Boston, MA)

• Speech, Litigation, Achieving Justice, and Catholic Social Thought
  St. Thomas More Society of Rockville
  May 20, 1999 (Rockville, MD)

• Panelist, Reports from the Field: Advice to New Law Teachers
  AALS Workshop for New Law Teachers
  July 26, 1997 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Introduction to American Law: Legal Writing
  American Association of Law Librarians (Workshop for the Non-JD)
  July 16, 1997 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Ethics and The National Environmental Policy Act
  A.L.I. - A.B.A. Course on N.E.P.A.
  April 17, 1997 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Launching an Academic Career
  Yale Law School
  March 4, 1997 (New Haven, CT)

• Speech, Ethical Dilemmas for the Environmental Lawyer as Policy Maker
  A.L.I. - A.B.A. 27^th Annual “Environmental Law” Course of Study
  February 15, 1997 (Bethesda, MD)

• Panelist, Professors and Professing: Faith and Students in the Academy
  Law Professors’ Christian Fellowship Conference on “Following Christ in the Legal Academy”
  January 3, 1997 (Washington, D.C.)

• The Eighth Annual Mirror of Justice Lecture, On Doing Justice and Walking Humbly With God:  Catholic Social Thought on Law as Tool for Advancing Justice
  Guild of Catholic Lawyers, Catholic University of America
  November 18, 1996 (Washington, D.C.)

• Panelist, Law Teaching as a Service Profession: Advice to New Law Teachers
  AALS New Law Teachers’ Conference
  July 27, 1996 (Washington, D.C.)

• Speech, Legal Writing in the Electronic Age
  Legal Writing Institute Biannual Conference
  July 19, 1996 (Seattle, WA)

• Discussant, Law, Legal Discourse and the New Technology
  Joint Meeting of the Law & Society Ass’n/Research Committee on the Sociology of Law
  July 13, 1996 (Glasgow, Scotland)

• Speech, Challenges for Environmental Professionals in a Climate of Increased Criminal Enforcement of Environmental Violations
  21^st Annual Conference, National Association of Environmental Professionals
  June 4, 1996 (Houston, TX) 

• Speech, Corporate Compliance and the Self Evaluative Privilege
  Symposium on Recent Developments in Environmental Crime (hosted by the Fordham Journal of Environmental Law)
  February 29, 1996 (New York City, NY)
  
  
• Speech, Preparing for a Career in the Legal Profession
  Women & the Law Conference (sponsored by the Public Leadership Education Network)
  November 5, 1995 (Washington, D.C.) 
  
  
• Speech, Implementing Curricular Reform in Legal Research & Writing Programs
  Association of Legal Writing Directors’ Conference
  July 29, 1995 (San Diego, CA) 
  
  
• Luncheon Speaker, Scope of Coverage in Legal Research & Writing Programs
  Luncheon Speaker, Mid-Atlantic Regional Legal Writing Conference
  May 22, 1995 (Villanova, PA)
  
  

Professional Activities and Professional Service

• Given Forum Mentor (2022-2023); Action Plan Strategist (2024)
  
  
• Faculty Fellow and Academic Advisory Board Member, Institute for Human Ecology (Fall 2016 – present)
  
  
• Participant, The Parma Seminar, The University of Parma, Italy (June 18-28, 2012)
  
  
• National Conference on Catholic Legal Thought (Chair and Conference Host, 2008 - 2009)
  
  
• Association of Religiously Affiliated Law Schools (2006 – present)
   
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association (1993 – present)
  
  
• Member, New York State Bar Association (1991 – present)
  
  
• Member, John Carroll Society (1995 – 2018)
  
  
• Advisor to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Global Warming   Project (2006)
  
  
• Member, Association of Legal Writing Directors (July 1995 – present)
  
  
• Chair, Association of Legal Writing Directors Scholarship Committee (July 1999 – June 2000)
  
  
• Appointed to New York State Bar Association Committee on Continuing Legal Education (2021- present)
  
  
• Appointed to New York State Bar Association Committee on Legal Education and Admission to the Bar (1995 - 2000 and 2021- present)

• Member, Legal Writing Institute (1991 – present)
  
  
• Legal Writing Institute Mentor for Legal Writing Teachers (1996 - 2000)
  
  
• Member, Federalist Society (1998 – present)
  
  
• Mentor, National Italian American Foundation Mentor Program (2000) Member, Supreme Court Historical Society (1999 - 2004)

• Graduate “Mentor in Residence,” Yale Law School (March 1997)
  
  
• Advisor to the Environmental Justice Project of the United States Catholic Conference (1996)
  
  
• New York State Bar Association Law Student Pro Bono Award Selection Committee (1996)
  
  
• Assisted American Bar Association’s CEELI in Critiquing Draft Business Association Laws for Estonia (1995)
  
  
• Advisor to the Education Committee of the National Association of Environmental Professionals regarding its Proposals for Environmental Professional Certification and Academic Centers (1994)

 

Bar Admissions

• Supreme Court of the United States (May 1995)
  
  
• District of Columbia (November 1991)
  
  
• State of New York (May 1991)
  
  
• State of Connecticut (December 1990)

 

Media

Commentator on EWTN News Nightly, TeleSur Television, EWTN Pro Life Weekly, Morning Glory (radio) and National Public Radio (NPR).

Published op-ed pieces in The Wall St. J., National Review On-Line, Crux, The National
Catholic Register, The Washington Post (on-line) The Washington Examiner, and The Environmental Forum.

Quoted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, U.S. Catholic Magazine, Crux, Catholic News Service, Catholic News Agency, Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Newsweek, The Journal Record, Deseret News, and Science & Technology News, discussing topics such as the Catholic majority on the Supreme Court; moral considerations in estate planning; environmental ethics; the dignity of human life, Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, Catholic social teaching; proposed assisted suicide legislation in the District of Columbia; purchase agreements for preconstruction condominiums; and indoor air quality.

Author of "On Ordinary Times," a bi-weekly column for Catholic publications begun in January 2019 and published in diocesan newspapers across the country.  For copies of past columns please visit law.edu/ordinarytimes of email silecchia@law.edu.

Podcast Appearances in "All Who Labor" (discussing Catholic social teaching on labor) and "Beauty at Work" (discussing the beauty to be found in the practice of law)