February 09, 2023

On February 3-4, 2023, Catholic Law’s Moot Court Association and Law & Technology Institute, partnered with the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA), eagerly welcomed competitors to the Law School for the 29th Annual National Telecommunications and Technology Moot Court Competition. Nine teams representing seven schools competed on campus in the two-day event. This year’s roster of schools included:

  • The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law
  • George Washington University Law School
  • Howard University School of Law
  • Liberty University School of Law
  • New York University Law School
  • Pepperdine Caruso School of Law
  • University of Virginia School of Law

These teams competed before experienced communications and technology law practitioners and addressed current topics in communications and technology law. This year's problem centered on the Federal Communications Commission’s statutory authority to regulate communications equipment used in space and enforce data security protections against hostile adversaries. The competition boasted a strong panel of judges throughout competition including FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr '05, Megan Stull '03, and Barry Ohlson, who heard final round arguments as a three-judge panel.

The Vice-Chancellor of the 29th Annual NatTel Moot Court Competition, Thomas Archer (3L), said, "I would like to thank the FCBA for their partnership over nearly 30 years, the competing teams who delivered impressive performances and tackled a tough problem, and my classmates who volunteered to serve as bailiffs and did a wonderful job in helping the competition run smoothly." Archer also thanked FCBA Committee member Lee Petro '97, whose tireless advocacy for this competition and involvement in creating competition problems spans over 20 years, and Logan (Samuels) Bennett '20, whose hands-on support was critical in the competition's success.

29th Annual National Telecommunications and Technology Moot Court Competition Winners:

  • Best Overall: Keegan Sweeney and Caitlin Flanigan (University of Virginia School of Law)
  • Second Best Overall: Lauren Lehner and Yana Holden (George Washington University Law School)
  • Best oralist: Jordyn Johnson (George Washington University Law School)
  • Best Brief: Lauren Lehner and Yana Holden (George Washington University Law School)