The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law mourns the passing of Harvey Lyle Zuckman, professor emeritus and the founding director of the Communications Law Institute (now known as the Law and Technology Institute). Professor Zuckman passed away on November 19 at the age of 90, surrounded by family throughout his hospitalization and final days of hospice care. His visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the field of communications law have left an enduring legacy at Catholic Law and beyond.
The profound impact Professor Zuckman had on his students and colleagues is reflected in the words of Lee Petro ‘97: “Professor Zuckman often stated that the Communications Law Institute is the crown jewel of the law school, but the reality is that he was the true crown jewel of Catholic Law, especially for those of us lucky enough to call him our professor, mentor, or friend. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him."
Under his leadership, Professor Zuckman established and grew the premier communications law program in the country, offering law students specialized training in a body of regulatory law that impacts one of the most powerful inventions of our time: electronic communications. To supplement the Institute’s curriculum, he founded CommLaw Conspectus, which is now known as the Catholic University Journal of Law and Technology. Additionally, Professor Zuckman played a key role in launching the National Telecommunications Moot Court Competition, which remains the leading competition in communications law and is co-hosted by the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) and Catholic Law to this day. His contributions have shaped the communications law field and inspired generations of leaders.
Kathleen Kirby ‘91 highlighted Professor Zuckman’s lasting and tangible influence, stating, “[W]hen I think about exceptional practitioners, public servants, policy influencers, and other leaders in our TMT [technology, media, and telecommunications law] space, so very many of them came from the Institute—and that all started with Professor Zuckman’s relentless efforts to build upon its quality, reach, and reputation."
Kirby, like many other graduates of the Institute, shared that her life was personally transformed when Professor Zuckman encouraged her to attend Catholic Law. He continued to mentor her throughout her career, which ultimately helped her achieve her current positions as a partner at Wiley and President of the FCBA.
Although their time at Catholic Law did not directly overlap, Dean Stephen C. Payne recognized the “privilege of getting to know Harvey and Charlotte these past few years," noting Professor Zuckman’s "sincere commitment to supporting an outstanding network of alumni loyal to their law school and dedicated to the advancement and growth of the communications law field.”
Catholic Law extends its deepest condolences to Professor Zuckman’s beloved wife, Charlotte, their children, Jill, Beth, and Michael (a 1998 graduate of Catholic Law), friends, and all who were touched by his kindness and intellect. His dedication, vision, and mentorship will forever remain a cornerstone of the Catholic Law community.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 21, at 1 p.m. in the chapel at the Garden of Remembrance, 14321 Comus Road, Clarksburg, Maryland. Shiva will take place Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Maplewood Park Place, 9707 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda.
Those wishing to share memories or notes of condolence with the Zuckman family may do so here.
The Zuckman family requests any memorial contributions be made to Catholic Law’s Harvey L. Zuckman Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.