A Bar Like No Other

The FCBA provides its members with opportunities to interact with and learn from industry leaders and key policy makers, including from Congress, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the Department of State, and the Department of Justice (DOJ). These opportunities include a range of regular association activities, such as:

• Cost-effective CLE programs on a wide variety of industry topics
• Directory of communications practitioners
• Informal lunch and learns and other events with government decision-makers
• Co-sponsored events with the Practicing Law Institute and major trade associations
• Annual Dinner featuring the FCC Chair
• Annual Seminar
• Informal happy hours
• Biennial Congressional Reception
• Receptions and other events with FCC Commissioners and Bureau Chiefs
• Annual FCBA Charity Auction
• Monthly FCBA Newsletter
• Young Lawyers Committee
• FCBA Job Bank
• Federal Communications Law Journal
• National Telecommunications and Technology Moot Court Competition

FCBA members attend frequent professional development seminars on a variety of topics such as regulatory trends, technical issues, and economic analysis relevant to media, telecommunications, wireless, international regulation and Internet-related practices, among others. The FCBA provides training for newer lawyers and communications professionals through programs such as Comm Law 101, an introductory seminar on communications law, policy and technology issues. The FCBA also co-sponsors an annual program on telecommunications law and regulation, providing a thorough review of the current state of telecommunications regulation by key players from government and industry. The FCBA is a qualified CLE provider for Virginia Bar members and facilitates securing CLE credit for its members in other jurisdictions. Materials from CLE seminars can be purchased on the FCBA website. The FCBA also has more than 30 committees that help provide member services; including subject-area committees that help practitioners stay current on regulatory and technical developments in their areas of expertise.

FCBA members provide volunteer services to the community in a variety of ways, including through the FCBA Foundation, a non-profit charitable and educational organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Annual Foundation programs include providing college and law school scholarships, summer stipends to law students who have accepted public service internships in communications-related agencies and, together with the Young Lawyers Committee, hosting the Annual Charity Auction, which benefits DC-area charities.

Members receive a monthly electronic newsletter with information about upcoming FCBA activities and special events, a Job Bank, and timely articles on developments in the industry.

FCBA membership offers professionals new to the communications industry an unparalleled opportunity to meet and network with their peers. The Young Lawyers Committee offers happy hours, educational seminars, and informal luncheon and breakfast meetings, and participates in a variety of social events. It also sponsors the Annual Charity Auction with the FCBA Foundation.

This comprehensive directory, which is available free to attorney and professional members, lists the name, affiliation, address, contact numbers, and e-mail address of every FCBA member. It is available to members in regularly updated electronic form through a secure link on the FCBA’s website.

Published in cooperation with The George Washington University Law School, the Federal Communications Law Journal affords interested members the opportunity to be involved in legal scholarship in the field. Past issues have featured articles on emerging services and technologies, federal and state regulation of communications, competition in domestic and international communications markets, and the convergence of communications and copyright. The law journal is also distributed electronically to all members.

Through our website the FCBA offers a wide range of online services, many of which are available only to FCBA members. The online services available include event registration, membership renewals, and the FCBA membership directory. The FCBA also accepts applications for new members online. The FCBA website also contains current listings of upcoming activities and contact information for FCBA officials and committee chairs.

The FCBA Social Media Committee invites you to “Like” and “Follow” our pages today to be in the loop for upcoming events, share fun pictures of your FCBA friends and colleagues, and grow your social media network! Come join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter (@FCBALaw), LinkedIn and Instagram (@fcba_law).