Legal Fellow, Center for Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute
Brent Skorup is a legal fellow in the Cato Institute’s Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies.
Before joining Cato, he was a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at the George Mason University. His research areas include free speech, technology law, Fourth Amendment protections, regulation, and property law. Skorup has published pieces in economics and law journals and in popular media, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Reuters, and Wired. He’s appeared as a TV and radio interview guest for news outlets like C‑SPAN, NPR, CBS News, ABC News, and CNBC Asia.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, a dissenting opinion at the Illinois Supreme Court, and the ALI's Restatement of the Law of Property have cited his legal research and he has testified as a technology and legal expert in legislative hearings in several states. Skorup has been appointed to several federal and state advisory bodies and he is currently a member of the Texas Advanced Air Mobility Advisory Committee.
Skorup has a BA in economics from Wheaton College and a law degree from the George Mason University School of Law, where he was articles editor for the Civil Rights Law Journal. He was a legal clerk at the FCC’s wireless bureau and Office of General Counsel and at the Energy and Commerce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Partner, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Erika C. Birg is a partner based out of the Atlanta office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. She focuses her practice on helping companies protect their businesses before, during, and after litigation, with experience in resolving business-to-business disputes through litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and state and federal appeals involving business torts, contract disputes, trade secrets, misappropriation, computer fraud, and non-compete matters.
Senior Counsel, First Liberty Institute
Stephanie N. Taub serves as Senior Counsel with First Liberty Institute, focusing on litigation, appellate advocacy, and legal education.
While at First Liberty, her article on the rights of faith-based organizations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has been published in the Texas Review of Law and Politics. She has also authored pieces published in National Review, the Daily Signal, the Washington Times, the Des Moines Register, and the New York Daily News. In 2017, Taub was named one of 15 recipients of the James Wilson Fellowship in natural law.
Before joining First Liberty, Taub worked as a law clerk to the Honorable Reed O’Connor in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas.
Taub is a Harvard Law School graduate in the class of 2014 and a Blackstone Fellow in the class of 2012. During law school, she served as Co-President of the HLS Christian Fellowship and Managing Technical Editor of the Harvard Human Rights Journal. Taub spent her law school summers defending religious liberty in public interest law firms and clerking in the Texas Office of Solicitor General.
For her undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, Taub graduated summa cum laude, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Philosophy.
Partner, K&L Gates LLP
David Rybicki is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of K&L Gates LLP. He is a member of the investigations, enforcement, and white collar practice group.
David recently served in the Criminal Division of the U. S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., as Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General (2017) and Deputy Assistant Attorney General (2017-2020), the second- and third-highest ranking positions in the division. In these roles, David led the investigation, prosecution, and coordination of nationally significant matters and initiatives involving corporate fraud, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), cybercrime and cryptocurrencies, OFAC sanctions enforcement, transnational organized crime, healthcare fraud, consumer fraud, immigration fraud, civil and criminal RICO, public corruption, human rights, labor racketeering, and gaming law.
Prior to joining the Criminal Division, David served as Counselor to the Attorney General and worked on the Justice Department’s top criminal enforcement initiatives. This work included revision of the Department’s corporate enforcement policies, extension of the FCPA Pilot Program, “Going Dark” and other significant cybersecurity policy matters, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties, marijuana enforcement and regulatory policy, and creation of the Department's new civil asset forfeiture policies and regulatory guidelines.
In 2018, David was appointed to serve as an ex officio member of the United States Sentencing Commission, where he represented the Justice Department with respect to all aspects of federal sentencing law and policy, including amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for corporate fraud and other white collar crimes.
Partner, Special Matters and Government Investigations, King & Spalding LLP
William focuses his practice on government investigations, internal investigations, voluntary self-disclosures, and white collar criminal litigation. William advises clients on a range of white collar matters, including: the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and whistleblower cases.
William has experience representing companies and individuals in investigations conducted by federal and state authorities, including the Department of Justice, multiple United States Attorney’s offices, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Election Commission, and multiple investigative committees of the United States Congress.
William previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Richard J. Leon of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. William graduated summa cum laude from Notre Dame Law School, where he served as the Managing Articles Editor of the Notre Dame Law Review.
Vice President for the Program on Technology, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, Lincoln Network
Arthur Rizer is the Vice President for the Program on Technology, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties at Lincoln Network. In addition to his work at Lincoln, Arthur is a visiting lecturer at University College London, and an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Arthur is also a member of Columbia University Justice Lab’s Executive Session for the Future of Justice Policy, the Federalist Society’s Executive Committee of the Criminal Law Practice Group, the Virginia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and other advisory bodies.
Before joining Lincoln, Arthur was founding director of the R Street Institute’s program on criminal justice and civil liberties. Prior to that, Arthur taught at West Virginia University’s College of Law, and was a visiting professor at Georgetown University Law Center. He also served as a trial attorney with the U.S. Justice Department, primarily as a federal prosecutor in the Criminal Division, where he targeted command-and-control drug cartel leaders and narco-terrorists. He also served as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and in the civil division. Earlier in his career, Arthur served in the U.S. Army, originally enlisting as a private before later receiving a commission. He served as an armor officer, later becoming the commander of a military police company and a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps assistant professor. He deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, with the mission to train the Iraqi Infantry and served as an MP acting battalion commander and executive officer. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army (WVNG). During his Army career, Arthur received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service and Iraq Campaign medals.
Arthur is the author of three books: Lincoln’s Counsel (2010); The National Security Implications of Immigration Law (2013); and Jefferson’s Pen: The Art of Persuasion (2016).
Arthur earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Pacific Lutheran University; a master of laws, with distinction, from Georgetown University’s Law Center; and his JD, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School of Law. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Command Staff College. He is in the final stages of a doctorate at the University of Oxford, Faculty of Law, Centre of Criminology that focuses on policing.
Assistant Professor of Law and Assistant Director of the Academic Success Program, Vermont Law School
Professor Richard Sala is the Assistant Director of the Academic Success Program and an Assistant Professor of Law. He joined the VLS faculty in 2019.
Professor Sala enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1997, and served as an infantryman for more than a decade, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Professor Sala’s enlisted time included service with Marine Corps Ground Defense/Security Force, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and 6th Marines Regimental Headquarters, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina —during which time he deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable, participating in operations in and around the former Yugoslavia, including Operation Dynamic Response in Kosovo.
In 2001, Professor Sala was selected for commissioned service through the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training program. Professor Sala graduated from the University of Colorado in 2003 with bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and International Affairs, a minor in Italian, and a certificate in Central and Eastern European History. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2007 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. After completing The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course, he reported to 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, in Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a platoon commander, and company executive officer with Company C—completing a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2010, Professor Sala was selected for service a Judge Advocate through the Excess Leave Program. He attended Vermont Law School graduating with a Juris Doctorate (Cum Laude) and a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy (Magna Cum Laude). He was also the recipient of the Maximilian W. Kempner Award.
After completing law school, Professor Sala reported to Legal Services Support Team, Camp Pendleton where he served as a criminal prosecutor with Legal Team Echo and later, as a criminal prosecutor and Officer-in-Charge of Legal Team Delta.
In 2015, Professor Sala joined 1st Battalion, 4th Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as Judge Advocate to the Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin—completing a deployment to Darwin, Australia in support of bilateral and multilateral training with the Australian Defense Force and regional allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Upon returning from Australia, Professor Sala served as Assistant Deputy Staff Judge Advocate to the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division.
In 2016, Professor Sala was selected to serve as Assistant Professor and Marine Officer Instructor at the University of Rochester where he also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School.
Professor Sala retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2018.
Upon retiring, Professor Sala joined the New Hampshire Department of Justice serving as the Attorney to the Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (x2) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x2). He is also the recipient of the Lieutenant Colonel Vic Taylor/Major General Edwin B. Wheeler Award for being the Distinguished Graduate of Infantry Officer’s Course, Class 2-08.
Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University
Emily Hamilton is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity Project at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Her research focuses on urban economics and land-use policy. Hamilton has authored numerous academic articles and policy papers. Her writing has appeared in USA Today, the Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times. She contributes to the blog Market Urbanism. Hamilton received her PhD in economics from George Mason University.
Senior Counsel, Caplin & Drysdale; Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown Law
Professor Carney is a Senior Counsel with Caplin & Drysdale, Cht’d. in Washington, D.C. He served as a Trial Attorney for the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice for six years, and was in private (law firm) tax practice for many years, specializing in IRS administrative practice, tax controversies (audit and IRS Appeals Office), and tax litigation. He also advised clients in a similar capacity as a partner in the National Tax Office of Ernst & Young LLP in Washington. He is a member of the District of Columbia bar, as well as the bars of the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, D.C Circuit, and Eleventh Circuit.
Professor of Law, University of Baltimore School of Law (on leave); Senior Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice
Professor Dolin’s scholarship centers on patent law with a specific focus on how the patent regime affects innovation, especially in bio-pharmaceutical areas. His work in these areas includes a number of scholarly articles, presentations, amicus briefs, and congressional testimony.
Dr. Dolin is currently on leave from his academic duties while he serves as Senior Counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice.
From January 2020 to January 2022, Professor Dolin served as a resident Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau. In this role, he (together with other members of the Court) heard appeals in civil, criminal, administrative, and constitutional law matters.
Prior to joining the University of Baltimore School of Law, Professor Dolin held visiting appointments in other law schools. He also served as a law clerk to the Hon. Pauline Newman, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the late Hon. H. Emory Widener Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Rumors that he has a real Russian bear in his office are entirely true.
Associate Dean for Research and Intellectual Life, McKnight Presidential Professor in Law, Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Harlan Albert Rogers Professor in Law, Associate Director, Corporate Institute, University of Minnesota Law School
Professor Kristin E. Hickman is the McKnight Presidential Professor in Law, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, and Harlan Albert Rogers Professor in Law at the University of Minnesota Law School. She also has taught at Harvard Law School and Northwestern University School of Law. Professor Hickman teaches and writes primarily in the areas of administrative law, tax administration, and statutory interpretation. Her articles on these topics have appeared in the Columbia Law Review, Cornell Law Review, Virginia Law Review, Duke Law Journal, and other publications. She also co-authors the Administrative Law Treatise with Richard J. Pierce, Jr., and a casebook on federal administrative law with Pierce and Christopher J. Walker. Her scholarly work has been cited several times in opinions of the United States Supreme Court as well as regularly in lower court judicial opinions and court briefs.
In 2018-19, Professor Hickman served as Special Adviser to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in Washington, D.C. She presently serves as a Senior Fellow, and previously served as a public member and chair of the judicial review committee, for the Administrative Conference of the United States. She also is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel.
Professor Hickman received her B.S. degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting and a secondary major in history from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. After practicing for several years as a certified public accountant, Professor Hickman earned her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from Northwestern University School of Law, where she was awarded the Raoul Berger Prize and the Lowden Wigmore Prize for her scholarly writings. Following law school, Professor Hickman clerked for The Honorable David B. Sentelle of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and practiced law as an associate with the Chicago office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, concentrating on corporate and international tax transactions and matters.
Commissioner, United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Hester M. Peirce was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and was sworn in on January 11, 2018.
Prior to joining the SEC, Commissioner Peirce conducted research on the regulation of financial markets at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She was a Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she advised Ranking Member Richard Shelby and other members of the Committee on securities issues. Commissioner Peirce served as counsel to SEC Commissioner Paul S. Atkins. She also worked as a Staff Attorney in the SEC’s Division of Investment Management. Commissioner Peirce was an associate at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (now WilmerHale) and clerked for Judge Roger Andewelt on the Court of Federal Claims.
Commissioner Peirce earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University and her JD from Yale Law School.
Tech Roundup Episode 12 – Airspace and Drone Regulations
Brent Skorup
Regulatory Transparency Project's Fourth Branch Podcast
In this episode, Brent Skorup discusses the current state of drone technology, the history of...
Courthouse Steps Oral Argument Teleforum: Henry Schein Inc. v. Archer and White Sales Inc.
Erika C. Birg
The case of Henry Schein Inc. v. Archer and White Sales Inc. will have oral arguments...
Courthouse Steps Decision Teleforum: Tanzin v. Tanvir
Stephanie Taub
On December 10, the Supreme Court decided the case of Tanzin v. Tanvir. The 8-0 ruling...
Cargill v. Doe I - Post-Argument SCOTUScast
David C. Rybicki
featuring David Rybicki
On December 1 2020, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Cargill v. Doe I....
Edwards v. Vannoy - Post-Argument SCOTUScast
William S. McClintock
featuring William S. McClintock
On December 2, 2020, the Supreme Court heard oral argument in Edwards v. Vannoy. The...
United States v. Briggs - Post-Decision SCOTUScast
Arthur Rizer, Richard K. Sala
featuring Arthur Rizer and Richard Sala
On December 10, 2020 the Supreme Court decided United States v. Briggs. The question presented...
Should Local Zoning Laws Become More Flexible in the Age of COVID-19?
Emily Hamilton
Regulatory Transparency Project's Fourth Branch Video
In 2020, many small businesses were forced to change their service model to stay open....
Topics
NLC 2020: National Security Law Panel on "The Law, China, and the Possible New Cold War"
As part of the National Lawyers Convention, the International & National Security Law Practice Group...
The Implications and Importance of CIC Services, LLC v. Internal Revenue Service
Robert T. Carney, Gregory Dolin, Kristin E. Hickman
On December 1st, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case CIC Services, LLC v....
Capital Conversations: Hester Peirce, Commissioner, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Hester M. Peirce
Join us as Hester Peirce, Commissioner on the Securities and Exchange Commission, discusses the intersection...