Officers of the LSU Law Space Law Society include, from left to right, Abigail Mock, Val Dykes, Samantha Jacobsen, and Thomas Mackey.
The emerging and evolving field of space law remains an unfamiliar specialty to many law students. As president of the LSU Law Space Law Society, Val Dykes wants to change that by bringing guest speakers to the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center who can shed some light on the career opportunities and pathways available to those interested in the exciting area of practice.
“Our plan is to host as many space law professionals as we can,” said Dykes, a third-year law student.
On Nov. 9, the society welcomed LSU Law Class of 2019 alumnus Zach Miller back to his alma mater for one such event. Miller, who serves as senior counsel at Firefly Aerospace in Austin, Texas, was a founding member of the Space Law Society during his time at LSU Law. He and teammate Max Roberts also represented LSU Law at the 2018 World Finals of the Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition in Bremen, Germany, where they placed as international semifinalists.
Miller now serves as coach of the LSU Law Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition team, and he was also instrumental in helping Dykes and Space Law Society Vice President Samantha Jacobsen resurrect the student organization after it went dormant during the pandemic. Now that the club is back on its feet, Dykes and Jacobsen said they plan to host additional events and guest speakers in the spring.
As more attorneys practicing in space law visit LSU Law and share their experiences, Dykes believes more students at the Law Center will begin to explore potential careers in the field, particularly those interested in international law.
“Space law hinges on the international treaties and regulatory law that govern space-related activities between nations,” he explained. “It ties into the comparative law presence here at LSU because lots of people who enjoy international law also find space law exciting.”
Looking ahead even further, Dykes said he hopes LSU Law will incorporate a space law class into the curriculum to give students more opportunities to learn about the field.
“Space law is similar to maritime law in that it’s always changing, and it encompasses a wide range of issues,” he said. “We have a large maritime law presence here at LSU Law, and I think we could really benefit from a space law program.”
Prospective members interested in joining the Space Law Society can participate in general meetings and events or connect with the club through its social media platforms.
Space Law Society 2023-24 Officers:
President: Val Dykes
Vice President: Samantha Jacobsen
Treasurer: Thomas Mackey
Social Media Chair: Abigail Mock
Faculty Advisor: Professor Jeff Brooks
