I am a space lawyer. Yes, you read that right. There are attorneys who work with the laws and policies that impact every satellite, every space mission, and really anything that reaches about 62 miles in altitude. My presentation will cover the three big questions my team gets: (1) Wait, you’re not kidding? (2) Okay fine, then who owns the moon? (3) Why are you in Lincoln? I want to introduce everyone to this unique field, teach the audience one or two basic tenants of space law, and show off our internationally recognized program right here in Lincoln.

Elsbeth Magilton is the Executive Director of the Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications law programs at the University of Nebraska College of Law. After starting her career in web and program development, Elsbeth shifted into technology policy during law school. She earned her J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law and received a concentration in Cyberlaw. Elsbeth also studied at the William and Mary College of Law, completing unique courses in cybercrime and working with the Center for Legal and Court Technology. Elsbeth is a huge science fiction fan and has always loved space. Applying her technical background and interest in space travel to the law is her passion. She travels to law schools, engineering schools, high schools, science fairs, and even comicons to talk to students about the impact laws and policies have on innovative industries and how lawyers can help scientists and inventors. Elsbeth is admitted to practice law in the state of Nebraska and is member of the Nebraska Bar Association. She also has two curious and wonderfully wild children and is married to a chef who caters to musicians touring around the country.