CSU Law Launches International Law Center, Expanding Global Leadership and Student Engagement
Cleveland State University College of Law formally launched the International Law Center in Summer 2025, marking a significant step forward in the College’s expanding leadership in global legal scholarship, teaching, and student engagement.
Under the direction of Milena Sterio, BakerHostetler Professor of Law and Center Director, the Center is quickly emerging as a dynamic hub for timely, real-world engagement with international and comparative legal issues.
The International Law Center reflects CSU Law’s longstanding strength in international legal scholarship while creating a formal structure to deepen programming, student opportunities, and global collaboration.
Moot Court Night 2026
The CSU Law Moot Court Team competes in simulated appelllate advocacy competitions where students argue hypothetical legal cases against other schools before a panel of judges. Members engage in extensive legal research, draft persusaive appellate briefs, and deliver oral arguments responding to challneging questions. The competition format mirrors real-world appellate proceedings, with each competition focusing on a specific area of the law. Moot Court helps students refine their legal reasoning, public speaking, and advocacy skills while providing valuable experience in high-pressure legal enviorments. Team members compete in regional and national competitions, gaining recognition for their school and netwokring with other legal professionals.
In Memory of Chief Magistrate Judge Gregory F. Clifford '80
Cleveland State University College of Law mourns the passing of Chief Magistrate Judge Gregory F. Clifford '80, a distinguished alumnus, Hall of Fame member, and deeply respected leader in the Cleveland legal community. Chief Magistrate Clifford served the Cleveland Municipal Court for decades beginning in 1986, including as Chief Magistrate from 2001, and was known for his integrity, steady leadership, and enduring commitment to public service. He was devoted to CSU Law throughout his career, serving as a member of the College of Law's Board of Visitors and a mentor to generations of students. He also was a life member, longtime trustee and President (2017-18) of the Cleveland State University Law Alumni Association (CSULAA).
In Memoriam: Steven H. Steinglass
American Injustice at Guantanamo Bay: A Conversation with Human Rights Attorney and Author Joshua Colangelo-Bryan
Co-sponsored by the Criminal Justice Center and the International Law Center
Moderator: Reginald Oh
My Story Ain't Over: A Conversation With Innocence Project Exoneree Ru-El Sailor
Ru-El Sailor is a native Clevelander who spent 15 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted for murder before being exonerated with the help of the Ohio Innocence Project in 2018. In its investigation of Mr. Sailor’s case, the Ohio Innocence Project found no evidence, DNA-related or otherwise, linking him to the case, despite false testimony. Mr.
CSU|Law Moot Court Team Finishes Second at National Competition
Cleveland State University College of Law's Moot Court team of Riley Papa and Derek Bryan earned a second-place overall finish at the prestigious William B. Spong, Jr. Moot Court Tournament, hosted this weekend by the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Competing against 42 teams from law schools across the country, Papa and Bryan advanced through multiple rounds of rigorous appellate advocacy to secure their second-place finish; a significant national achievement.
Both Papa and Bryan are second-year CSU|Law students and members of the College's Moot Court program, which prepares students for high-level appellate advocacy through intensive legal research, brief writing, and oral argument training.
CSU Law Professor Milena Sterio Recognized Among Top 100 International Law Scholars
Cleveland State University Distinguished Professor of Law Milena Sterio was named to HeinOnline’s list of the Top 100 International Law Scholars, one of only two honorees in Ohio.
HeinOnline is a premier online research platform offering more than 244 million pages of fully searchable, image-based PDFs, including periodicals, government documents, international resources and case law.
From the Deans' Suite - 2/12/26 - From Cleveland Heights to the Olympic Stage
This week in From the Deans’ Suite, we step back and make space for a message from our emeritus colleague, Professor Ken Kowalski, who reminds us that sometimes the impact of our work in the law shows up in unexpected ways and sometimes many years later.
The U.S. Women's Hockey Team is having phenomenal success at the Winter Olympics, currently standing at #1 in Group A. That success is due in no small part to a player from Cleveland Heights, Laila Edwards, as detailed in the Plain Dealer.
Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Heights in particular can take pride in Ms. Edwards' accomplishments.
Examining Law Enforcement Use of Deadly Force
Following the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minnesota, law enforcement use of deadly force is again a major subject of media coverage and public debate. The CSU Law Criminal Justice Center presents a panel discussion of the legal standards and procedures governing law enforcement use of deadly force. The panelists will discuss when law enforcement are authorized to use deadly force, both under the Fourth Amendment and under state law, and what remedies are available under state and federal law for unlawful uses of deadly force. Panelists will also address questions from the audience.