Stephen B. Rudolph, longtime editor of the prestigious “CCH Aviation Law Reports” and founding editor of the journal “Issues in Aviation Law and Policy,” has been named executive director of the International Aviation Law Institute at the DePaul University College of Law. Rudolph will oversee the day-to-day operations of the institute, which offers specialized classes in aviation, regulatory and tort law, and sponsors working group symposia worldwide.

“I’m excited to come on board as director of this institute as the multi-billion dollar air transport industry grapples with such critical issues as the economy, energy and security in a post Sept. 11 world,” said Rudolph. “I look forward to leading the institute as it works to educate current and future attorneys about the pressing legal issues in the aviation industry today.”

Rudolph comes to DePaul with 30 years of business and entrepreneurial experience, which he will draw upon in his role of director. In addition to being the editor of two of aviation law’s major publications, Rudolph has served as vice president and general manager of a television production facility, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Labor and most recently as principal aviation writer and analyst for CCH/Wolters Kluwer, one of the world’s largest legal publishers.

Rudolph also brings to the university the publication rights for “Issues in Aviation Laws and Policy.” Rudolph will continue to edit the journal while at DePaul. “The journal serves as a forum for change by providing expert analysis and opinion of recognized legal, government and industry leaders,” said Rudolph. “The journal’s unique ‘forum’ concept works and it’s beginning to have an effect on some of the issues facing civil aviation.”

Established in 2004, the International Aviation Law Institute is one of the first institutes of its kind in the United States, according to Brian Havel, a college of law professor and the founder of the institute.  It has academic links with aviation programs at the Leiden University in the Netherlands, and at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

“As the home of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, which has regulated international aviation since 1947, our city is a fitting site for this groundbreaking academic venture,” said Havel. “The institute will greatly benefit from Stephen’s wealth of experience and knowledge.”

For more information about the International Aviation Law Institute, visit its Web site at http://www.law.depaul.edu/centers_institutes/aviation_law/.