Michelle A. McClure was one of the first graduates of both the University of Colorado School of Law and the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program. While Michelle's plan included going to Law School, completing the ITP was an idea that was encouraged by Dr. Frank Barnes despite Michelle's doubt of successfully completing the ITP. Michelle had decided to go to Law School to avoid the technical education required for other studies and found herself contemplating the ITP despite her earlier convictions that such course of study was not for her. However, with the support of Dr. Barnes, numerous faculty and staff at ITP, and the ITP students (who helped tutor her through many technical courses), Michelle successfully completed a concurrent program of the ITP while also completing Law School.
Michelle experienced academic challenges and accomplishments while completing the ITP. At the same time, she met great people and made great friends and colleagues, many who continue to influence her life today. Also, the education and training received from ITP has promoted and provided resources for her current professional relationships and career.
While Michelle was one of the first to complete both a law degree and the ITP and was the first to do so concurrently at CU, it has grown in popularity as evidenced by the joint programs that Law School and ITP currently enjoy and encourage. Also, just by reviewing the Alumni Bios on the website, it shows the increase of such dual backgrounds.
Michelle is currently Special Counsel with Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, P.L.C., a telecommunications law firm located in Arlington, Virginia. She joined Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, P.L.C. after being a Principal in the telecommunications firm of Irwin, Campbell & Tannenwald, P.C., in Washington, D.C. She has also worked as an in-house attorney in a national wireless company and also as a telecommunications consultant. The education provided by the ITP has helped with access to great clients and great work opportunities.