Jeff Caruso

caruso

Education

  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School, ‘96
  • B.S., Pennsylvania State University, Mathematics & Psychology, ‘93

Extracurricular Activities While at NDLS

  • Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy (White Center)
  • NDLS Right to Life (President 1994-95)

Employment

Associate Director for Social Concerns, Maryland Catholic Conference
Annapolis, MD

Insights Regarding My Area of Practice

  • The Conference is the public-policy representative of the Maryland Catholic bishops and their (arch)dioceses. The Conference’s two primary roles are to advocate the interests of the Maryland bishops in public-policy forums (mostly state government) and to encourage Catholics throughout the state to engage in grassroots advocacy on behalf of the state’s poorest and most vulnerable. As one of four lobbyists at the Conference, my primary areas of advocacy are poverty reduction, health care, and religious freedom. My work includes drafting of legislation, one-on-one advocacy, presentations at parish communities, and issue analysis based on principles of Catholic social and moral teaching.

On How NDLS Influenced Me:

“My education at NDLS provided me a solid foundation upon which to build a career in Church-related advocacy. The tools used by lobbyists are the same as those used by attorneys and other advocates, and my Notre Dame education helped me develop those tools. In addition, the course work at NDLS facilitated students’ examination of important contemporary issues from the lens of our Church’s rich teaching. Through the training I received at Notre Dame, I gained a thorough appreciation of what the Catholic social and moral perspective could add to discussions that are played out in the public square. Making the connection between that perspective and issues that affect human life and dignity is the focal point of my job, and my NDLS education prepared me well for the work I do.”