Digital Scholar Spotlight: Amina Cecunjanin-Musić

Amina Cecunjanin-Musić is a second-year law student at New York Law School with a strong interest in regulatory law, commercial real estate, and corporate compliance. Originally from Montenegro and raised in Connecticut, she first became interested in law while helping her immigrant parents navigate the complexities of running a small business. That early exposure sparked a passion for understanding how legal frameworks impact businesses, investments, and economic development.

Amina has gained hands-on experience through roles in commercial real estate law, investment strategy, and regulatory compliance. She has worked on transactions involving real estate financing, corporate governance, and public-private partnerships. As a fellow at the Center for Real Estate Studies and Vice President of the Albanian American Law Students Association, she is committed to promoting diversity and uplifting other students thinking about law school.

Q&A

What brought you to law school?

My journey to law school started with my parents’ small business. When they immigrated to the U.S., they had to navigate countless challenges—learning a new language, securing financing, and understanding the legal requirements of running a business. I witnessed firsthand the impact that contracts, regulations, and property law had on their success. From negotiating vendor agreements to helping them purchase the property where their restaurant operates, I became deeply involved in the legal and financial aspects of their business. It was eye-opening to see how the right legal guidance could empower entrepreneurs, protect investments, and create long-term stability.

That early exposure sparked my passion for law, but my interests expanded as I gained experience in real estate and finance. I saw how legal frameworks not only shape individual businesses but entire communities—determining access to housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. This realization led me to law school with the goal of working in regulatory law, particularly in areas that drive economic development, such as affordable housing or broadband expansion. I want to be part of structuring deals, shaping policies, and ensuring that legal barriers don’t prevent businesses and communities from thriving.

What interested you in the Digital Scholars program?

I chose to join the Digital Scholars program because the research I’ll be doing here will help me navigate the legal and regulatory issues I’ll encounter during my upcoming summer internship in-house at a major telecommunications company. Broadband access and digital infrastructure are highly regulated, and I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks, policy debates, and compliance challenges that shape the industry. This program provides an opportunity to explore these issues in depth, allowing me to approach my internship with greater insight and a strong foundation in the regulatory landscape. Given my broader interest in regulatory law and economic development, the program aligns perfectly with my career goals.

What have you learned so far about broadband? And what do you want to learn about next?

I have learned that broadband access is essential not only for connectivity but also for economic development, education, and closing opportunity gaps. Legal and regulatory challenges play a huge role in determining where and how broadband infrastructure expands. The complexities of public-private partnerships, funding mechanisms, and federal and state regulations all influence broadband availability, particularly in underserved communities.

Next, I want to explore how financing, public incentives, and regulatory policies interact to influence broadband expansion. I’m particularly interested in how these frameworks can be leveraged to improve infrastructure in economically disadvantaged areas, ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for businesses and residents alike.

What kind of law would you like to practice after you graduate?

After graduation, I see myself working in the regulatory field, focusing on industries where policy, infrastructure, and economic development intersect—such as telecommunications, affordable housing, or finance. I am particularly passionate about working on initiatives that expand access to resources, whether through housing, broadband, or other economic development projects that create opportunities for communities. My goal is to apply my legal skills to help businesses and institutions navigate complex regulatory environments while also driving meaningful impact in the communities they serve.