Student Organizations

Students at GW Law are active and involved members of their academic community. Over the years, they have established over 60 organizations that reflect their diverse interests and concerns. These organizations play an important role beyond that of fostering camaraderie. By sponsoring speakers, hosting panel discussions, and encouraging dialogue on a wide variety of legal issues, the activities of GW Law student organizations have become an important extension of the curriculum. Through these organizations, students also make significant contributions to the Washington, DC-area community.

Please fill out the form below if your student organization needs an email address and we will get you set up with one!

 

Information for Holding an Event as a Student Organization

GW Law School Organizations, with a few exceptions, work with and through the SBA to plan and host events. All Student Organization events must comply with the Student Organization Handbook. Information about hosting events can be found starting on pg. 25. Events with alcohol or travel must be approved in advance.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. As of 2021, University funds cannot be used to buy single use plastics. This means student organizations cannot use the money they receive from the SBA Senate to buy single use plastics. This GW Single Use Plastics Elimination Guide may be useful for complying with this policy.
2. In addition to the information that must be submitted before your Student Organization holds an event, SBA requires student organizations to submit a post event report. Link to event report is coming soon.

Student Organizations

Student Bar Association (SBA)

President: Nicole Karem
Chief of Staff: Sydney Blitman
Contact: [email protected]

Phone: 202.293.1921
Fax: 202.293.1928
2028 G St., Suite 023, Law Learning Center

All students of the Law School are members of the SBA, the Law School’s student government. Through its elected officers and representatives, the SBA acts as an advocate of the student body, oversees the funding of student organizations, and sponsors a number of social, professional, and community service programs and events. Students take an active role in the academic and institutional development of the School through the SBA’s participation on the faculty–student committees dealing with faculty tenure and appointments, curriculum development, student recruitment, any incidents of discrimination and harassment, and public interest involvement. All students are encouraged to participate in SBA elections and to take advantage of the programs and activities that the SBA sponsors throughout the year, including the First-Year Mentoring Program; the Halloween Party; the Barrister’s Ball; weekly “Bar Reviews”; annual blood, food, and clothing drives; used book sales; as well as several community service projects and activities involving the American Bar Association Law Student Division.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

President: Madeleine Aroner & Benjamin Banker
Contact: [email protected]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a national nonprofit organization that works to preserve civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights through legal action, legislative advocacy, and community education. The ACLU–GW Law chapter seeks to promote awareness of issues of concern to the ACLU, including free speech, racial justice, religious freedom, reproductive rights, and equality for underrepresented populations. Members of the ACLU–GW Law work closely with the ACLU of the National Capital Area and have the opportunity to participate in the local chapter’s fundraising and grassroots efforts as well as its student leadership initiative. The ACLU–GW Law works collaboratively with other organizations to host on-campus events, such as movie screenings and presentations by prominent guest speakers.

American Constitution Society

President: Kevin Wright
Contact: [email protected]

The American Constitution Society is a group of law students, faculty, practicing attorneys, and others who seek to restore the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and liberties, equality, and access to justice in American law. To this end, the Society’s goal is to ensure that liberal views are given full consideration in debate, discussion, and decision making related to the creation and interpretation of law in the United States. By harnessing the values of compassion and respect for each individual, and working to reestablish these values in American law and politics, the Society aims to build a stronger and more equitable national community.

Anti-Corruption & Compliance Association

President: Simon Poser
Contact: [email protected]

GW's Anti-Corruption and Compliance Association (ACCA) organizes panel discussions, workshops, and conferences to educate GW Law students and the greater community about the growing legal field of anti-corruption and compliance practice.  ACCA provides a forum for students, practitioners, and faculty to explore issues surrounding public integrity, anti-bribery, transparency, regulatory compliance, white collar crime, and more. ACCA is committed to improving GW Law students’ career options by providing unmatched networking opportunities enhanced by our location in the Washington, DC area.

Antitrust Law Association

Co-Presidents: Sophie Pollack and Adrian Lee
Contact: [email protected]

The Antitrust Law Association (ALA) brings together students with an interest in Antitrust/Competition law and connects them to practitioners in the field. With the help of GW Law faculty that specialize in Antitrust law and a committed executive board, the ALA will hold activities including: career panels, networking events, Antitrust case visits, and panels on current Antitrust events. ALA programs aim to foster an interest of Antitrust law to all students. We will host panels discussing recent and pending cases that impact consumers, and the field of Antitrust law as a whole.

Art Law and Entertainment Society

President: Isolte Beal
Contact: [email protected]

The Art Law and Entertainment Society (ALES) promotes awareness of the field of art, cultural heritage, cultural property law and careers, improves students' knowledge of this field and current issues, and maintains contacts with students who may desire to explore art, cultural heritage and cultural property law. This objective shall be met by bringing speakers from private practice, museums, government, and academia onto campus, networking among students and other organization, establishing a professional mentoring program, and maintaining a list of contacts in the art, cultural heritage and cultural property law field by Art Law and Entertainment Society members and alumni.

Asian/Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA)

President: Adrian Lee
Contact: [email protected]

The Asian/Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) is a national organization for Asian/Pacific American and other interested law students. Its goals are to provide academic and social support for incoming as well as continuing students, to assist members in job searches, and to increase Asian/Pacific American enrollment and participation at the Law School. APALSA holds various workshops throughout the semester to help students better orient themselves to the Law School and has instituted a “buddy system,” whereby second- and third-year students act as mentors to first-year students. APALSA fosters a sense of community among Asian/Pacific American students by hosting various social events within the Law School itself or with other APALSA chapters in the region and participating in the annual national APALSA convention.

Atypical Student Society

President: Mary Zenger
Contact: [email protected]

The Atypical Student Society (ATYPS) works to make the legal field -- from law school through employment -- easier to navigate for individuals who are neuroatypical. ATYPS aims to provide a supportive community for atypical and neurodivergent students, and their neurotypical allies. ATYPS works to create culture change by providing resources for neuroatypical students, and educating our community about different cognitive conditions and experiences. By supporting neuroatypical lawyers, we hope to provide a platform for them to give back to the community, and end the stigma of cognitive conditions in the legal profession.

Banking and Securities Law Society

President: Joseph D'Arco
Contact: [email protected]

The Banking and Securities Law Society exposes its members to banking and securities law through a variety of networking events and career panels. BaSL uses these events to provide members educational and networking opportunities with practitioners and other students that share an interest in banking and securities law. 

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

President: Alyssa Alvarez
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Employment Opportunities: [email protected]

The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at The George Washington University Law School is a service organization aimed at promoting academic excellence, professional development, community service, and social unity among our members. GW BLSA is an official chapter of the National Black Law Students Association. We have been at GW Law for several decades, making positive and influential contributions to the law school and Washington, D.C. communities. Also, in an effort to promote and support a diverse student body at GW Law, BLSA members participate in the recruitment of minority students and provide information to the law school community about the contributions of African-Americans to the field of law. GW BLSA is a very active organization, hosting dozens of academic, professional, service, advocacy, and social events throughout the school year. We invite all GW Law students to join BLSA and participate with us! 

BLSA Website

Christian Legal Society

President: Spencer Reeves
Contact: [email protected]

The GW chapter of the Christian Legal Society (CLS) is an organization dedicated to fostering Christian fellowship for students at GW Law and demonstrating Christian values to the student body at large. CLS seeks to provide opportunities for students to serve the local community, network with legal professionals, and engage others on campus by hosting speakers and panel discussions.

Corporate and Business Law Society (CBLS)

President: Eric Gonzalez
Contact: [email protected]

The Corporate and Business Law Society encourages the exploration of contemporary issues in corporate and business law. Through a variety of student and alumni events and programs, CBLS aims to educate it members, raise awareness of opportunities available in the field, and facilitate the development of professional contacts.

Criminal Law Society

President: Cornelia Waugh
Contact: [email protected]

The Criminal Law Society (“CRLS”) is established to promote awareness of the criminal legal system by providing social, educational, and professional opportunities. CRLS commits to educating its members on methods to combat the racial injustices that pervade the criminal legal system and dictate outcomes at every juncture. CRLS is dedicated to fighting racial injustices and inequities both internally and at-large. CRLS is non-partisan and encourages the participation of all members of the GW Law community.

Entertainment and Sports Law Association (ESPLA)

Co-Presidents: Sydney Blitman and Jada Romulus
Contact: [email protected]

ESPLA provides students interested in entertainment and sports law with a forum for expanding their knowledge in the field. The organization sponsors workshops, lectures, and panel discussions featuring prominent figures in the entertainment and sports industries. These programs focus on the basics of entertainment and sports law such as copyrights, trademarks, contract negotiations, athlete and artist representation, licensing, and endorsements. ESPLA provides information regarding career opportunities, assists with research and networking, and informs students about conferences, forums, and competitions.

Environmental & Energy Law Association (EELA)

President: Julia Kiley
Contact: [email protected]

Events hosted by GW's Environmental and Energy Law Association (EELA) introduce students to the wide variety of EEL-related transactional, regulatory, and litigation career paths within the private and public sector. GW has been a leader in environmental and energy law since 1970, due in part to a significant monetary grant from the Ford Foundation. EELA's yearly career panels host attorneys from top law firms, non-profits, government agencies, and administrative law chambers. EELA also moderates panels discussing current events, fostering academic debate and dialogue between GW Law Professors, Deans, and local members of the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER). EELA's annual "Meet the Professors Night" in the fall and "Sustainability Week" in the spring teach students about EEL-related programs at GW Law and help students choose courses for the coming year. To stay updated on professional development, educational, and social events, current and incoming students should email [email protected] and ask to be added to EELA's biweekly newsletter.

Equal Justice Foundation (EJF)

Co-Presidents: Victoria Neiman-Vigo
Contact: [email protected]

As member of Equal Justice Works, the Equal Justice Foundation (EJF) is committed to promoting public interest law and community service. Each year, EJF organizes an auction to support students working over the summer in public interest legal positions and a 5K race to raise money for GW’s Loan Repayment Program. EJF also helps organize community service activities and encourages interest in access to justice issues. EJF is a vital organization for those committed to helping others, strengthening our communities, and making a positive impact upon society. Participation from all students is welcome.

Evening Law Student Association (ELSA)

President: Taylor Theodossiou
Contact: [email protected]

ELSA serves as a forum for any student who is interested in promoting the academic, professional and social advancement of the evening law student community at GW Law. The organization is especially focused on ensuring that the administration understands and is reminded of the special circumstances of evening students and the value-added that they bring to the community.

ELSA’s Executive Board includes the evening student representatives of the SBA Senate, which makes it a great sounding board for the issues, concerns, and suggestions of evening students who are primarily on campus on weeknights, hold full-time jobs, and have families, spouses, and community responsibilities. ELSA’s aim is to enhance the evening student experience at GW Law and to give these students an opportunity to participate more fully in campus activities.

Visit the ELSA on Facebook

The Federalist Society

President: Jackson Kitchin
Contact: [email protected]

The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of government powers is central to our Constitution, and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. The Society seeks both to promote an awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities. This entails reordering priorities within the legal system to place a premium on individual liberty, traditional values, and the rule of law. It also requires restoring the recognition of the importance of these norms among lawyers, judges, and law professors. In working to achieve these goals, the Society has created a conservative intellectual network that extends to all levels of the legal community.

Government Contracts Students Association (GCSA)

President: Emily Golchini
Contact: [email protected]

The Government Contracts Student Association is an organization that aims to encourage student interest in and engagement with the field of Government Procurement. In addition to promoting events and training, the GCSA seeks to connect students with practitioners in this unique field in which several legal disciplines intersect. Members will have opportunities to learn more about this field from guest speakers and to network with local attorneys.

GW Defenders

President: Jordan Schaer
Contact: [email protected]

The goal of GW Defenders is to provide a forum for those interested in indigent defense to come together and provide support for one another. The club intends to be a space specifically for those interested in indigent defense work and criminal justice reform. The club also has the goal of being an educational resource to any law student that is interested or thinks that they may be interested in providing indigent defense after law school. Our purpose is to foster a sense of community among those on similar career paths and provide opportunities to network and gain more knowledge into this specific area of law.

GW Law Running Club

President: Lindsay Wilson
Contact: [email protected]

The GW Law Running Club hosts weekly group runs around the Washington, DC area. Run times and other group announcements are posted on the GW Law Running Club’s Facebook page. GW Law Running Club welcomes runners of all speeds, experiences, and skill levels. Whether you are a first-time runner or a seasoned marathoner, we encourage all GW Law students to join us for our weekly runs.

Facebook Page

GW Law Soccer

Presidents: Charlie Schmidt
Contact: [email protected]

GW Law Soccer serves the GW Law school community by providing a variety of soccer related activities for students interested in playing.  We hope to ensure that all skill and commitment levels feel comfortable participating.  Currently, we have a weekly informal scrimmage.  Additionally, we participate in both GW intramural leagues and the DC community leagues at slightly more competitive levels. In 2019, the team won the DC league and competed against the top team from Baltimore on Audi field. 

We aspire to field a tournament against other law schools in coming years.  

GW Law Softball Club

Co-Presidents: Andrew Mendelson, Ellis McKennie, and Matthew Banaitis
Contact: [email protected]

GW Law Softball Club holds informal practices every weekend. We also host fundamentals sessions for players who are new or want to brush up on their skills. We welcome players of all ability and experience.

The GW Law Softball Club participates in two tournaments each year. GW Law hosts a tournament in the fall semester for local law schools that takes place on the National Mall. The team also attends the annual UVA Law Softball Tournament, which takes place in Charlottesville, Virginia, typically on the first weekend of April, and benefits the Children, Youth and Family Services of Charlottesville. GW sends three or four teams to the two-day, double elimination tournament each year, to compete against more than 100 other teams from law schools around the country. The group sends competitive and recreational teams, so players of all skill levels and experience are encouraged to come out and play. In addition, the Softball Club holds fundraisers in the fall and spring semesters to help cover registration, equipment, uniform, and accommodations costs. In past years, fund-raising efforts combined with school funding have resulted in a virtually free weekend of fun for all participants.

Human Rights Law Society (HRLS)

President: Danielle Barnes-Smith
Contact: [email protected]

The goals of GW's Human Rights Law Society are to promote human rights advocacy, raise awareness of national and international human rights issues, and support students interested in human rights work. HRLS works closely with GW's International Human Rights Clinic and the Amnesty International Legal Support Network, which includes law students, lawyers, and judges. HRLS also sponsors a number of events throughout the year, including panel discussions, networking opportunities, fundraisers, and its annual Human Rights Conference.

If/When/How (Law Students for Reproductive Justice)

President: Selection coming soon!
Contact: [email protected]

If/When/How (GW Law Students for Reproductive Justice) is committed to educating, organizing, and supporting pro-choice law students to ensure that a new generation of lawyers will be prepared to successfully defend and expand reproductive rights. Law Students for Reproductive Justice is a student-driven national organization committed to increasing education and professional training in reproductive rights law.

If/When/How Website

Immigration Law Association (ILA)

President: Brandon Martinez-Gonzalez
Contact: [email protected]

Founded in the Spring Semester of 2009, the Immigration Law Association (ILA) strives to:

Promote awareness of immigration law and careers therein, Improve The George Washington University Law School's community's knowledge of immigration law and current immigration issues, and maintain contacts with students who may desire to explore immigration law. This objective shall be met by bringing speakers onto campus, administering educational events, and networking among students and other organizations.

Promote immigration pro bono work and advocacy opportunities for students. This objective shall be met by organizing events with local public interest organizations and promoting them to the student population.'

International Law Society (ILS)

President: Christina Revilla Chacon
Contact: [email protected]

ILS is one of the largest and most active student organizations at the law school. Throughout the year, ILS presents guest speakers, sponsors social functions, and promotes career development activities such as lunches with practitioners. Each year ILS hosts International Law Week, offering professional and social activities, including visits to the State Department and D.C. law firms for discussions with partners and associates in international practices, a career fair of international public agencies, several speakers and panel discussions, and concluding with an embassy reception. In past years, panels have addressed topics such as international arbitration, trade, human rights, and international business law.

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)

President: Sabrina Rodriguez
Contact: [email protected]

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a national student-led organization founded by law students at Yale University in 2007. IRAP provides legal representation and policy advocacy on behalf of refugees and other vulnerable populations in the Middle East and beyond. The organization now has over a dozen law school chapters nation-wide, including a chapter at the University of Jordan in Amman. As a result of IRAP's work, over 400 refugees have been successfully resettled in the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Sweden, Ireland, and Germany. The GW Law chapter was established in fall 2011.

J. Reuben Clark Law Society

President: Kyle Martin
Contact: [email protected]

The J. Reuben Clark Law Society is an international law society composed of LDS attorneys, law students, and others who seek to affirm the strength brought to law by a lawyer's personal religious convictions. Members strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.

J. Reuben Clark Law Society website

Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA)

Co-Presidents: Baila Haim
Contact: [email protected]

JLSA brings Jewish law students together both socially and intellectually. JLSA sponsors a number of social events in conjunction with other area law schools, including Georgetown and American Universities, and arranges for speakers to visit the Law School to discuss Jewish–American legal concerns on current political issues. JLSA also provides information regarding the celebration of Jewish holidays in D.C. and Jewish events around town. JLSA works with the GW Hillel, which shares many resources, activities, and programming ideas. The Hillel is also the location of the nearest kosher restaurant and functions as a food co-op for kosher meat and other products. JLSA is a member of the National Law Students Network, which links Jewish law students throughout the nation and promotes Jewish awareness and education.

Labor & Employment Law Society

President: Estefania Palacios
Contact: [email protected]

The Labor and Employment Law Society brings together students, professors and professionals in the Labor and Employment Law field.  We are a non-partisan group and welcome the viewpoints of professionals representing management, labor/workers, and neutrals such as arbitrators and mediators so that our members get a well rounded view of issues in this field. LELS hosts networking events among the students and professionals during the year and hosts the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law Panel Luncheon in the Spring. LELS welcomes all collaboration with other organizations on the law school campus that support the deepening of student knowledge and awareness of labor and employment issues. 

Lambda Law

Co-Presidents: Ben Duwve and Katie Hennessy
Contact: [email protected]

Lambda Law is an organization of students interested in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) legal issues, employment concerns, and the fostering of tolerance and awareness on campus. The organization provides a network for professional and social interaction between GLBT and ally students, faculty, and legal professionals, and for the education of the Law School community about issues facing GLBT individuals. Since its foundation in 1989, Lambda Law has become a visible and active force at the Law School. The organization was involved in adding ‘sexual orientation’ to GW’s nondiscrimination policy, developing and implementing programs with the Career Development Office regarding legal job search issues facing GLBT students, and discussing the Law School’s position toward issues concerning military recruiters on campus. Ongoing events include a mentor program with GLBT attorneys in Washington, discussions on current legal issues and developments, attendance at national legal conferences, educational activities for major advocacy events such as National Coming Out Day and Freedom to Marry Day, and social events with the Law School and other local law student groups. All students are welcome and encouraged to join Lambda Law in an effort to increase awareness and acceptance at the Law School.

Lambda Law on Facebook

Latin American Law Student Association

Co-Presidents: Veronica Martinez and Estefania Palacios
Contact: [email protected]

The Latin American Law Student Association (LALSA) provides support and educational services to Hispanic and other students at the law school, while fostering an appreciation for Hispanic language and culture. LALSA also encourages its members to become involved in public interest organizations in the metropolitan area, particularly the D.C. Law Students in Court program and Ayuda. LALSA activities have included hosting speakers to discuss career and legal topics and holding meetings to provide support and assistance to first-year students with summer job searches, moot court competitions, and final examinations. LALSA sponsors several social events each year. All students are welcome to participate in LALSA, especially those who have an interest in Latin American cultures or the Spanish language.

Law Association for Women (L.A.W.)

President: Anastasia Foley
Contact: [email protected]

The Law Association for Women (L.A.W.) mission is to promote greater awareness of gender inequities and other issues affecting women and femme-aligned individuals; to provide an accessible and empowering space for women, including but not limited to transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals who may identify with women’s experiences; and to help those students achieve their legal aspirations by creating opportunities for professional development and community.

Law, Justice and International Development Society (LJIDS)

President: Elizabeth Duncan
Contact: [email protected]

The Law, Justice and International Development Society (LJIDS) aims at critically and creatively engage GW Law students, students-at-large and alumni on the fundamental role domestic and international law play in the multidisciplinary processes of social and economic development, as well as in achieving social justice and political stability, in developing, post-conflict and transitional states around the world. 

The organization furthers its purpose notably by disseminating relevant information, opportunities and resources ; engaging members on emerging research and practice trends through various events ; developing members’ practical skills by tasking them with punctual group projects as well as ; fostering networking and community building, both within the membership and externally. Any student curious or passionate about of law, justice and international development is encouraged to join the Society.

Law Revue

Director: Krissy Cralle
Contact: [email protected]

The annual Law Revue show allows GW Law students to display their ‘hidden’ talents as singers, dancers, musicians, choreographers, song and script writers, and stagehands. The Law Revue players spoof, among other things, law school, their professors, the legal profession, current events, and their fellow students for the benefit of their audience—the rest of the Law School community.

Law Yoga Club

President: Sarah Libby
Contact: [email protected]

The GW Law Yoga Club ("LYC") offers free yoga classes once or twice a month on GW campus. These classes are led by yoga-certified students and occasionally outside practitioners. Class times and dates are sent out via the student org email and posted on our club instagram @gwlawyogaclub. No experience with yoga is necessary when attending LYC events; events are meant to accommodate members at all levels of familiarity with yoga, meditation, and breath work. As such, LYC invites all GW Law community members to cultivate and preserve personal balance through the mindfulness of yoga. Let’s be well together!

Legal History Society

President: Cody Ingraham
Contact: [email protected]

The GW Law Legal History Society offers a forum for GW Law students to celebrate, engage with, and explore various topics of legal history to better inform our understanding of the legal profession and its heritage through programming that engages historical topics in professional, social, and experiential environments

Military Law Society

President: Sam Follansbee
Contact: [email protected]

The George Washington University Law School's Military Law Society (GW MLS) is dedicated to promoting knowledge and awareness of military law issues affecting students, legal professionals, and members of America's armed forces.

The society promotes scholarly discussion of military law, veterans’ law, national security law and related law topics, and builds professional ties between interested students, the law school, and the Washington, D.C. community. The organization is also committed to professional development and provides its membership and all law students opportunities to pursue internships and careers in the relevant areas of law.

Additionally, the society serves as an advocate organization for law student veterans, providing numerous resources academically, professionally and legally to our nation’s heroes. We are also dedicated to pro bono work and general community service, and have participated in many military affiliated community service opportunities, and provide assistance with various pro bono projects that provide legal services for our servicemembers and veterans.

Facebook

Twitter

Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA)

President: Zack Alahmad
Contact: [email protected]

The Muslim Law Students Association provides a religious, social, and career network for Muslim law students both within the Law School and in the larger Muslim legal community. MLSA is dedicated to enriching the intellectual diversity of the Law School by hosting events related to Islamic law and other issues affecting Muslims both domestically and internationally. MLSA works in conjunction with a broad-based coalition of student organizations on campus and in the Washington, DC area.

National Security Law Association (NSLA)

President: Alexandra Bruer
Contact: [email protected]

The National Security Law Association (NSLA) was created to help educate GW Law's future lawyers about issues related to national security and to provide a forum for discussion of such issues among students, practitioners, and faculty. NSLA sponsors panel discussions, keynote speakers, and career networking events. In addition, NSLA provides members with the opportunity each semester to attend a dinner with a practitioner of national security law. In the past year, NSLA has held panels on the International Criminal Court, the legal ramifications of the U.S. government employing private security contractors, and intelligence surveillance.

Nota Bene

President: Sarah Lambert
Contact: [email protected]

The Nota Bene is the student-run newspaper of the law school that provides students and faculty with news about and of interest to the school and allows members of the law school community to voice their opinions and engage in dialogue through commentaries and editorials. All are welcome to make contributions for publication.

Phi Alpha Delta, Legal Fraternity, Jay Chapter (PAD)

President: Cody Ingraham
Contact: [email protected]

Phi Alpha Delta (PAD), a coeducational service fraternity, was founded in 1902 in order to promote professional competency and achievement within the legal profession. PAD is the world's largest law fraternity with more than 200 pre-law chapters, 183 law school chapters, and 95 alumni chapters in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The fraternity has initiated more than 200,000 members into chapters at accredited schools. It was the first law fraternity to admit women. Benefits to student members include the availability of PAD student loans, participation in social programs, and establishment of alumni contacts. PAD offers students leadership development opportunities and practical legal education through its service to both students and the community.

PAD website

The Settlement Agreements of Catan (SAC)

President: Thomas Lee
Contact: [email protected]

The Settlement Agreements of Catan (SAC) is the student organization at the George Washington Law School for those interested in games and gaming. The organization holds itself out to the student body as a forum where, regardless of whether a student is interested in board games, card games, role-playing games, simple party games, or complex strategy games, they can find colleagues interested in the same games and play. SAC also hosts regular social events where students can meet each other and hang out over new games. Additionally, SAC is beginning the process of building a communal games library from which members of the organization may borrow games.  

South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA)

President: Jagriti Khurana (she/her)
Contact: [email protected]

The South Asian Law Students Association (SALSA) provides a social, academic, and career network for law students of South Asian heritage and encourages members to develop an understanding of how the law can be used as a vehicle for social transformation. To help its members establish invaluable social and career connections, SALSA sponsors a number of projects and events at the Law School, including cultural celebrations and a mentoring program for first-year students.

If you have any questions about our organization, wish to join our listserv, or would like to inform our executive board about an upcoming event or opportunity, please email [email protected].

Space Law Society (SLS)

President: Jasmine Masri
Contact: [email protected]

The GW Space Law Society (SLS) promotes the discussion, development, and practice of law as it affects the pursuit of space exploration. SLS seeks to engage students in ongoing conversation with practicing attorneys and policy makers on both modern and historical issues of Space Law, as it affects both domestic space exploration efforts and international cooperation in outer-space activities. SLS encourages students to develop new ideas for sustainable legal solutions in novel and expanding areas of Space Law. And SLS works to connect students with opportunities to practice Space Law in the professional field. SLS will raise awareness among the student body for this exciting and growing body of law, and will lead the way through the 21st Century.

Street Law

Co-Presidents: Elizabeth Harris and Caroline Sinegar
Contact: [email protected]

Law is a volunteer organization that endeavors to teach basic civics and legal lessons to students in the Washington, DC area. Our goal is to impart practical knowledge that students can relate to and use in their everyday lives. Volunteers can choose their own level of involvement in Street Law, from weekly teaching placements to single day events. Additionally, volunteers can choose to serve on our Education Committee, which develops our lesson plans - no teaching experience is required.

Examples of our programs include curriculum for 7th grade students that revolve around criminal law and 8th grade curriculum focused on constitutional law. In each context, students learned about their basic rights, where they came from, and how to exercise them in their everyday lives. When teaching high school students, possible lessons might include topics on credit cards and residential leases, as these students can truly benefit from such practical knowledge.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF)

President: Laura Mezzanotte
Contact: [email protected]

The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. SALDF also seeks to raise the profile of the field of animal law. SALDF is involved in a variety of activities promoting animal law. SALDF each semester hosts several speaker events, the Washington Humane Society’s Mobile Adoption Center and a pet photo contest. SALDF also participates in local animal charity events such as the Poplar Spring 5k Run for the Animals and the HSUS Walk for animals and National Meatout Day. SALDF assists in the administration of the Animal Welfare Legal Reform Project, an independent pro bono project through which law students participate in activities helping to reform and improve enforcement of animal welfare laws in the District of Columbia. 

SALDF on Facebook

Student Health Law Association (SHLA)

President: Deanna Hartog
Contact: [email protected]

The Student Health Law Association (SHLA) was established to increase student interest in the growing field of health law, based on the premise that as health care grows, so too does the demand for excellent health lawyers. The SHLA informs students about local seminars on health law and sponsors programs that introduce students to attorneys practicing in diverse areas of this field.

Student Intellectual Property Law Association (SIPLA)

President: Delaney Dunn
Contact: [email protected]

As the largest student organization on campus with over 700 members, SIPLA is committed to exposing GW Law students to the unique aspects of the intellectual property law profession. SIPLA draws upon leaders in the field not only to explore the traditional intellectual property law disciplines of patent, trademark, and copyright law, but also unfair trade practices, antitrust, computer law, technology licensing, sports law, entertainment law, and communications law. SIPLA also houses the Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Brief (IPEL)—a forum for SIPLA members interested in copyright, trademark, entertainment, and media law to write blog posts on current trends and developing issues to be published on the IPEL website.

Throughout the year, SIPLA works with the IP department and career center to host lectures from experts in the field. Lecturers sponsored by SIPLA have included the president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the former commissioner of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and intellectual property practitioners and academics from around the country. SIPLA is committed to enhancing GW Law students’ career options by providing unmatched networking opportunities and a chance to interact with hundreds of intellectual property law alumni from around the country.

Tax Law Society (TLS)

President: Thomas Lee
Contact: [email protected]

The Tax Law Society is established to promote awareness among students and alumni of the opportunities provided by the study and practice of tax law. Through a variety of student and alumni events and programs, TLS ultimately aims to educate it members, raise awareness of opportunities available in the field, and facilitate the development of professional contacts. 

TLS also acts as a student resource on tax law courses and professors at the Law School. Our organization is open to law students of all levels. 

Tech Law Students Association

President: Jacob (Jake) Barr
Contact: [email protected]

The Tech Law Students Association is a group committed to cutting-edge legal issues related to the internet or computers. These issues include intellectual property, internet privacy, computer crime, and many other subjects.  The Tech Law Students Association's focus is to provide an avenue for discourse that allows students to learn and critically think about these issues, and to prepare for eventual careers in these areas. This is most typically accomplished by bringing in speakers on key issues and holding cyberlaw-related events.

Uyghur Human Rights Initiative (UHRI)

President: Mary Ameringer
Contact: [email protected]

The mission of the Uyghur Human Rights Initiative (UHRI) is to end human rights abuses against Uyghurs and support those suffering from such abuses. UHRI advances this mission by widening the understanding of available legal tools, helping individuals use those tools, and promoting the addition of more legal resources. UHRI hopes to serve as a platform for those silenced by fear or by force in their homeland and around the world.

Veteran Law Students Association (VLSA)

President: Maxie Lawton
Contact: [email protected]

The George Washington University Law School's Veteran Law Students Association (VLSA) is dedicated to providing a community for current and former members of America's armed forces as well as their spouses, dependents, all those close to them, as well as those interested in issues which affect Veterans.

Student Briefs