For any information or contacts not found here about any Law School student organization, please check the Subplaza bulletin board or contact the Law Council President in Room N20.
Our Law School Student organizations, in alphabetical order:
The Alliance for Critical Interdisciplinary Legal Thought is an organization with a bipartite function. First, the organization seeks to bring a balanced and interdisciplinary perspective of study to law and the legal system through a critical analysis of its fundamental precepts and the assumptions by which it is informed. Second, the organization exists as a forum for the encouragement and fostering of future legal thinkers, in capacities that include professors, judges, authors, researchers, politicians, diplomats, cultural critics, and thinkers of various types. We believe a forum designed for the critical analysis of law from various cognate and disparate disciplines encompassing the sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, and engineering fields to be the best approach at refining a balanced approach to lawyering practice and scholarship.
Students may become members of the ABA/LSD upon payment of modest dues entitling them to attend meetings and receive copies of the ABA Journal and Student Lawyer. Students may also become involved in the Law Student Division as a representative or liaison of the Law School.
University of Minnesota Law School's American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Club provides a forum for students interested in issues pertaining to civil liberties. The Club organizes speaker engagements, panel discussions, activist activities, and educational outreach projects. It also serves as an informational resource, providing Law School students with details on civil liberty events around campus and in the Twin Cities. The Club works closely with ACLU-MN in organizing events and volunteer opportunities for students.
The American Constitution Society (ACS) is a new, national organization of lawyers, judges, professors and law students. There are now over 65 chapters at law schools across the country and in three lawyer practice groups, including one in Minneapolis/St. Paul. In response to the conservative voices that have been setting the judicial agenda, ACS holds that the Constitution is a living document that guarantees the rights of the people and is ever responsive to the needs of a dynamic population. Founded in 2001, the U of M Chapter provides a discussion forum for all legal and political issues and works to promote a more progressive, humanitarian view of those issues. The University of Minnesota ACS group hosts events throughout the school year and provides networking opportunities for students to meet like-minded attorneys, as well as sponsors social and volunteer activities.
The Law School chapter of the national AILSA was organized in 1979. Its objectives are to promote unity and cooperation among Indian law students, and to provide a base from which work can be done for the advancement of Indian people. AILSA provides a forum among Indian law students, Indian lawyers, members of the Indian community, and the general public. AILSA strongly believes that bringing more American Indians into the practice of law will give them a stronger, more effective voice in the important legal issues that affect them.
Amnesty International is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about human rights issues locally and internationally. The organization endeavors to bring in speakers and coordinate events to educate and strengthen the Law School community's commitment to human rights issues. Amnesty International also works in cooperation with University of Minnesota and the Human Rights Center to create volunteer opportunities for interested students.
AALSA is the University of Minnesota Law School chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. AALSA works closely with other Asian American law student organizations in the Twin Cities and the local chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) in organizing events to raise awareness of Asian Americans in the legal community. It regularly hosts social events, networking opportunities, and academic lectures for its members and the students at the UMN Law School.
Founded in 1972, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA) is the world's largest trial bar. ATLA and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims' rights--particularly the right to trial by jury--and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. The Law School Chapter sponsors events and speakers to: (1) awareness of our nation's justice system and the threat it faces in today's political climate; and (2) allow students the chance to meet and network with other students and attorneys committed representing the interests of individuals.
First-year students organize trips during the spring and winter breaks to work on asylum cases for immigrants in Miami, Fla. and Harlingen, Texas. Students do their own fundraising, set up training sessions, and work with a variety of non-profit organizations in Florida and Texas. Students learn the basics of asylum law, conduct legal research, and some have the opportunity to conduct hearings or write briefs in support of clients.
BLSA was established nationally in 1967 for the purpose of promoting the professional needs and goals of black law students. Minnesota's chapter, founded in 1970, works closely with concerned members of the legal community, minority organizations, and other organizations and individuals addressing the needs of black people. Its purpose is to bring about changes within the legal system that will make it more responsive to the black community. BLSA also provides a support network for its members and seeks expansion of job opportunities for black law students.
The University of Minnesota Christian Legal Society (CLS) is a non-denominational group of Christian law students seeking to integrate the Christian faith with their studies and careers. It is affiliated with the national Christian Legal Society, an Illinois-based, non-profit corporation with its principal offices in Annandale, Va. Although CLS is a Christian organization, it welcomes all religious denominations and traditions.
CLS engages in a variety of on-campus activities. It hosts events each semester where experts on various issues of faith and law come to the law school to discuss or debate their views. Several Bible studies occur on a weekly basis and are tailored to the needs of law students. This organization provides invaluable networking opportunities with local Christian attorneys, including volunteer opportunities with local legal aid groups. It also helps new students find churches to call home. Throughout the semester, it also sponsors social events where Christian law students have a chance to take a break from the demands of school and connect with each other. All of these events are open to the entire law school community.
DLPSA is a student group focused on disability-related awareness and advocacy in Minnesota with an emphasis on current and long-term legal and policy issues, including, but not limited to, special education, healthcare, community-involvement, employment, and discrimination.
This association was founded in 1988 to provide a forum for discussion in the law school community concerning the developing fields of entertainment and sports law. ESLSA also familiarizes members with relevant resources in the legal community. ESLSA encourages the Law School administration to be aware of its members' needs when making curriculum decisions. Membership is open to all Law School students and faculty.
ELS has two primary goals: To improve the opportunities at the Law School for studying and embarking on the practice of environmental law, and to apply legal skills to current environmental problems. The Society sponsors environmental speakers and activities, lobbies for curriculum changes and environmentally responsible policies at the Law School, connects students with potential employers, and contributes legal services to students, citizens, and government and public interest groups working on environmental and land-use issues.
The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, with chapters at more than 135 law schools, is part of a nationwide conservative intellectual network which places a premium on individual liberty, traditional values, and the rule of law. It is founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental 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. To promote an awareness of these principles, the local chapter sponsors lectures and debates featuring distinguished members of the legal community, and sends members to national Federalist Society events.
The Fighting Mondales Hockey Club is an organization dedicated to the great game of ice hockey. Minnesota is the State of Hockey, and the Fighting Mondales are the face of hockey at the Law School. Hockey enthusiasts, those wishing to learn more about the sport, and, of course, players of all skill levels are invited to join and support the Fighting Mondales Hockey Club. The Club fields both a co-ed team that participates in the University's intramural hockey program at Mariucci Arena and a co-ed tournament team that plays in a more intense recreational league at nearby city arenas. At the end of the season, the Fighting Mondales face off against the other Minnesota law school teams in the battle for the coveted Res Ipsa Cup.
Gamma Eta Gamma is the Law School "fraternity." Located in the heart of Dinkytown and recently remodeled, the Gamma House provides affordable housing and a welcoming community for about 15 male and female law students. In addition, Gamma is a social organization, sponsoring several events each year for the whole law school, among them the annual Halloween Party—a tradition for over 30 years.
GAPSA is the "political party" of the graduate and professional schools. There is a position available for one GAPSA representative and one alternate. The representative to GAPSA from the Law School is also the Senator to the University Senate from the Law School. GAPSA's mission is to provide representation and support services, such as research and information gathering. GAPSA also acts as a clearinghouse for issues and programs at the University of Minnesota, since the GAPSA representative reports to the Law Council on University-wide issues affecting the Law School.
ILSA provides support for students interested in the study and practice of law in an international environment. The Society promotes awareness of contemporary international and comparative law issues and their opportunities. The Society sponsors speakers from the local and national legal community to inform Society members on these issues, and the possible career paths available in the field of international law.
The J. Reuben Clark Law Student Association (f.k.a. The Latter-day Saints Law Student Association) provides academic and social interaction for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other law students who seek to balance the demands of a legal career with family responsibilities. The organization hosts noon-hour speakers and symposia specifically addressing how lawyers can have successful practices and family relationships. The society maintains an extensive network of LDS attorneys practicing in the Twin Cities and throughout the world. The society organizes activities geared toward fostering an environment in which students and their families can discuss, among other things, balancing family and professional responsibilities.
The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) is a student-run organization for the Jewish population at the Law School, as well as the student body at large. JLSA strives to provide law students with social activities, educational programming, and involvements in the community through volunteer work. Past programs have included: The Lunch'n'Learn series featuring various Jewish law professors, Passover Seder, Channuka Party, Distribution of Apples and Honey to Law Students during the Jewish New Year, Volunteering at a Purim Carnival, and attending the Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival.
The Latino Law Students Alliance (LLSA) is a national organization with local chapters in law schools throughout the United States. Working with attorneys, other members of the legal community, and concerned individuals and organizations, it is an effective political voice in addressing the needs of Latino law students and the Spanish-speaking community. Established at the U of M in 2000, the LLSA has averaged between 10 to 25 members each year. Members are students of Latin descent or are students interested in legal issues affecting Latin America. The organization is invested in the future of its members and other people of color. The LLSA puts its members in contact with prominent Latino professionals in the legal field—an interaction that has resulted in employment support to members, including some employment offers. LLSA also works with other multi-ethnic groups in and outside of the Law School to strengthen ties among students and professionals of color, including networking opportunities and the chance to serve the Latino community.
Law Council is the student government of the Law School. Each class elects three representatives to the Council; the president is elected by a majority of all students. The 1L representatives are elected in the Fall, while the President and the 2L and 3L representatives are elected just before Spring Break. The Council's duties include advocating for student interests, and appointing students to the student/faculty committees and other posts. Law Council meetings are almost always open and all are welcome to attend. Anyone interested in running for a Law Council spot, or in being appointed to a committee or other post, should watch for signs on the Law Council bulletin board space on the Stein Plaza.
Law Council Office: Room N20, 612-625-6028
The Law Council President's office hours are posted outside Room N20.
The LBA is a student organization founded by University of Minnesota Law School students. The LBA originated out of a common interest in extracurricular activities. The group holds events such as pick-up sports and intramurals, and coordinates other activities including canoeing, zoo trips, Twins games and BBQs. The aim of the LBA is to provide students with the opportunity to participate in events outside the Law School with a focus on physical and social activities. The group has a strong core of basketball players, but has also put together softball, volleyball and soccer games. The LBA continually expands into other areas where there is common interest. Community service is also an important component of the LBA—The group recently organized a charity basketball tournament to raise money and awareness for the genocide situation in Darfur.
If you are interested in learning more about the LBA or becoming a member, please visit www.tc.umn.edu/~lba/ or e-mail at lba@umn.edu.
The Law School Democrats (LSD) is a student-run political organization based on the ideals of the Minnesota Democrat Farmer Labor Party (DFL) and the National Democratic Committee. The organization promotes awareness of current political issues, provides a network for law students, and assists local and national politicians. The Law School Democrats organization achieve its political goals through lectures, speakers, debates, and campaigning.
The Law School F.C. exposes its members to all levels of soccer: Recreational, competitive and professional. The club organizes weekly pick-up games for members and their friends, sponsors Law School intramural and tournament teams, and hosts events to watch televised professional soccer matches.
The Law School Recreational Sports program operates separately from the University of Minnesota undergraduate sports program; law students compete only against other law students. Touch/flag football and volleyball are offered in the fall; basketball and volleyball are offered in the spring. Law School teams also participate in the main University's soccer and broomball league. All sports are co-ed.
The Law School Republicans are an auxiliary group of the College Republicans. The organization works for candidates in the area in local and national elections and brings conservative speakers to campus to inform students about the Republican mission and goals. The Law School Republicans are also actively involved in voter registration and seek more active participation by all conservative law students.
The LSCA, orgainized in 2002, is a dynamic and friendly group that meets weekly. Most of the time the members play chess, talk, and try out interesting variations or strategies. Members also organize or participate in tournaments at least once every semester. All levels of skill are welcome, as the group is dedicated to helping each player reach his or her full potential. Several professors at the law school are very skilled chess players, so member will receive a challenge! In Spring 2004, LSCA won the championship in the first inter-college tournament held at the University. All are welcome to join.
LSFC is a non-partisan, non-sexist association of Law students dedicated to protecting the right to choose through activism and education. The group supports related issues, such as birth control availability, sex education and emergency contraception. LSFC is dedicated to promoting a free society where people can make the reproductive decisions which are best for them. LSFC hopes to use the law to protect our freedom.
The Minnesota Justice Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting pro bono legal practice in Minnesota. Law students have the opportunity to serve as volunteer law clerks and research assistants to legal service organizations and legal clinic attorneys on cases involving civil rights, human rights, discrimination, housing, family, and poverty law. The volunteer positions give students the opportunity to experience "real world" legal practice and make critical contacts, while providing valuable assistance to public interest lawyers.
The University of Minnesota Law School's MJF student committee coordinates the Public Interest Clerkship (PIC) summer program. Students and faculty donate one summer day's pay to the program, and the collective donations fund several summer-long public interest clerkships. Interested students select the public interest area they are interested in and those who donate to the funding will select which clerkships to fund. This program has been successful at increasing public interest job opportunities for University of Minnesota students and has supplied deserving public interest offices with law clerks they would not have otherwise been able to afford. For more information, contact the MJF Office at 612-625-0777.
Minnesota Law Families provides support for law students and their spouses, partners, and children. The group helps families and their law students manage the unique challenges they face along their shared journey. Law Families promotes the work/life balance, offering encouragement and resources for students who are navigating academics and career-building while striving to maintain strong family relationships. The group connects families and partners through community-building activities, support groups, and family-focused events. Members of Law Families share information on local resources for daycare, schools, medical care, and low-cost, family-friendly community events. The group works with Law School administration to foster a family-supportive environment, and works with the admissions office to attract and recruit law students with families. Unless otherwise noted in advance, all events and activities are child-friendly (the group welcomes all family types, including families without children).
For more information or to join the Minnesota Law Families e-mail distribution list, contact miche175@umn.edu
The Muslim Law Students Association's goal is to provide for the academic, professional, social, and cultural needs of Law School students at the University of Minnesota. It aims to establish a strong student network and to develop a network of UMN MLSA alumni. It also aims to create greater knowledge and understanding of Muslims through intellectual and social exchange and discussion. The MLSA is open to all law students and seeks to create a forum for addressing legal, social, and political issues facing Muslims in the United States and throughout the world. Through working with fellow student organizations, the MLSA strives to develop bridges of understanding and opportunities for collaboration on activities that promote social justice for all communities.
The National Lawyers Guild was founded in 1937 as the first racially integrated bar association in America. Throughout its history, Guild attorneys have been integrally involved in many struggles for social justice: drafting New Deal legislation, building the industrial labor union movement, prosecuting Nazi war criminals at the Nuremberg Trial, defending the constitutional rights of people persecuted during the McCarthy era, representing civil rights activists (especially Freedom Riders), exposing the Nixon administration's attempts to subvert the constitution, and protecting human rights around the world. Its members believe that human rights are more important than property rights.
National Security and Law Society at the University of Minnesota. Many of the fundamental questions about our democracy will be posed in a new light over the coming decade as the war on terror continues across more fronts, including within our own borders and the borders of traditional allies. The nexus of tactical and legal issues with regard to intelligence and security operations is an inevitable mix in an open society. It is imperative that we can achieve the mission of locating and neutralizing threats to our national security, without compromising the free nature of the Nation that we are working to secure. The mission of the National Security and Law Society is to promote discussion and awareness of issues regarding national security law by hosting subject matter experts for student discussion with attorneys practicing National Security Law, and by coordinating community projects and promoting social activities.
The purposes of our organization are threefold:
Enhance legal education through fostering an expanded National Security Law program at University of Minnesota Law School;
Promote internships/externships and career opportunities in National Security Law in both the public and private sectors; and
Lay the foundation for an online National Security and Law Journal at the University of Minnesota.
Lambda, formed in 1984 and named after Lambda Legal, serves as a support system and social circle for law students concerned with legal issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community. The organization acts as a forum for vocalizing and advancing LGBT rights in the law school community and legal profession. Law students will also find Lambda as an effective means for tapping into LGBT student-attorney networks.
The P.A.D. Declaration of Purpose is that the Fraternity shall form a strong bonds uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to advance the ideals of liberty and equal justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral, intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of honorable professional and public service. The P.A.D. Motto: "Service to the Student, the School, the Profession and the Community."
The Pro-Life Law Society is a student group that promotes the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. PLLS has no political, religious, or ideological affiliation but rather seeks to be as inclusive as possible. The only issue PLLS takes an official stance on is abortion: That the deliberate killing of an unborn human being is morally reprehensible and should be legally impermissible in almost all cases. PLLS also seeks to foster respectful debate on other life issues, including capital punishment, war, poverty, and euthanasia. All these issues are addressed through speakers, campus education, and informal dialogue. Any student interested in these topics, regardless of viewpoint, is invited and encouraged to attend PLLS presentations.
The Property Law Student Organization is a group designed for anyone thinking about practice in the area of property law or having an interest in related academic topics and current issues. The group plans outings and programs of general interest, as well as academic and career-oriented programs. The PLSA will give new students an opportunity outside of class to explore policy issues and career options in an old and evolving area of law, or get an early introduction to the cast of textbook characters from property law, including "fertile octogenarians," "unborn widows," "straw men" and "whipping boys."
The Public Interest Law Students Association is a student advocacy organization focused on enhancing the University of Minnesota Law School's programs for students pursuing interest careers. Key issues on which PILSA currently focuses include: increasing funding for, and awareness about, the Minnesota Loan Repayment Assistance Program; enhancing other funding programs that support students in public service; improving access to courses focused on public interest careers; creating a sense of community among students dedicated to public service; changing norms at the law school to make service an important part of every student's experience. PILSA works closely with the Dean's office each spring to sponsor the "Race for Justice" 5K fundraising fun run and walk.
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund provides a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system, and raising the profile of the field of animal law.
The Student Employment and Labor Law Association began in Fall 2004 in response to student interest in this fascinating and varied area of the law. Labor and Employment Law is a broad area of practice encompassing both plaintiff and defendants' advocacy, both employee and employer advocacy, and all the "traditional" labor law areas: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration and Mediation, Civil Rights, Employee Benefits, FMLA and ERISA, Anti-Discrimination Laws, (ADA, ADEA, and Title VII, Labor Relations), Unemployment Benefits, and Workers Compensation. The organization seeks students interested in this area of law who are excited about getting involved with and being active in the Law School community.
The Student Intellectual Property Law Association is an organization composed of U of M law students. SIPLA strives to promote the study and pursuit of careers in all aspects of intellectual property law for students with or without technical backgrounds, including careers in patent, copyright, and trademark law. SIPLA provides a forum for communication between students and intellectual property law practitioners and functions as a student network that encourages students to learn from the past experiences of others while formulating their personal career strategies.
The Law School Student Mentoring Program seeks to ease 1L students into their first year of law school by matching them up with second-year and third-year students who act as mentors. These mentors provide everything from advice, inside tips, and social events, to career connections and suits. By creating connections during the sometimes-isolating first year, the Mentoring Program creates a stronger Law School community which will last far beyond graduation.
The Real Estate Law Society provides a forum wherein law students may learn about the life and practice of real estate law professionals, existing and developing real estate law, current issues in real estate law, and career and networking opportunities in the real estate law field.
The Theatre of the Relatively Talentless (TORT) produces the annual Law School Musical in the Spring. You can thank TORT for such memorable classics as "Wizard of Fritz," "Law Wars," "Walter Wonka and the Lawyer Factory," and "West Bank Story." Performances are known to sell out and tickets are difficult to come by, despite the group's "talentless" moniker.
The USLS is a low-cost legal aid clinic financed by University student fees. Services are provided to University students. Specialties include landlord-tenant, consumer, family, and debtor-creditor law. One law student is selected annually by the Law Council for the USLS Board of Directors. For more information, contact the USLS Office at 612-624-1001.
WLSA is an open forum dedicated to addressing not only the role of women in the law, but also the effect of legal doctrines and practice on issues integral to women. WLSA places a high priority on helping students connect with practicing lawyers, judges and professors to help them become part of the local legal community. In addition to sponsoring many speaking events, working with Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL) and running the Law School's used bookroom, WLSA manages a mentorship program, sponsors a summer clerkship and organizes various community service events.
