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Student Organizations

A

American Bar Association - Law Student Division (ABA-LSD)

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has formed a student chapter at the law school and is now accepting members. The mission of the ACLU is to assure that the Bill of Rights are preserved for each new generation. Such rights include: First Amendment rights, equal protection of the law, due process of law, and the right to privacy. Although some segments of the population have traditionally been denied those rights, the ACLU works to extend protection to racial minorities, homosexuals, mental patients, prisoners, soldiers, children in the custody of the state, disabled individuals and Native Americans. The ACLU has more than a dozen national projects devoted to specific civil liberties issues: AIDS, arts censorship, capital punishment, children’s rights, education reform, lesbian and gay rights, immigrants rights, national security, privacy and technology, prisoners’ rights, women’s rights and workplace rights. The only requirement for membership in the student chapter of the ACLU is membership in the national organization.

American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy is a group of students who believe that the goal of the Constitution is to permit people to succeed in the “pursuit of happiness.”  As such, we believe the Constitution is a charter of liberty which incorporates traditional values of compassion and respect for human dignity.  The mission of the American Constitution Society is to harness the values of compassion and respect for each individual and to re‑incorporate them into American law and politics.  Organizational meetings involve planning community events, discussing current news topics, and exploring contemporary legal issues from a variety of perspectives.  All are welcome.  For more information, contact us at umclawacs@missouri.edu.

Association of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law (AIPEL)

The Association of Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law is open to all students. This student group was created to promote intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, etc.) and entertainment law. Both areas are rapidly growing. They closely intertwine with cyberlaw, digital rights, e-commerce and software law. One main goal of AIPEL is to provide information and connections to the field of intellectual property. This will in turn expand the knowledge and increase the opportunities of our members.At the same time, we understand that long-term success is generating interest in everyone...everywhere. So that as a result, AIPEL will be looked upon as a resource for individuals and organizations.

B

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

The School of Law's chapter of the Black Law Students Association was founded in 1971. BLSA's primary purpose is to deal with the special concerns of Black law students and lawyers. The Association acquaints students with the professional opportunities, problems and responsibilities they will have as practicing members of the Bar.

BLSA encourages full participation of all students in the activities of the School of Law and the University. It also attempts to foster closer contact with present members of the legal profession. BLSA has involved itself in numerous activities in the past, including sponsorship of a statewide advisory group on black student affairs at the Law School, and group sessions with visiting high school students.

Board of Advocates

The Board of Advocates is an organization of second and third-year students who help administer the School's advocacy programs, including the first-year advocacy and research course competitions.

All students have the opportunity to compete in several regional and national moot court competitions. Briefs and oral arguments for these competitions are prepared by a team of students. These competitions are administered by the Board. Selection of students to represent the School at the regional and national inter-school competition is made during intramural competitions.

Membership in the Board of Advocates is determined by a petitioning process open to all students. Participation in programs and competitions sponsored by the Board is open to all students.

A student wishing to participate in competitions administered by the Board of Advocates should enroll in 545L BOA Competition during the semester in which the student plans to earn the credit.

C

Christian Legal Society (CLS)

Christian Legal Society is a group of law students organized to provide a means of sharing their faith in Jesus Christ. Their primary purpose is to encourage one another in faith and love as they face the challenges and distractions of law school.

CLS' primary activity is a weekly bible study, which becomes a forum for the discussion of problems relating to Christianity and the law. It is also a forum for prayer. Other activities have included prayer breakfasts, social gatherings and meetings with Christian attorneys. CLS is affiliated with Christian Legal Society, a national organization of Christian lawyers.

F

Federalist Society

Law schools and the legal profession are currently strongly dominated by a form of orthodox liberal ideology which advocates a centralized and uniform society. While some members of the academic community have dissented from these views, by and large they are taught simultaneously with (and indeed as if they were) the law.

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 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. The Society seeks both to promote an awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities. This entails reordering priorities with 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, law students and professors.

G

The Gavel

The Gavel is a non-profit, student-operated newspaper dedicated to serving the MU School of Law. The Gavel serves as a voice for the MU law student both in the world of academia and in the practicing legal community. The Gavel also facilitates the dissemination of information valuable to the law school community and provides a forum for open discussion of the issues and challenges facing the law school.

Membership as a staff member on the Gavel is open to all law students who are in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university. To become a staff member, a student must either write for the paper or perform other duties (such as story research, advertising sales, photography, production, or layout) as assigned by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of the Faculty Advisor, Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, Associate Editor, Assistant Editor, Business Manager/Circulation Director, Sales Manager, and Production Director. Elections are held each spring for positions on the Board of Directors.

H

Hispanic Law Student Association (HLSA/La Raza)

In 2001 the Hispanic Law Students Association (HLSA/La Raza) was established to address the issues of the increasing population of Hispanic law students. La Raza sponsors academic discussions focusing on international law, cultural activities and the opportunity for law students to interact with other international, professional students on campus.

I

International Law Students Association (ILSA)

The International Law Students Association provides opportunities for law students interested in pursuing a career in international law. ILSA is a member of the National Chapter of the International Law Students Association and organizes the Jessup International Moot Court competition. ILSA also has liaisons working with the European Union Center located in the Reynolds Alumni Center.

J

J. Reuben Clark Law Society

Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA)

The purpose of JLSA is to provide an opportunity for Jewish Law Students and their families to join together as an informal group whose primary focus is on sharing our traditions by celebrating the holidays together and also getting together for other informal events throughout the year. We intend to share our activities with interested faculty members as well as other Jewish members of the Columbia community for an open experience to celebrate our heritage.

L

Lambda Legal Society (LLS)

Lambda Legal Society is the LGBT-Ally organization at the University of Missouri School of Law. Our objective is threefold: to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and allied law students at the University of Missouri by encouraging personal and academic development; to educate the law school community by providing opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community and the legal issues that affect it; and to build and maintain relationships with gay and gay-sensitive employers by providing a network for students seeking employment in an open environment and for employers seeking a diverse workplace. Membership is open to all law students, regardless of sexual orientation or identity.

Law Students for a Better Community (LSBC)

Law Students for a Better Community (LSBC) is an organization created to combat the negative perception lawyers and the legal community have. Our goal is to provide a positive example and to encourage lawyers, law students, and others in the legal community to remember and abide by the ethics our profession requires. We participate in local community projects like Tiger Fun Night held on Halloween event at Hearnes Center, we helped plan the new Legal services program at the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City to help those who can't afford legal advice or representation, we do positive PR campaigns within the school and hopefully outside of the school this next year, and we are planning on revising the Law School's Student Handbook.

M

Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA)

Missouri Equal Justice Foundation (MEJF)

The Missouri Equal Justice Foundation (MEJF) is a student-run, not-for-profit organization created to promote public interest law and the service aspects of the legal profession. Each year, MEJF awards grants to students who work in public interest law jobs during the summer. By providing these grants, MEJF expands legal services to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them. These grants also bridge the gap between public interest groups and government agencies who cannot afford to hire summer interns, and law students who cannot afford to work without pay.

In addition to awarding grants, MEJF seeks to actively involve law students and lawyers in community service. MEJF also has begun an initiative to start a Missouri Loan Assistance Program (MOLAP). MOLAP is a loan repayment program which would assist graduating law students who enter the public interest law field with repaying their loans. MEJF is a non-partisan organization and a member of the National Association for Public Interest Law.

N

National Lawyers Guild (NLG)

The National Lawyers Guild is a national organization of over 7,000 students and legal practitioners dedicated to economic, social and political justice. An affiliated chapter of the Guild was founded on this campus last year. The local chapter presently focuses in two areas, community activism and the discussion and research of legal issues. The chapter's community project involves helping the residents of a local public housing development to obtain legal assistance and information regarding their rights as tenants. Chapter meetings, usually held at the Heidelberg tavern, are informal and discussion oriented. Membership in the national chapter is not required and meetings are open to students interested in exchanging ideas in an open, non-traditional legal conversation.

Non Traditional Law Student Association (NTLSA)

"Non Traditional" is a really broad term these days but, if you are a student who works outside of school, has a family, commutes from a distance, an "older" student or any combination of the above, then NTLSA is for you. The Non-Traditional Law Student Organization was officially recognized at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law in 2000. Our main goal is to provide the support necessary for non-traditional students to succeed at law school.

P

Phi Alpha Delta (PAD)

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is the world's largest legal fraternity and is composed of pre-law students, law students, legal educators, attorneys, judges, and government officials. PAD was founded in 1902 and the Lawson Chapter at University of Missouri-Columbia was founded in 1909. The PAD motto is "Service to the Student, the Law School, the Profession and the Community." The Lawson Chapter fulfills this motto by providing an outline bank for students and various social activities, including an annual beginning of the year cookout. PAD is responsible for the annual Law School Student Directory, which contains all law students' pictures and contact information. The International PAD website provides an alumni directory and listserv to keep the PAD professional and student community connected. Additionally, PAD sponsors canned food and blood drives at the law school throughout the year. Contact PAD at for more information.

Phi Delta Phi (PDP)

Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity, established in the year 1869 to promote a higher standard of professional ethics, is the oldest professional fraternity in the Western Hemisphere. The fraternity has over 120 active chapters - called Inns - at law schools throughout the country, as well as in Mexico and Canada. More judges, American presidents, governors, senators, representatives, cabinet members, ambassadors, American Bar Association presidents and law school Deans have come from the ranks of Phi Delta Phi than from any other legal fraternity.

University of Missouri’s Tiedeman Inn was established in 1890, and sponsors many activities designed to serve the law school and law school community. These activities include sponsoring speakers, student work shops, and philanthropy and fundraising projects. Phi Delta Phi also recognizes the need for social events to relieve some of the stress inherent in law school. It organizes the Ham and Beer Feed in the fall, Mardi Gras party in the Spring, and Bar Reviews every Friday night. Phi Delta Phi is open to all students.

Pro Bono Student Activities Board

Public Interest Law Association

The Public Interest Law Association (PILA) was organized to meet the needs of students working towards public interest careers. Public interest law encompasses careers in local, state and national government, judicial clerkships, fellowships and non-profit agencies.

PILA works to raise and allocate funds in order to provide grant recipients with an opportunity to gain practical experience in public interest law during the summer and encourage public interest employment after graduation by developing a loan repayment program; educates students about career opportunities in public interest law; and supports individual and school-wide dedication to community service.

Activities include networking events, speakers, mentoring and community service activities. Support for public interest students at MU also includes a public interest career newsletter, externships and clinical programs. Contact PILA at umclawpila@missouri.edu for more information.

S

Sports Law Society

The University of Missouri Sports Law Society was established in 2002. Founded specifically for students with an interest in law as it applies to sports, students now have a forum with which to discuss opportunities. The Sports Law Society provides members with both resources and information.

St. Thomas Moore Society

Student Bar Association (SBA)

All enrolled students at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law are automatically members of the Student Bar Association, the School's student government organization.

SBA works to represent all student points of view to the administration and faculty. The SBA's functions are many and varied, but can be divided into two general categories, academically oriented functions and socially oriented functions. Emphasis is placed on both--SBA sponsors speakers and forums to expand your legal education and social events to help you unwind from the pressures of legal education.

The main objective of the SBA is to bring the student viewpoints into the educational process at the MU School of Law. Student representatives sit on all Law School committees, making student opinions known and helping formulate curriculum and policy. Social events round out the process and are designed to allow future lawyers to get together for the free exchange of ideas which are of importance and interest to attorneys.

The governing body of the Student Bar Association is the Board of Governors. Elected each year by the SBA membership, the Board is composed of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and eight representatives (3 third-year students, 2 second-year students, and 3 first-year students). Many functions of the Student Bar Association are accomplished through its various committees. Standing Committees include Book Pool, Grievance, Curriculum and Class Scheduling, Career Services, Orientation, Publications, Speakers and Activities. Committees are appointed by the Board to study special areas of concern as the need occurs.

The SBA is funded by membership contributions, payable once during the first semester of the first year. Additionally, SBA receives one dollar per student per semester from the Student Activities Fee. Other operating funds are generated from Book Pool revenues, grants from the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association and some matching funds from the Law School.

For first-year students, SBA publishes an orientation handbook that explains a little of what goes on at the Law School and seeks to make the transition into law school a bit smoother. The SBA office is located on the sub-plaza level.

Student Hurricane Network (SHN)

The Student Hurricane Network (SHN) is a national network of law students dedicated to bringing social justice to the communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. SHN volunteers work with many public interest organizations throughout the region in order to combat ongoing injustices in the areas of the educational and criminal justice systems, the right to housing, and the rights of migrant workers. In the 2006-07 academic year, Mizzou’s chapter of SHN added 17 volunteers to the list of over 2,700 students from more than 100 law schools who have contributed volunteer legal services to the Gulf Coast. We hope to bring even more volunteers to the region this year over Winter and Spring breaks.

W

Women's Law Association (WLA)

Women's Law Association was organized in recognition of the respective needs of women in the legal profession. WLA focuses on three areas in the development of the legal education of a woman student. It serves as a resource center for students in pre-law education. During the woman's legal education at MU, WLA serves as a support group for women where lasting friendships are developed. WLA's primary activity is to provide speakers and workshops on women's issues and general issues of the law.