An important indication of the breadth of interest within the student body is the range of extracurricular activities and organizations in which students participate. University of Wisconsin Law School students have a wide range of choices and are active participants in many organizations ranging from professional groups to intramural sports. And if no organization exists to suit your particular needs and interests, we encourage you to start one. In recent years, students have begun a criminal law association, an alternative dispute resolution society, and an organization for non-traditional students, to name a few.
The Student Bar Association is a self-governing organization with a council composed of seven representatives from each of the three classes plus a president and two vice-presidents elected by the student body at large. The association acts generally for the student body in Law School matters. The officers and council of the association appoint the student members of various Law School committees. These committees play an important role in the governance of the Law School, and the student committee members work to ensure representation of student views in this process.
Student Organizations
A wealth of specialized student interest organizations provide outstanding opportunities to explore your interests with your fellow students. In addition, there are many student activities, such as law journals, mock trial, and moot court that build legal skills, and activities such as the Dean's Cup and Law Revue that are great ways to meet people and have fun. Here's more information about the organizations and activities at the UW Law School.
Student Bar Association (SBA)
The University of Wisconsin Law School Student Bar Association is the representative
organization for the law school's student body. We represent students in dealing
with the faculty and adminstration. Our goal is to make the law school the best
place it can be by providing a number of services and resources for the law
students.
American Bar Association/Law Student
Division (ABA/LSD)
Membership in the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association provides
a number of immediate and tangible benefits. Membership includes subscriptions
to the ABA Journal and the award-winning magazine, The Student Lawyer . The
dues also entitle students to Hertz car rental discounts, low rates on preliminary
multistate bar exam courses, reduced ABA section memberships and eligibility
for medical and life insurance at low group rates.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The American Civil Liberties Union is a group whose primary goal is to
protect
our civil liberties, as set out in the constitution and the Bill of
Rights. The ACLU was formed in 1920, and has been the party to more
litigation in the
protection of the people, rather than for their repression.
American Constitution Society
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy is a national organization
of law students, law professors, practicing lawyers and members of the community.
We want to help revitalize and transform legal debate, from law school classrooms
to federal courtrooms.
Asian Pacific American Law Students
Association/South Asian Law Students Association (APALSA/SALSA)
APALSA/SALSA provides academic, career and social support to its members by
sponsoring activities, working with the Law School faculty and administration,
collaborating in efforts of other student organizations, and acting as a forum
for addressing concerns of Asian Americans.
Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
The University of Wisconsin Black Law Students Association (UWBLSA) is a chartered
member of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) which exists to
serve the educational, social and professional interests of Black law students
across the country.
Business & Tax Law Association (BATLAW)
The University of Wisconsin Business & Tax Law Association promotes and
enhances the study and practice of business and tax law. The BTLA also encourages
high standards of academic achievement as well as social interaction with other
law students, faculty, and the professional community. Several faculty members
and some of the largest law firms in Wisconsin are included in BTLA's membership.
Children's Justice Project
The Children's Justice Project brings together people interested in promoting
justice for children and juveniles, including the rights of children and juveniles
in the legal, educational, health care, and social services systems. The Project
does this through interdisciplinary advocacy and study.
Christian Legal Society (CLS)
CLS is a small, informal, interdenominational group of students who meet on
a regular basis for bible study, "roundtable" exchanges on various topics, not
necessarily Law School related, and most importantly, fellowship.
Delta Theta Phi
The Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, International, founded in 1900, is one of
the three leading professional law fraternities in the world. It has over 100
active student senates (chapters), over 100 alumni senates and more than 100,000
initiated members. Membership in Delta Theta Phi is open to all students enrolled
in fully accredited law schools.
Democratic Law Student Association (DLSA)
The Democratic Law Student Association is an organization of students interested in furthering the
Democratic Party through volunteering and political action. We have a mailing list that informs about
our coming events and speakers.
Environmental Law Society (ELS)
The Environmental Law Society welcomes all students interested in the
application
of law to environmental issues at the state, national, and
international levels. The Society studies all sides of the issues
because it recognizes that environmental
law applies to both those interested in classic environmental
preservation,
as well as persons whose activities create environmental impacts.
Federalist Society
The UW Law School's chapter of the Federalist Society is a group of conservatives
and libertarians interested in the current state of legal order. It is founded
on the principle 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.
Indigenous Law Students Association (ILSA)
ILSA is an organization which provides a forum for discussion and dissemination
of current Indian Law topics. Anyone with an interest in Indian Law is invited
to become a member. ILSA also provides support to its members by maintaining
study groups, and assisting with job searches. Through its annual Coming Together
of the Peoples Conference, ILSA provides ongoing outreach to the U.W. community
and the legal community at large.
Intellectual Property Students Organization (IPSO)
The Intellectual Property Students Organization has been formed to convey to
all interested law students the field of Intellectual Property Law. Its primary
purpose is to provide topical seminars, discussions, and other events relating
to Patent, Copyright, and Trademark Law.
J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS)
The J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) is an international law society
composed of professionals and law students 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.
Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA)
The Jewish Law Students Association serves as a forum for addressing concerns
of Jewish students and sponsors several social activities each year.
Korean Law Students Association (KOLSA)
KOLSA brings together Korean Law Students by sponsoring several
social activities each year.
Health Law Students Association
Latino Law Student Association (LLSA)
The Latino Law Student Association encourages and promotes the discussion of
Latino issues.
Law School Family Association
The Law Student Family Association exists to support law students, their spouses
or partners, and children by providing social and networking opportunities,
including family-friendly events, child care information, and other resources
designed to serve the needs of student families.
Legal Information Center (LIC)
Formerly known as the Community Law Office, LIC provides free legal
assistance to University students and low income Madison residents in
the areas of landlord-tenant, small claims, employment, consumer,
divorce, residency, misdemeanor information, name change, contracts and
traffic law. LIC is staffed primarily by law student volunteers.
Students interested in volunteering can attend a training session in
the beginning of the fall or spring semester.
Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA)
The Middle Eastern Law Students Association seeks to promote greater understanding
of Middle Eastern cultures, politics and legal institutions. The group is designed
to serve as a discussion forum for students of Middle Eastern descent as well
as those interested in the region to exchange ideas and opinions. MELSA hosts
a variety of educational events including, colloquia, political discussions, and documentary
and other films highlighting the social and political dynamics of the Middle
East. MELSA also hosts a number of social outings including dinners and parties
featuring Middle Eastern cuisine and music. The group welcomes anyone with an
interest in the Middle East to join.
National Lawyers Guild (University of Wisconsin Law School Chapter)
The Madison Chapterof the NLG is a community chapter with both lawyers and law
student members. The National Lawyers Guild is a nationwide organization of
lawyers and law students dedicated to working for social justice. Formed in
1937 as the first racially integrated bar association in the country, the Guild
tries to bring together all those who recognize the importance of safeguarding
and extending the rights of workers, women, farmers, and minority groups upon
whom the welfare of the entire nation depends; who actively seek to eliminate
racism; who work to maintain and protect our civil rights and liberties; and
who view the law as an instrument for the protection of the people, rather than
their repression.
PTLaw (Part Time Law students)
The PTLaw group is for all students who are now (or plan to become, or at least
symathize with) Part Time students.
Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF)
Much of the work of this group involves pledge drives and fund-raising to provide
scholarships for students to work on public interest law issues. PILF has also
created a Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
QLaw (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Law Students)
QLaw is a student organization dedicated to serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community at the University of Wisconsin Law School. QLaw strives to make the UW Law School a more open, hospitable and welcoming environment for LGBT students through collaboration with the administration and other student organizations. QLaw seeks to educate the law school community by increasing LGBT visibility and raising awareness of issues that affect us while providing support and networking opportunities for LGBT law students. QLaw aims for a diverse organization that reflects the composition of the larger community of LGBT people and their allies. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Student Hurricane Network - UW Chapter (SHN-UW)
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF)
UW Law's Student Animal Legal Defense Fund works to educate future lawyers about
the needs of animals (non-human) and their human companions in our legal system.
The group hosts speakers, presents movie screenings and alerts the UW community
to animal welfare issues in Madison and beyond.
Unemployment Compensation Appeals
Clinic (UC Clinic)
The Unemployment Compensation Appeals Clinic is staffed by volunteer student
advocates who assist clients in obtaining unemployment compensation benefits.
Student advocates work closely with supervising attorneys and gain litigation
and case management experience while helping those in need of benefits who cannot
afford representation.
Wisconsin International Law Society (WILS)
The Wisconsin International Law Society provides a forum for people and ideas
involving international legal issues by getting together experts in diverse
fields for informal discussion and cordials. WILS also invites students from
several continents to join in the exploration of fine Madison pubs.
Wisconsin Sports Law Society
Founded in 1989, the Wisconsin Sports Law Society seeks to promote the University
of Wisconsin Law School as a forerunner in sports law. Many notable alumni currently
lead the sports law field. The Society sponsors a speaker program where practitioners,
academicians and athletes address the current topics in sports law.
Women's Law Student Association (WLSA)
The Women's Law Student Association sponsors a variety of activities for all
women studying at the UW Law School. WLSA tries to make the time spent in Law
School more interesting and more humane. WLSA presents several speakers, lobbies
for women faculty hiring, produces a monthly newsletter, sends members to the
National Women and the Law Conference, and much more.
Law School Activities
Journals
There are three student journals that give students an opportunity to assist
with and contribute to the Law School's scholarly publications. These publications
provide invaluable training in legal research and writing.
- The Wisconsin Law Review is a student-run journal of legal analysis and commentary that is used by professors, judges, practitioners, and others researching contemporary legal topics. The Law Review, which is published six times each year, includes professional and student articles, with content spanning local, state, national, and international topics. In addition to publishing the journal, the Law Review sponsors an annual symposium at which leading scholars debate a significant issue in contemporary law. Students earn membership on the Law Review through a writing competition at the end of their first year.
- The Wisconsin International Law Journal, established in 1982, is written by both professionals in the field and by law students. The student-edited journal offers articles of scholarly and practical interest in various areas of international law. Student members of the journal edit articles of scholarly and practical interest in various areas of international law and draft articles for submission and possible publication. Each spring, the Journal staff coordinates a conference on recent topics of interest in international law.
- The Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society, open to all students, is a student-edited journal, national in scope, which publishes contributions from students, teachers, and practitioners. This journal, established in 1985, publishes contributions from faculty, students, and practitioners on a wide-range of legal topics. Its focus is on scholarship that examines the intersection of law and gender with issues of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.
Moot Court & Mock Trial Programs
Moot court and mock trial competitions at the University of Wisconsin Law School
provide outstanding opportunities for students to gain experience with brief
writing and oral advocacy. Students learn practical skills and work as a team
to present their case.
- The Moot Court Program is a mock appellate advocacy program. First-year students are selected for moot court through competitive tryouts in the spring of their first year. The Moot Court Board organizes, promotes, and supports the intramural and intercollegiate moot court competitions, and annually sends dozens of UW law students to competitions at law schools across the country. Each spring, the Law School also hosts the Evan A. Evans Competition, a moot court event in which students from around the country argue a constitutional law case.
- Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to try a lawsuit in regional and national competitions against teams from other law schools. The teams are coached by experienced litigators from the Law School and practicing bar.
Stuart's Law Revue
The Law Revue Show, the Law School's annual comedy and musical production, celebrated
its 25th anniversary in 1996. No member of the legal community is safe when
the all-student band and cast take to the stage. It's the funniest legal event
in the seventh circuit, now in its second quarter century. Join the show --
it's a blast!
The Dean's Cup
The University of Wisconsin Dean's Cup is an annual competition between the
students of the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Law School. The purpose
of the competition is to foster camaraderie between the two schools and to give
back to the community through local charities. Dean's Cup events span the spectrum
of competition, from basketball, golf and ultimate, to euchre, chess and "bar
trivia." More importantly, the schools compete in a food drive supporting the
Salvation Army, a blood drive through the American Red Cross, and T-shirt sales,
proceeds from which are donated to the Dane County Rape Crisis Center, and the
Ronald McDonald House of Madison of Madison.