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MSU Law Student Organizations

• ABA - Law Student Division Representative
  
  
  
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Society
  The purpose of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society shall be the following:
  (a) To promote use and awareness of all forms of alternative dispute resolution;
  (b) To actively promote and aid students’ pursuits of alternative dispute resolution careers.
  (c) To promote general awareness of current laws and statutory changes affecting the realm of alternative dispute resolution.
  
  
• American Constitution Society
  Law students at the MSU College of Law formed the student chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS) to voice students’ interest in learning and participating in current legal debates and issues. ACS works to build upon and perpetuate a progressive vision of the law. The chapter increases understanding and generates will-informed debate on issues such as privacy, freedom of speech, federalism, antidiscrimination, gay rights, reproductive choice, disability rights, consumer rights, protection of health, safety, and the environment, the criminal justice system, immigration, and health rights. To learn more, please visit www.acslaw.org.
  
  
• Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
  The purpose of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association is to address the needs and concerns of the Asian Pacific American law students within the law school through programs that assist Asian Pacific American law students in achieving their academic and professional goals; foster a sense of community within APALSA though a number of social, cultural, and educational events; work with Asian Pacific American communities, locally and nationally by providing APALSA members with access and opportunities for involvement; and educate, inform and work with the law school in addressing issues affecting Asian Pacific Americans.
  
  
• Black Law Students Association
  The primary purpose is educational. This association will assist Black and other minority law school students who are enrolled in Michigan State University College of Law, toward obtaining a law school degree and passing the State Bar examination.
  
  
• Business Law Society
  The purpose of the Business Law Society shall be the following:
  1. To promote awareness of and appreciation for business law including but not limited to enterprise structure, finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust, and related topics.
  2. To actively promote and aid students’ pursuit of a career in business law.
  3. To promote general awareness of laws affecting business and their effect on society.
  
  
• Canadian Student Legal Association
  The purpose of the Canadian Legal Association is to promote Canadian culture and to provide support and information with regard to the joint JD/LLB program.
  
  
• Chinese Legal Society
  To promote legal education, encourage communications among students with different background, and secure a better understanding of legal cultures of different countries.
  
  
• Christian Legal Society
  CLS is a non-denominational Christian membership association of lawyers, judges, law professors, law students, and other associates (friends of CLS who do not have a law degree) whose members participate in the broad and rich variety of Christian congregational life and traditions. Membership in the Christian Legal Society is open to all.
  
  
• Conservative Law Society
  The Conservative Law Society is committed to the preservation and vibrant renewal of conservative thought at Michigan State University College of Law. The society aims to ensure that the principles that have made America successful in the past are not forgotten. It aims to recruit outstanding student leaders committed to the principles of limited government, a strong national defense, a restrained judiciary that recognizes a textualist interpretation of the Constitution and legislative supremacy in lawmaking, and the promotion of traditional American values, especially the defense of innocent life from the moment of creation and the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. The Conservative Law Society exists as a forum for discussion of important legal matters, a voice for conservative law students, and a fellowship of young men and women committed to the founding of values of American Law.
  
  
• Delta Theta Phi
  Delta Theta Phi is a co-ed professional fraternity focused on academic development as well as networking among members and alumni.
  
  
• Environmental Law Society
  To inform and educate MSU Law community about environmental law and all its components. We are a non-partisan society that encourages all views of environmental law.
  
  
• Family Law Society
  The purpose and goals of the Family Law Society are to promote the fundamental values of faith and justice as an integral focus of family law legal concerns and careers; to foster a deepened sense of family ethics and social commitment among law students and lawyers in family law matters; to unite in public expression of this vision of faith and justice in the legal community; to sponsor events consonant with the purposes which are of particular interest to law students interested in family law as well as to those who share in the general vision of the society; and to provide educational and social opportunities to the membership.
  
  
• Federalist Society
  The Michigan State University Federalist Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to bringing conservative and libertarian ideas into legal education. We sponsor debates, speeches and symposia to advance our 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.
  
  
• Hispanic Law Society
  The purpose of the Hispanic Law Society is to maximize the equality of education at MSU-LAW, through cultural awareness, education, and overall involvement in school activities, curricular, extracurricular and otherwise, with a focus towards the Hispanic Law Society. The specific goals of this organization shall be to fulfill its purpose, while at the same time achieving the specific goals of virtue, uplift and community involvement.
  
  
• Intellectual Property Law Society
  The purpose of the IP Society is to provide students with knowledge about intellectual property allowing them to gain experience and build relationships with practicing lawyers within the field. The IP society also allows interested students the opportunity to explore various options in IP careers.
  
  
• International Law Society
  The International Law Society strives to provide its members with an opportunity to cultivate their interests in International Law. This it shall try to achieve by: organizing events such as speaking engagements on informative topics, and providing its members with employment resources and information about educational opportunities.
  
  
• J. Reuben Clark Law Society
  The Mission Statement of the Student Chapter is parallel to the missions statement of the Law Society: “We affirm the strength brought to the study of law by a law student’s personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and diligence in our studies to promote fairness and virtue founded up on the rule of law.”
  In fulfilling its mission statement, the Student Chapter is guided by the philosophy, personal example, and values of its namesake, J. Reuben Clark, Jr. Those values include: (1) public service, (2) loyalty to the rule of law, (3) appreciation for the religious dimension in society and in a law student’s personal life.
  To accomplish its mission, the Student Chapter will: (1) encourage its members to regard law studies as preparation to serve the courts, clients, and society (which service will always be paramount) as well as to practice law which may provide compensation; (2) promote and protect the rule of law; and (3) provide members with opportunities for continuing dialogue on legal topic of significance with members of the Student and Sponsoring Chapters of the Law Society.
  Membership in the Student chapter is multi-faith and open to all currently enrolled law students of any law school in the area where the Student Chapter is located who share in the goals, ideals and values of the Law Society.
  Since the Student Chapter operates under the legal umbrella of the Sponsoring Chapter [or in alternative, the legal umbrella of the JRCLS International Board] and hence under the legal umbrella of the Law Society, the Student chapter must comply with Article II of the Bylaws of the Law Society, which provides, in part, that “all lobbying and other political activities are strictly prohibited.”
  
  
• Jewish Legal Society
  The mission of the Jewish Law Society (JLS) is to promote a spirit of community among the Jewish law students and other students interested in the same at Michigan State College of Law. JLS looks to promote issues of importance to the Jewish community and is dedicated to providing cultural, social, charitable and educational programs. JLS holds social, religious, and networking events giving students the opportunity to get to know one another and also to meet established Jewish lawyers in Michigan.
  
  
• Journal of Animal Law
  The Journal of Animal Law is a project of the MSU College of Law, under the editorship of Professor David Favre. The Journal of Animal Law is currently in its fifth consecutive year of publication. The Journal of Animal Law was the second legal journal established in North America specializing in animal law and is currently one of only three existing that is dedicated to the specialized topic of animal law. The Journal of Animal Law has been able to welcome editors from other ABA-accredited law schools in addition to MSU College of Law.
  
  The goals of the Journal of Animal Law are:
  □ To provide volumes of legal policy materials that relate to animal law and animal welfare
  □ To provide expert explanation of the materials for both legal and non-legal audiences
  □ To be an education resource for both the lawyer and the non-lawyer
  □ To provide historical perspective about social and legal attitudes toward animals, and how we society has arrived at its present perspective.
  
  
• Journal of Business and Securities Law
  The Journal of Business and Securities Law is an independent, student-run organization. Our purpose is to provide insight into legal issues surrounding the business community through legal analysis and other types of publications such as articles, personal narratives, and commentary. In furthering this purpose, the Journal accepts submissions written by active members of the legal community, faculty of established law schools, and other members of the legal profession. Additionally, the Journal accepts student contributions, including selected submissions from its Editorial Board and general members. The Journal anticipates a wide scope of topics on legal business issues such as corporate litigation, commercial transactions, employment, ecommerce, securities regulation, and any other topic focusing on the intersection of law and business.
  
  
• Journal of International Law
  The world is fast becoming a smaller place. With advances in technology and expansion of international trade, boundaries are drawn ever closer and the distinctions between the domestic and the international are blended into the details of each emerging global challenge. With increasing globalization, knowledge of foreign cultures and legal systems is no longer just a welcomed advantage, but an indispensable tool to every professional.
  
  The Editors and Associates of The Michigan State Journal of International Law know the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of international issues and have committed their greatest efforts and energies to publishing high quality, thought provoking articles and organizing topical symposia in the field of international law. Three times per year the Journal of International Law provides students and professionals alike with insights into the most relevant and controversial issues from around the globe. The publication is a practical tool to legal professionals, and also acts as a medium for the dissemination and exchange of ideas within our worldwide distribution network.
  
  From the outset, students have been the driving force behind the Journal. Dedicated, inquisitive and broadminded, our Editors and Associates are distinguished by their diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, but joined by a common understanding of scholastic excellence.
  
  In our endeavors to create a Journal of unsurpassed quality and breadth, we are joined by our learned faculty and advisors. Special thanks to Dean Joan Howarth and Dean Michael Lawrence for their continued support; and to our Faculty Advisor, Professor Bruce W. Bean, who has been there since our inception, for continuing to provide us with invaluable guidance and advice.
  
  We at the Journal of International Law welcome the challenges of the coming year with the determination to continue to provide our readers with an outstanding publication, in the distinguished tradition of our law school and Journal.
  
  
• Journal of Medicine & Law
  The Journal of Medicine and Law is a student-edited review that publishes twice each year. The primary purpose of the Journal is to provide an explorative view into the medical and legal issues of today. In furthering this purpose, the Journal accepts articles written by academics and professionals in the field, and on occasion, students. The Journal also hosts events, including but not limited to, symposiums, debates, speakers, and dinners
  The scope of the Journal is to improve each member’s research and writing skills, while increasing their knowledge of medical, health care, and scientific legal issues. The Journal promotes this objective by requiring members to: complete assigned production of work, formulate issues and topics for speaking events and upcoming issues, solicit outside authors, participate on committees, and fulfill office hour commitments.
  As a result of the practical, informative, and timely focus on the Journal, it has been well received. It provides practicing attorneys and medical professionals with a professionally compiled legal resource. In addition, it has served as an informative resource for state policy-makers.
  
  
• Labor and Employment Law Association
  The Labor and Employment Law Association fosters student interest in the practice of labor and employment law, assists its members in obtaining exposure to the field before graduation, and actively seeks opportunities for student involvement in the community. The words “labor” and “employment” in the organizations title are conceived broadly to include employees, unions, and management.
  
  
• Law and Economics Society
  To introduce what is an emerging legal theory to the student body at Michigan State University College of Law and Michigan State University.
  
  
• Law Students for Reproductive Justice
  Law Students for Reproductive Justice is a student-led, student-driven national non-profit network of law students, professors, and lawyers committed to attaining reproductive justice, which will be achieved when all people and communities have access to the information, resources, and support they need to attain sexual and reproductive self-determination. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring access to medically accurate, age-appropriate, culturally competent sex and sexuality information, as well as comprehensive, quality reproductive healthcare, including prenatal care, postnatal care, contraception, abortion services, and alternative reproductive technologies for women and men, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.
  
  
• Medical-Legal Society
  The purpose of the Medical-Legal Society is to foster appreciation for and awareness of the law concerning medical malpractice, health care, and other related topics; to foster working relationships between students and professionals within those areas of law; to actively promote and aid any student’s pursuit of a career within those areas of law; to positively contribute to the community at Michigan State University, Michigan State University College of Law, and the community at large, with regard to those areas of law.
  
  
• Michigan State Law Review
  Published since 1931, the Michigan State Law Review is a wholly student educated journal dedicated to the advancement of legal scholarship. This purpose is achieved through publication of thought-provoking articles ranging from the controversial to the practical. Recent publication topics include the viability of the Independent Counsel Act, expert “neutrality” in the courtroom, affirmative action in admissions to schools of higher education, and whether IOLTA Programs constitute an unconstitutional taking.
  
  
• Military Law Society
  The Military Law Society is a student-run organization that promotes scholarly discussion of military law, promotes awareness of veterans issues, and builds social ties between interested students, the law school, and the local community for the purpose of professional development.
  
  
• Moot Court & Trial Advocacy Board
  The Moot Court and Advocacy Board at MSU College of Law is an intensive program of advocacy training in a competitive environment. The program provides students the opportunity to develop written, oral, and team-based advocacy skills. Each year, the Board sends twelve to fifteen teams across the country to compete against other law schools for top honors. The Moot Court and Advocacy Board has developed a prestigious national reputation, built on years of hard work and dedicated members. The Board looks forward to carrying on this winning tradition in the future.
  
  
• MSU Law Ice Hockey Club
  The MSU Law Hockey Club is a student-run hockey team open to all members of the law school community. In addition to regular competition in a local ice hockey league, the Club annually participates in the ‘Skate for Justice’ tournament which is an ice hockey tournament between four law schools: MSU College of Law, U-M Law School, Wayne State, and University of Detroit-Mercy. As a collegial competition, this tournament promotes the competitive vigor we are called upon to embody on a behalf of our clients. In recent years, ‘Skate for Justice’ has raised over $2500 in donations to the ‘Access to Justice’ fund, benefiting those of modest means in need of legal counsel.
  
  
• Muslim Law Students Association
  The MSU Muslim Law Students Association’s (MLSA) mission is to foster the professional, academic, and spiritual development of Muslim law students at Michigan State University college of Law. MLSA aims to further an understanding of Islam, Muslims, Islamic legal issues, issues of social justice, and other concerns of the Muslim community with MSU Muslims and non-Muslims alike. MLSA also will contribute to a supportive nation-wide network of future Muslim lawyers while also connecting current Muslim law students to practicing lawyers and other professionals in the legal field. MLSA wants to meet the needs of incoming as well as current Muslim law students. Finally, MLSA will work with other student organizations to promote understanding, diversity, and awareness of minority issues at large at MSU.
  
  
• Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)
  NALSA will promote diversity among MSU College of Law by volunteering in local indigenous activities, participating in conferences and participating in local diversity programs within the MSU community. NALSA will strive to promote the academic and professional achievement of the students within the organization to ensure success among the membership.
  
  
• O.W.L.S. (Older or Working Law Students)
  OWLS is an organization that provides support, networking, and social events for older or otherwise non-traditional students who have significant life experience prior to entering law school.
  
  
• Phi Alpha Delta
  The purpose of this fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in fraternal fellowship designed to advance the ideals of liberty and equal justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to inspire the virtues if 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.
  
  
• Public Interest Law Society
  The purpose of Public Interest Law Society is to provide information to students on public policy and public interest law opportunities. The Public Interest Law Society is a student run organization dedicated to the development of public interest law awareness and opportunities within the legal profession. PILS is a local chapter member of Equal Justice Network (EJN), which is a national coalition of law student organizations that raise money through auctions and other events on their campuses in order to offer grants and other forms of assistance to students and recent graduates engaged in public interest law employment, particularly during the summer. As a clearinghouse and public education center, EJN works with member organizations to create public interest legal employment and training opportunities, remove the economic barriers that confront future public interest lawyers, and provide informational and inspirational resources for public service work. Public interest is an important part of society, and an important part of the legal system. Through an affiliation with the National Lawyers Guild and membership in Equal Justice Network the Public Interest Law Society helps students learn ways they can participate in the various areas of public interest law.
  
  
• Real Estate Organization
  
  
  
• Res Ipsa (Student Newspaper)
  
  
  
• Spartan Law Students Society
  The purpose of the SLSS is:
  i) to promote establish, and run such activities and organization as are deemed beneficial to its members and the Michigan State University College of Law community [hereinafter “Law School Community”],
  ii) to promote social interaction among the students, faculty, alumni, and administration of the law school at sporting events,
  iii) to increase the reputation and recognition of the Law School Community amongst the Michigan State University community.
  
  
• Sports and Entertainment Law Society
  The Sports and Entertainment Law Society fosters students’ interest in the practice of sports and entertainment law, assists its members in obtaining exposure to the field before graduation, and actively seeks opportunities for student involvement in the community. Because the legal issues confronting athletes and entertainers cannot be separated from the high profile environment in which they live, the organization recognizes the value of advancing cooperation between these individuals and those who seek to advance their social integrity, protect their legal principles and offer financial security in their investments. Its interest spans the extremes of society, from labor law to First Amendment Rights. The words “sports” and “entertainment” in the organization’s title is conceived broadly and inclusively.
  
  
• St. Thomas More Society
  To foster and promote spiritual and ethnical values for students with Judeo-Christian values and all other students irrespective of any religion or creed through social commitment and support for all students for studies, as well as social and spiritual needs.
  
  
• Student Animal Legal Defense Fund
  We are an organization dedicated to the protection of animal welfare. Our goal is to work through the courts and legislatures to defend domestic animals and wildlife from abuse and exploitation. Our organization aims to raise awareness among the student body regarding current animal welfare issues and highlight opportunities available in this area of law.
  
  
• Student Bar Association
  The purpose of SBA is:
  1. to promote, establish, and run such activities and organizations as are deemed beneficial to the MSU College of Law [hereinafter “College of Law”] and to represent student concerns and interests; and
  2. to promote academic and social interaction among the students, faculty, alumni, administration, and board of trustees of the College of Law; and
  3. to develop a mutual awareness and appreciation of the profession of law among the College of Law and community at large, including the American Bar Association; and
  4. to serve as a representative of the student body to the faculty, alumni, administration, and board of trustees of the College of Law; and
  5. To promote professionalism among law school students by providing an opportunity to participate in an integrated Bar modeled on the State Bar of Michigan; and
  6. to promote service in the College of Law and the community at large; and
  7. to promote and encourage diversity in the College of Law and the community at large.
  
  
• Tau Epsilon Rho
  
  
  
• Trial Advocacy Society
  The principal purpose of the Trial Advocacy Society will include but not be limited to the following: The “Society” shall provide a close union for its members, to be part of a group of professional law students who cherish the spirit of the law and remembrance of their law school roots and experiences. The exchange of ideas and information will be transmitted into actions to promote the community as a whole through charitable drives and words to the benefit of the Law School Community. Moreover, The Trial Advocacy Society will provide national networking opportunities with trial judges and lawyers, open doors to internships/externships and scholarships, and sponsor numerous academic and social events throughout the school year. Members will better the Law School, community, and themselves by taking affirmative action(s) within the “Society’s” committees.
  
  
• Triangle Bar
  Our mission is to work with faculty, administrators, and students to create and ensure an ongoing environment of equal footing within the law school community; to promote awareness regarding pertinent issues and legal challenges that the LGBT community faces.
  
  
• Women's Law Caucus
  To encourage members to take full advantage of the law school’s activities and services, to support members in their educational and professional growth, and foster relations with the community, law school and university while always striving for the attainment of high scholastic, community, and career achievements.