Successful Turnout at MSU Law Student Organization Fair

Jake Jenkins

Sept 6, 2022

[Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series on MSU Law Student Organizations]

This past week, Michigan State University College of Law held its annual student organization fair. This event was held outside on the lawn, east of the college and featured over 35 organizations for students to consider joining.

Each student organization table was filled with signs, pamphlets, flyers, and much more information. With so many different groups to choose from, students were pleased to see the variety of networking that takes place at the college.

“It’s nice to have all the organizations in one place,” said Joseph Guerra, ’25, from Cadillac, Mich. “They literally cover everything, and I was surprised to see the options they had.”

Student leaders who served on executive boards for organizations, provided information to potential members. They said being a part of leadership board of an organizations gives them a sense of responsibility and skills that contributes to success in law school.

Caitlin Do, Vice President of the Family Law Society, said that being a part of an organization has forced her to step out her comfort zone.

“It allows me to work on my communion skills,” Do said. “I’m here at the fair talking to people and making initial contact to form connections. I have built bonds and friendships with people within law school just by being a part of organizations”

Networking with others is important in the legal field and with membership of these groups, students are connecting with others who have similar interest.

“It’s kind of hard to meet people at law school,” said Marc Ellis, Secretary for the Space Law Society. “Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who have a common interest as you can be very beneficial.”

Each student organization must have a faculty advisor to oversee their operation and make sure they are staying within the guidelines. Faculty participation is encouraged and is something that many take pride in.

Professor Philip Pucillo is currently the advisor for the following groups: St. Thomas More Society, Student Veterans of America, Military Law Society, and Phi Alpha Delta.

“Being a faculty advisor to a student org affords me an opportunity to connect with students on a much more personal level,” said Pucillo. “Taking steps to advance the mission of a student organization is fun and enjoyable, and the students can interact with me without that nagging feeling that they’re being evaluated like in a classroom setting.

“It’s important for faculty members to be advisors since they are naturally more familiar with the inner workings of the Law College and the larger legal community,” said Pucillo. “That can be helpful when members of an org require support or assistance in some regard but don’t know exactly whom to contact about a particular issue. A faculty member can step in at that point and offer helpful guidance about how to proceed.”

Review a list of MSU Law Student Organizations and membership information.