A Diversity of Perspectives
"The beauty of Virginia Law is it embraces diversity. The collegial atmosphere of the Law School is warm and welcoming to the many voices and life experiences that make this community strong. That serves students while they are here, and once they venture beyond Grounds."
—Cordel Faulk ’01, Director of Admissions
More than 500 students, faculty and staff signed the annual diversity pledge in 2009 as part of the Law School’s Diversity Day. Stephanie Fier ’09 (above) helped organize the pledge drive in 2008. More
“The law school classroom is most dynamic when there is a range of viewpoints that encourage lively discussion and debate. We look for applicants with differing backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to the environment at Virginia and enrich the academic experience for all.”
—Jason Wu Trujillo ’01,
Senior Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid
“Law is an important tool by which society respects and mediates differing interests, goals and perspectives. Law cannot serve that function unless it invites all voices to be heard, and we expect no less of our own classroom experience.”
—Paul G. Mahoney, Dean
A diversity of perspectives enhances the Law School's classroom conversation and fosters shared values of tolerance, respect and mutual support. Teamwork, cooperation, respect for different points of view, skilled communication and an understanding of varied perspectives are all an integral part of a profession that serves an increasingly diverse society.
Student Organizations
Virginia students have the opportunity to participate in innovative student organizations that bring together students of different racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds, as well as people of different sexual orientations and political affiliations.
APALSA provides academic and social support to its members and reaches out to the Law School community on issues pertaining to Asian-Americans.
BLSA promotes the welfare of its members through educational, professional, cultural and social programs, while offering a forum for the discussion of issues affecting both the black law student and University communities. The group won National Chapter of the Year at the 2007 BLSA conference.
The Feminist Legal Forum is dedicated to advancing feminist discussion and awareness at the Law School and eradicating sexism within the legal profession.
JLSA provides cultural, educational and social programming for Jewish law students and serves as a resource for the rest of the Law School.
Lambda Law Alliance provides a supportive network for sexual minorities and their allies enrolled in the Law School and heightens community awareness about legal issues relevant to sexual minorities.
LALO is an all-inclusive student group devoted to increasing awareness of legal issues facing Latinos and Latin America.
LCF is a nondenominational Christian fellowship
committed to presenting Christianity to the Law School and the surrounding Charlottesville community through service, outreach and fellowship.
Law Partners is a social and support network for couples connected with the Law School.
MLSA is dedicated to furthering a discussion of topics related to Islamic Law as well as contemporary issues facing the people of the Islamic World. It is also committed to creating an awareness of and celebrating Islamic culture.
NALSA is an all-inclusive student group that increases awareness of legal issues affecting Native American populations and enables students to engage in activities related to Native culture.
The Peer Advisor Program helps acclimate first-year students to the law school experience and provides friendship and support throughout law school.
The Rex E. Lee Law Society supports members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) who are studying or interested in
studying law at the University of Virginia.
The St. Thomas More Society fosters high ethical principles in the legal profession and in the community of Catholic lawyers.
SUPRA is funded by the Law School Foundation to promote understanding among students with different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Virginia Law Families supports and promotes the interests of students facing the challenges of attending law school while raising children.
Virginia Law Veterans serves as an information resource on veterans’ issues and national security and international law and policy topics. The organization sponsors events that support the school’s military community.
Virginia Law Women is dedicated to addressing issues that interest, concern and affect women in law school.
Women of Color promotes the welfare of the diverse population of women at the Law School through a number of programs.