Student Organizations
All rooms are in Slaughter Hall. E-mail
corrections and updates to studaff@law.virginia.edu.
A'Cappellate Opinions - The A'Cappellate Opinions include male and female students who practice and perform contemporary a cappella music. They strive to perform at various Law School events such as the Public Interest Law Auction and Barrister's Ball. However, their primary purpose is to enjoy making music together.
- President:
Nathan Koch, nk5s@Virginia.edu
- Musical Director:
Bill Doolittle
- Treasurer:
Jared Campbell
- Public Relations:
Meredith Van Tine
return to top
ACLU-UVA LAW - The American
Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a nonprofit and nonpartisan
national organization, works in the courts, legislatures,
and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights
and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by
the Constitution and laws of the United States. The ACLU Chapter of UVA Law is a diverse group
of law students who are interested in understanding and protecting
civil liberties. The ACLU-UVA raises awareness and
encourages discussion around campus about civil liberties
issues through issue advocacy and public education events
and by monitoring civil liberties in the community. Members
can also connect with practicing civil rights attorneys
in Virginia through our close connection with
the ACLU of Virginia, www.acluva.org.
We welcome ideas from new members on how to expand and improve
our role both at the law school and beyond. For information
about the ACLU generally, go to the comprehensive national
ACLU Web site, www.aclu.org. Room 158E
- President: Gabriel Walters, gzw2b@virginia.edu
- Vice President: David Koenig
- Director of Reproductive Rights:
Helene Shen
- Public Relations:
Erva Cockfield
- Treasurer:
Audrey Brown
return to top
Action for a Better Living Environment (ABLE) -ABLE is a student-run service organization that provides student volunteers opportunities to help disadvantaged children in the Charlottesville community. ABLE volunteers have the opportunity to provide weekly after-school tutoring services to children of all ages in both reading and math. Other ABLE volunteers become "big siblings" to children in the community. The program matches up law students with "little siblings" to create one-on-one relationships. The goal of this program is to provide mentorship, friendship, and support to underprivileged kids on a consistent weekly basis. Room 156F
- Co-Presidents:
Dennis Barrett, ddb2n@Virginia.edu
Alison Mueller, amm5gv@virginia.edu
- Matching Coordinator:
Linda Otaigbe
- Tutoring Directors:
Greta Burkholder & Tom Seider
- Treasurer:
Ben Tracy
return to top
American Constitution Society - The American Constitution Society of Law and Policy is a national organization of law students, law professors, practicing lawyers and others. The Society aims to help revitalize and transform the legal debate, from law school classrooms to federal courtrooms, and to counter the dominant vision of American law today, a narrow conservative vision that lacks appropriate regard for the ways in which the law affects people’s lives. The Society seeks to restore the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and liberties, genuine equality and access to justice to their rightful—and traditionally central—place in American law. For more information on the national organization, please visit www.acslaw.org. Room 192C
- President:
Beth Cochran, eac8r@virginia.edu
- Vice President:
Jason McKim
- Treasurer: Gwen Kern
- Secretary: Jared Kaprove
- Director of Communications and Events:
Jay Anderson
- At-Large Representatives:
Chris Dumler,
Derek Hamilton
return to top
Asian
Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) - APALSA is a network of Asian-American law students at UVA that provides academic and social support to its members and tries to reach out to the Law School community on issues pertaining to Asian-Americans. Room 192D
- President: Smitha Sundar, ssundar@virginia.edu
- Vice President, Career & Academics: Daniel Li
- Vice President, Programming: Kathy Li
- Treasurer: Nick Ahuja
- Communications Chair: Jeannie Ho
- Social & Community Service Chair: Jackie Choi
return to top
Black
Law Students Association (BLSA) - BLSA represents the views of Black students at the School of Law; promotes the welfare of its members through educational, professional, cultural, and social programs; and provides a forum for the discussion of local and national issues affecting both the Black law student community and the university community as a whole. 924-7632, Room 192A
- President: Ellen Yiadom, yiadom@virginia.edu
- Vice President: Alex Garrison
- Secretary: Linda Otaigbe
- Treasurer: Stefanee Handon
- Fundraising: Chioma Ayogu
- Career Chair: Karla Hardy
- Admissions Chair: Erva Cockfield
- Issues and Concerns Chair: Savannah Marion
- Alumni Affairs Chair: LaToya Howard
- Community Service Chair: Leigh Miller
- Education Chair: Jordan McKay
- Social Chair: Carlton Gammons
return to top
Child Advocacy Research & Education (CARE) - CARE is a student-run service group that takes a legal approach to issues affecting children, including education, juvenile justice, foster care, and immigration. Through partnerships with local and national children’s law and advocacy organizations and CARE-generated projects, we assist in the direct representation of children and strive for broader systemic change through policy research and advocacy. Room 156F
- President:
Amy Saltzman, asaltzman@gmail.com
- Project Coordinator:
China Irwin
- Communications:
Lindsey McCaslin
return to top
Conference
on Public Service and the Law - The Conference on Public Service and the Law will bring together students, faculty, litigators, and policymakers for an exploration of various public interest issues facing today’s legal community and provide excellent opportunities for job networking. Room 192E
return to top
Constitutional and Legal Theory Discussion Forum -
The Discussion Forum brings law students together with graduate philosophy and politics students, for informal discussions and debates on American constitutional law and theory. At regular meetings throughout the year, Discussion Forum members choose contemporary academic articles in the field and guide group discussions. The meetings are informal and are excellent opportunities to get to know and share ideas with UVA graduate students in related disciplines. The Discussion Forum does not promote particular political viewpoints, but rather, invites the participation of all interested students.
return to top
Cowan Fellows Human Rights Study Project - The Project promotes
the study of law affecting the protection of basic rights
in foreign countries. HRSP combines the group-oriented and
continuous character of a student organization with the scholarly
aims of academically credited independent research. Each year,
the Project team travels to the country that is the subject
matter of its study to conduct interviews and collect other
research unavailable in the United States. www.student.virginia.edu/~hrsp
- President: Robin Freeman, rlf8t@virginia.edu
- Vice President: Dana Jupiter
- Treasurer: Zach Williams
return to top
The Domestic Violence Project (DVP) - The Domestic Violence Project at the University of Virginia School of Law is a law student pro bono project organized under the Legal Assistance Society. DVP strives to address the problem of domestic violence both directly (through pro bono service) and indirectly (through educational efforts to raise awareness and understanding of the issue). DVP educates the law school community about issues of domestic violence through speakers, discussion panels, films, and other events. DVP volunteers also monitor domestic violence-related criminal justice proceedings in Charlottesville, Albemarle, and several other surrounding jurisdictions through the Shelter for Help in Emergency's Court Monitoring Program, and assist the Commonwealth's Attorney Offices of Charlottesville and of Albemarle in their prosecution of domestic violence cases by interviewing victims of domestic violence through the Commonwealth's Attorney's Project (CAP). In addition, DVP provides law student volunteers for the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Domestic Violence Project (PDVP), organizes police ride-alongs, and more. Room 196C
return to top
Extramural Advocacy Team - See The National Trial Advocacy Team and Extramural Moot Court.
return to top
Extramural Moot Court - Extramural Moot Court is part of the Extramural Advocacy Team along with the National Trial Advocacy Team. Students from all years are welcome to try-out for Extramural Moot Court. Last year, we sponsored participation in eleven different extramural competitions in many areas including: constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law and trademark law.
- Extramural Chair:
Wenhong You, wy3c@virginia.edu
- Extramural Vice-Chair:
Jamila Willis
- Coordinators, Extramural Advocacy Team: Jonathan Wolfson, Nick Nelson
return to top
Federalist
Society - The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies seeks to promote an awareness and application of the following principles: that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution, and that it is the duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. Room 192B
- President:
Lisa Graff, lg9x@virginia.edu
- VP for Speakers:
Ian Fiske
- VP for Finance: Heath Roettig
- VP for Special Events: Megan Lacy
- VP for Membership: Douglas Raney
- VP for Technology: Andrew Stockment
return to top
The Fowler Society - The Fowler Society was founded to honor the relationship between law and grammar and to recognize that legal professionals are not only practitioners but also scholars of the written word. The Society encourages awareness and use of proper English construction; promotes the achievements of Henry Watson Fowler, lexicographer and author of Fowler's Modern English Usage; debates the ideas that Fowler himself debated so expertly; and celebrates the other great grammarians and scholars who have contributed so much to the study, preservation, and exaltation of the English language.
- President: Sarah Hughes, sbh3p@virginia.edu
- Director of Communications: Elizabeth Killingsworth
return to top
First Year Council (FYC) - FYC is primarily a social organization designed to sponsor programs which help unify the first year class (e.g., Foxfield, First Year Halloween Party, Lip Synch contest, First Year Olympics.) FYC reps also sponsor social programs which help unify their small sections (e.g., potluck dinners, movie/t.v. nights, day trips, etc.) In addition, FYC may discuss issues which directly affect the first year class and relay their concerns to the SBA via their representatives.
return to top
Graduate Law Students (GLSA) - GLSA is the representative body for all LL.M. and S.J.D. candidates. It organizes social functions for its members, and represents their interests with faculty.
- President: Christoph Weber, cw4qv@virginia.edu
- Vice President and SBA Representative: Alex Vivas
- Treasurer: Prasan Ulluwishewa
- Corresponding Secretary: Avantika Banerjee
- Social Events Coordinator: Lisandra Pacheco
- Sports Committee: Rodrigo Morales
- Sports Committee: Wojciech Baginski
- Sports Committee: Marcos Patron Costas
return to top
Health Law Association - The Health Law Association is open
to all law, LL.M., medical, graduate, and undergraduate
students. Its purposes are to explain what health law
is, to give students a better view of the different areas
of health law, to introduce types of classes we have available,
and to promote a healthy environment. The group sponsors many speakers
and seminars in the health law field throughout the year
and organizes social activities with medical and other graduate
students. We also participate in pro bono activities
with the UVA Medical Center.
- President:
Randal Miller, rcm4f@virginia.edu
- Vice President Activities:
Audrey Brown
- Vice President Outreach:
Dennis Barrett
- Secretary:
Courtney Chu
- Treasurer:
Susan Ruggero
return to top
inter alia - Recognizing that budding lawyers share more in common than just their study of law, inter alia seeks to provide a tangible outlet for the creative works of students at School of Law. To that end, inter alia—UVA Law’s first and only literary/art magazine—accepts original works of prose, poetry, photography and other art for publication in hard copy, twice annually. Through publication, inter alia hopes to showcase those works of artistic quality and intellectual import that celebrate and illuminate the multifarious dimensions of our student body. Room 156D
return to top
The Islamic Legal Exchange (ILE) - ILE is open to all students at the Law School, Muslim and non-Muslim. ILE is dedicated to furthering a discussion of issues 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. ILE's mission is twofold: to create and sustain an academic forum in which the law school community can engage in discussion as well as benefit from expertise of scholars and practitioners, and to establish a platform from which students can work together to effect change. Room 196A
- President:
Gabriel Walters, gzw2b@virginia.edu
- Treasurer:
Samir Najam
- Social Chair:
Saira Karim-Najam
- Speakers Chair:
Bilal Ezzedine
return to top
JD/MBA Society - The
JD/MBA Society serves as a focal point for communication between JD/MBA students
and the law and business school administrations, as well
as the faculty, student body, alumni, and prospective students
of the schools; promotes the exchange of information and
advice among JD/MBAs; improves the functioning of
the JD/MBA program; and sponsors events and activities
which promote interaction among the law and business school
communities. The JD/MBA Society welcomes all students.
return to top
Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) - JLSA provides cultural, educational, and social programming for Jewish law students, and serves as a resource for the rest of the Law School. Room 156D
return to top
John
Bassett Moore Society of International Law (J.B. Moore) - The J.B. Moore Society's primary objective is to contribute to the development of international law by fostering interest and understanding in the field. To promote that goal, the Society sponsors speakers, conferences, publications, an international moot court team and pro bono human rights projects, as well as numerous other programs. 924-3087, Room 192D
- President:
Elizabeth Lim, lizlim@virginia.edu
- Vice President, Publicity:
Dan Sullivan
- Vice President, Programming:
Nilakshi Parndigamage
- Vice President, Social Programs:
China Irwin
- Vice President, Special Projects:
Jared Campbell
- Secretary:
Zach Carter
- Treasurer:
Andrew Golden
- Symposium Director: Travis Mock
return to top
Just Democracy - Just Democracy's mission is to empower citizens of all socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnic and racial communities and political persuasions to participate in the democratic process by exercising the right to vote. To accomplish this, Just Democracy has formed J.D. chapters at the nation's law schools, thus establishing a network of concerned law students throughout the country that develop voting rights projects on an ongoing basis. These chapters organize and train law student volunteers to work within their local communities to ensure that people who turn out to vote aren't wrongly turned away. In past elections, the J.D.-UVA Chapter has worked locally in Charlottesville, as well as at the Richmond Registrar of Voters and alongside state election officials at the State Board of Elections. Just Democracy is committed to independence and nonpartisanship in all activities.
return to top
Lambda
Law Alliance - Lambda Law Alliance provides an academically and
socially supportive network for members of sexual minorities
and their allies enrolled in the Law School. The organization also heightens awareness throughout
the Law School, as well as the University community, about
legal issues relevant to sexual minorities. Lambda attempts
to keep the community informed of its interests and concerns
and pushes for the expansion of equal civil rights for
all. Room 158E
- President:
Sarah Fritsch,
sbf3s@virginia.edu
- Vice President:
Aaron Friedman
- Treasurer:
Nathan Arnold
- Events Coordinator:
Tom Burns
- Communications: Layna Moysich
return to top
Latin American Law Organization (LALO—formally Voz Latina) - LALO is an all-inclusive student group devoted to increasing awareness of legal issues facing Latinos and Latin America. The group works to increase Latino representation at the Law School, augments the exploration of Hispanic-related issues in the law, and provides cultural and social programming that is of interest to the Law School community. Room 192D
- President:
Kilsy Torres, kt5e@virginia.edu
- Vice-President:
Kristy Morgan
- Treasurer:
Benjamin Robles
- Secretary:
Patricia Cooper
- Outreach Director:
Jose Masini
- Academic Events Chair:
Pam McElroy
- Social Chair:
Lindsey Correa
return to top
Law Christian Fellowship (LCF) - LCF is a nondenominational Christian fellowship dedicated to understanding the person and claims of Jesus Christ. LCF remains uniquely committed to presenting Christianity to the Law School and the surrounding Charlottesville community through fellowship, service, and outreach. Room 158A
- President:
Christopher Norfleet, christopher.norfleet@gmail.com
- Treasurer:
Aaron Shepherd
- VP for Families: Amber Moran
- VP for Fellowship:
Lisa Graff
- VP for Outreach:
Megan Lacy
- VP for Prayer & Discipleship: Jonathan Wolfson
- VP for Speakers: Colin Lecroy
- VP for Service & Pro Bono: Chris McCoy
- VP for Worship: Lauren Roscoe
return to top
Law
Partners - Law Partners is a social networking
group for couples connected with the Law School. It
was designed
to foster a sense of community among students and their
significant others, to function as a support group, and
to create networks to help facilitate a smooth transition
into life in Charlottesville.
return to top
Law Student Advocacy Project (LSAP) - The Law Student Advocacy Project (LSAP) pairs law
students with Virginia state employees who need assistance in
preparation for grievance hearings before state hearing officers. LSAP
volunteers work to prepare the employee's case, and then actually argue
the case before state administrative hearing officers. This involves
conducting direct and cross-examinations of witnesses, and giving
opening and closing statements. Volunteers receive pro bono hours for all their time.
return to top
Legal Advisory Workshops
for Undergraduate Students (LAW for US) - Law for Us is a mentoring program for undergraduate students run by Law School students. The program targets minority undergrads and students who will become first-generation attorneys at each level of the process of preparing for law school admissions. This program also receives pro bono credit.
- President: Olushola Ayanbule,
oa4m@virginia,edu
- Vice Presidnet of Mentorship: Aaron Armstrong
- Vice President of Programming and Treasurer: Jennifer French
return to top
Legal Assistance Society (LAS) - The Legal Assistance Society is dedicated to helping underprivileged people in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. LAS is an umbrella organization that provides funding and administrative support to UVA Law School volunteer groups. Through its six projects, the Domestic Violence Project, the Legal Education Project, the Migrant Farmworkers Project, the Native American Law Project, the Rappahannock Legal Services Clinic, and the Volunteer Income Tax Association, LAS provides varied opportunities for its members to gain practical legal experience. Many of the projects are in conjunction with a legal organization in the area. The individuals who seek help from LAS projects do not generally have easy access to legal assistance.
- President:
Lauren Marziani, lem4x@virginia.edu
- Treasurer:
Thomas Burns
- Secretary:
Barbara Colberg
return to top
The Legal
Education Project (LEP), run by the Legal
Assistance Society, involves visits by law students to area middle
schools in order to help teenagers learn more about the
legal system. Weekly classroom visits are coordinated
with the students' language arts or civics courses. The
weekly classes introduce the trial process, with law
students instructing on such topics as opening and closing
statements, effective cross examination, and evidence.
Each semester culminates in a mock trial held at the
Law School, with the middle school students serving as
lawyers and witnesses trying to persuade a judge (a UVA
law professor) and a jury of law students.
return to top
Lex United - Lex United is a soccer team composed of law students and may include recent graduates. The team plays in the Charlottesville-Albemarle adult soccer league (SOCA). SOCA has three competitive levels, and Lex United plays in the top competitive league against other local teams, including those from the Darden Business School and the Medical School. Lex United has represented the Law School and SOCA in the Virginia Amateur Cup Tournament. The team provides a great outlet for law students to relax, interact socially outside of the classroom, and stay physically fit.
return to top
The
Libel Show - The Libel Show is an annual theatrical production which has been humoring the Law School since 1908 (making us the longest running student organization on campus). Each year the Show lampoons our professors and life at the Law School through a variety of impersonations, song parodies, and skits. The Libel Show's mission is to do everything within its power to help the Law School community enjoy raucous laughter. Most of the Show's work takes place in the spring semester. About 200 students write, sing, act, dance, and work as run crew on the Show. Whether you're a 1L or a 3L, and whether you have experience doing any theater in the past or not, you can be part of the Libel Show! Room 156B
return to top
The Migrant
Farmworkers Project (MFP), run by the Legal
Assistance Society, works with the Virginia
Justice Center for Immigrant and Farmworkers (a program
of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Legal Aid Society) to
assist an isolated population in great need of legal
assistance. The Virginia Justice Center represents immigrant
workers and farmworkers throughout the state of Virginia.
Although the Center handles mostly employment law cases,
it also takes housing and discrimination cases. Members
of the Migrant Farmworkers Project at UVA visit migrant
farm labor camps and inform workers about their rights.
The project also seeks to increase awareness about the
substandard treatment and conditions in which immigrant
workers live and work in the state of Virginia. Interested students do NOT
need to speak Spanish to make a difference in the lives
of these marginalized workers. All are welcome.
return to top
Moot Court Board - The William Minor Lile Moot Court Board administers the Lile Moot Court Competition. The third-year students on the Board draft and edit all of the problems for the competition and judge the first two rounds, with the aid of other third-year students. 924-3188, Room 196B
- Chief Justice:
Rob DeRise, rad3f@virginia.edu
- Chancellor: Stephen Anthony
- Treasurer:
Liz Studdard
- First Round Presiding Justice:
Nicole Eason
- Second Round Presiding Justice:
Alfred McQueen
- Quarterfinals Problem Editor:
Aaron Weiner
- Semifinals/Finals Presiding Justice:
Kara Coen
- Semifinals/Finals Problem Editor:
Christina Lynn
- Events and Activities
Chair:
Christine Bestor
- Advocacy Development and Sponsorship Chair: Josh Hess
- Extramural Chair: Wenhong You
- Extramural Vice Chair: Jamila Willis
- Extramural Coordinators: Jonathan Wolfson, Nick Nelson
return to top
The National Trial Advocacy Team -
The National Trial Advocacy Team is part of the Extramural Advocacy Team along with Extramural Moot Court. The team provides an opportunity for law students to hone their trial advocacy skills. The program represents the School of Law in nationwide mock trial competitions.
- President:
Daniel Burgess drb2p@virginia.edu
- VP of Logistics:
Laura Bower
- VP of Finanaces:
Aaron Weiner
- VP of Recruitment:
Lauren Charneski
return to top
Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) - NALSA is an all-inclusive student group devoted to increasing awareness of legal issues affecting Native populations and enabling students at the University of Virginia School of Law to engage in cultural, educational, professional, service, and social activities related to Native culture, communities, and the like. NALSA also aims to help the faculty consider the concerns of Native students when considering academic matters, events, admissions, and other aspects of UVA Law. Room 192D
- President:
Kristen Carothers, kc2fr@virginia.edu
- Vice-president:
Julie Beth Smith
- Secretary:
Courtney Miller
return to top
NeW at UVA Law (Network of Enlightened Women) - NeW at UVA Law is a book club for culturally conservative women associated with the law school. NeW aims to cultivate a community of culturally conservative women and expand the intellectual diversity at institutions of higher learning. We are a nonpartisan educational organization. NeW at UVA Law is a recognized chapter of the Network of enlightened Women, Inc., the nation's premier club for conservative university women. We read books such as What Women Really Want by Celinda Lake and Kellyanne Conway, Who Stole Feminism? by Christina Hoff Sommers, What Our Mothers Didn't Tell Us: Why Happiness Eludes the Modern Woman by Danielle Crittenden, Talking from 9 to 5: How Women's and Men's Conversational Styles Affect Who Gets Heard, Who Gets Credit, and What Gets Done at Work by Deborah Tannen and Taking Sex Differences Seriously by Steven Rhoads.
- President: Karin Agness, ka2v@virginia.edu
- Vice President: Elizabeth Katz
- Treasurer: Lauren Brown
- Secretary: Meredith Blankenstein
return to top
North
Grounds Softball League (NGSL) - The
NGSL is a student organization that runs and organizes
softball at the Law School. The NGSL
also runs a softball tournament in the spring, the University
of Virginia School of Law Spring Softball Invitational, in
which teams from over 60 schools participate. Room 158B; www.ngsl.com
- Head Commissioner:
Jon Ganter, jfg8f@virginia.edu
- Treasurer: Matthew Hitchcock
- Tournament Directors: Allison Ferguson and Kyle Schindler
- Head of Fields: Mitch Keenan
- Head Umpire: Sandra Whitlock
return to top
OWLS (Older Wiser
Law Students) OWLS is an organization
bringing together “nontraditional” law students
for the purpose of assisting 1Ls in transitioning back to
school after a long absence, developing a social network
of peers, and finding activities of interest in Charlottesville.
return to top
The Peer
Advisor Program - The Peer
Advisor Program helps acclimate first-year students to
the Law School experience. We provide friendship and support
throughout the students' law school career. 924-4528, Room 156A
return to top
Phi Alpha Delta - The Thomas
Jefferson Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International
is dedicated to the service of the student, the Law School,
the profession, and the community. The chapter sponsors speakers
and hosts social events. The fraternity provides a forum
for members to broaden their professional experience. Room 196A
- Justice: Paul Martin, ptm5z@virginia.edu
- Vice-Justice: Kurt Davis
- Treasurer: Mihai Birsescu
- Marshall: Heath Roettig
return to top
Phi Delta Phi - Phi
Delta Phi is the oldest legal organization of its kind
in the nation. The organization's Inn at UVA was established in
1890. The fraternity hosts road races, ethics panel
discussions, and various social activities. Room 196A
- Magister: Andrew McCarthy, jam3xz@virginia.edu
- Vice-Magister: Walt Walker
- Clerk: Jim Mattus
- Exchequer: Matt Belger
- Ambassador: Frankie Jones
- Historian: Kami Nelan
return to top
Pro Bono Criminal Assistance Project (P-CAP) - is a student volunteer organization of the law school that provides an array of legal assistance in the community, primarily in the area of criminal defense work. P-CAP does not accept direct solicitations. All law students are welcome to join one of the five P-CAP groups: Appointed Cases, Bail Project, Capital Cases, Beaumont Juvenile Project, and Litigation Committee. 924-3034, fax 982- 2136, Email: pcap-1@virginia.edu, Room 156C
- President:
Darien Capron, dcapron@virginia.edu
- Vice President:
David Sherman
- Litigation Director:
Joe Tavery
- Prisoner's Rights Director: Jessica Childress
- Events Director: Justin Osborn
- Membership Director: Marie Acosta
- Business Director: Corey Clay
return to top
Public Interest Law Association (PILA) - PILA is a student-run organization dedicated to promoting and supporting public interest law among UVA students. PILA provides fellowships to students who accept volunteer or low-paying summer internships in public service, educates the Law School community about public interest law, and serves as a support network for students interested in the public sector. Room 158D
- President: Rebecca Vallas, rvallas@virginia.edu
- Disbursements Director: Dana Jupiter
- Membership Directors: Amy Saltzman, Erin Crowgey
- Fundraising Directors: Susan Edwards, Steven Garrett, Caitlin Stapleton, Sara Wood
- Auction Directors: Mac Caputo, Amanda Muller, Crystal Shin, Rita Taylor, Kyle Wamstad
- Treasurer: Jason McKim
return to top
Rape Crisis Advocacy Project (RCAP) - Supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault through advocacy, legal research and education. Advocacy: Volunteer through SARA to provide direct support to survivors. Legal Research: Come to our weekly meetings to contribute to on-going legal research on current issues in sexual assault while earning pro bono hours. Community Education: Educate the Law School community about sexual violence and the legal issue involved. Legislative Advocacy Project: Change the antiquated laws regarding rape and sexual assault in both Virginia and federally. Room 156C
- Director: Jill Sager, jsager@virginia.edu
- Secretary/Treasurer: Daniya Ponganutree
- Pro Bono Coordinators: Kevin Walsh and Chris Munsey
- Events/Publications Chairs: Sarah Tomeo,
Bridget Mayer
return to top
The Rappahannock Legal Services
Clinic (RLS), run by the Legal
Assistance Society, is a project intended to
provide the community's indigent population with invaluable
legal services. Student volunteers deal with such issues
as bankruptcy advice, debtor/creditor issues, family law,
and landlord-tenant law. Those student volunteers who have
taken certain required courses (such as Evidence) may have
the opportunity to actually counsel some of Rappahannock's
clients (with the help of the Rappahannock attorneys).
However, this project is open to all law students, regardless
of classes taken. This clinic is held every Friday afternoon
in Culpeper, Va. Students who commit themselves to
this project are asked to volunteer one to two afternoons
per semester.
return to top
Rex E. Lee Law Society (RELLS) - RELLS seeks to promote high ethical and moral values in the study and practice of law. The organization serves as a resource for the Law School and provides assistance and information to 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. Room 156D
return to top
St. Thomas More Society - The St. Thomas More Society is UVA’s Catholic outreach organization. The Society provides spiritual and social support to the Catholic population of the Law School, and those interested in the Catholic faith; promotes the spiritual growth of our members through catechesis, prayer and community service programs; and ensures that Catholic graduates of UVA are imbued with a knowledge of the law that is shaped and strengthened by the Catholic faith. Room 158A
return to top
Street Law - Street Law is a student-run organization in which law students write lesson plans and teach substantive legal issues to 9th and 12th grade students at Charlottesville High School. The purposes of the program include: introducing high school students to the law and legal professions; educating high school students on their rights and responsibilities under the law; providing a connection between law students and the Charlottesville community; and encouraging the professional development of law students through emphasis on communication and teaching skills.
- President: Sarah Klapman, sek2m@virginia.edu
- Vice President: Mario Lorello
- Lesson Chair: Christina Lynn
- Teaching Chair: Michael Pass
- Treasurer: Ben Tracy
- Communications Chair: Aaron Armstrong
return to top
Student Bar Association (SBA) - The SBA is the student governing association for the Law School with the general goal of improving the law school experience. Everyone is welcome to join one of the SBA's 18 committees (i.e., Programming, Diversity, Academic Concerns, Student-Faculty Interaction, Placement, Barristers' Ball) or to run for class representative or office in the spring. 924-4533, Room 196E Contact Information; www.virginiasba.com
- President: Ryan Quillian, quillian@virginia.edu
- Vice President: Stephanie Fier
- Secretary: Allison Barra
- Treasurer: Ian Fiske
- Academic Concerns: Becca Vallas, Adam Whitehouse
- Admissions: Lance Brimhall, T.J. Parnham
- Barristers: Jackie Choi, Aaron Friedman, Erin Thompson
- Career Services: Warren Allen, Casey Fitzmaurice
- Diversity: Aaron Friedman, Crystal Shin
- Fundraising: Patrick Mott, Kristen Poole
- Graduation: Jackie Choi, Mia Morgan
- Programming: Chad Logan, Miles Sasser
- Public Service: Casey Fitzmaurice, Clare Wuerker
- Staff Appreciation: Lindsey Bartlett, Liz Lim
- Student-Alumni Relations: Corey Neal, Minoo Sobhani
- Student-Faculty Relations: Eitan Goldstein, Emily Honig
- Yearbook: Jackie Choi
return to top
Student Legal
Forum (SLF) - SLF brings dynamic speakers to campus to discuss high-profile legal issues, politics, and other civic concerns of interest to law students and the university community. Room 158C
- President: Joshua Hartshorn, jdh6h@virginia.edu
- Vice Presidents, programming: Kara Allen, Benjamin Traster
- Vice Presidents, publicity: Brad Curtis, Zach Carter
- Event Coordinators: Kristin Padgett, Jason Rottner, James Bailey, Troy Felver, Eric Pardue
- Treasurer: Kendal Wangsgard
- Secretary: Steven Garrett
return
to top
Students United to Promote Racial Awareness (SUPRA) - SUPRA is a student organization
funded completely by the Law School Foundation in order
to promote communication, interaction, and understanding
among students with different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
This is accomplished primarily through autonomous dinner
groups that are purposefully racially diverse.
return to top
Virginia Animal Law
Society (VALS)- The Virginia Animal Law Society is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system and raising the profile of the field of animal law. VALS conducts pro bono work, hosts speakers, plans student events, and holds fund raisers. The organization is affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit group of attorneys dedicated to defending animals from abuse and exploitation throughout the country.
- President/Treasurer:
Naveen Pai, naveenpai@gmail.com
- VP for Public Service:
Lauren Marziani
- VP for Speakers:
Alane Ballweg
return to top
Virginia
Employment and Labor Law Association (VELLA) -The purpose of VELLA is to educate the student body about all aspects of the field of labor and employment law including career opportunities, networking with alumni and to provide a forum for ideas in labor and employment.
Room 196C
- President: Mitch McGuffy, cm9km@virginia.edu
- Vice-Presidents: Stephanie Accousti, Natasha Heidari
- Treasurer: Matt Turner
- LSAP Director: Andrew Johnson
return to top
Virginia
Environmental Law Forum (VELF) - VELF is a student discussion group regarding environmental issues and careers. The Forum also aims to improve the environmental curriculum; its members volunteer at local nonprofit environmental groups. Room 158C
- President: Chad Logan, chadlogan@gmail.com
- Pro Bono Coordinators: Travis Pietila, Blake Goebel
- Speakers Chair: Felix Yeung
- Treasurer: Preston Hartman
- Secretary: Alyse Katz
- Outreach Coordinator: Josh Marnitz
- Social Chair: Sarah Segan
return to top
Virginia Innocence
Project Student Group (VIPS) - VIPS recruits law student volunteers to investigate claims of individuals imprisoned in Virginia who claim to be innocent. Those who seek help from VIPS have in almost all cases exhausted the remedies that they have under the legal system and are desperate for assistance. VIPS volunteers will have the opportunity to work for justice for these people. VIPS is operating under the guidance of the Washington, D.C.-based Innocence Project of the National Capital Region (IPNCR), which includes student groups from five other D.C.-area law schools, including Georgetown University, the University of Maryland, and American University. Since 1989, the Innocence Project groups established across the country have been responsible for 151 exonerations of innocent individuals, including eight in Virginia. Room 196C
return to top
Virginia
Law and Business Society Room 267
Virginia
Law Democrats - The University of Virginia
Law Democrats encourages political
discourse and learning about the political process,
promotes student and community awareness of political
issues, and actively works for the election of
Democratic candidates to public office at the local,
state, and federal levels. Room 192C
- President: Chris Dumler, cjd2z@virginia.edu
- Vice President of Events:
Nicole Stockey
- Vice President of Political Outreach: Clare Wuerker
- At-Large Representative:
Derek Hamilton
return
to top
Virginia
Law Families -
Virginia Law Families supports and promotes the interests of students facing the challenges of attending law school while raising children. Among its primary objectives are promoting social interaction and the sharing of information among interested persons, including both current and prospective parents. Issues of specific concern include child care, medical resources, and family activities or community events, with particular emphasis on low-cost options to help those on a tight budget. Virginia Law Families also supports the Law School admissions staff by encouraging individuals with families to apply for admission and attend the School of Law, and by serving as an information resource for potential attendees. Room 156F
- President: Joel Williams, jmw2dq@virginia.edu
- Activities Director: Chuck Bowen
- Communications Director: Spencer Reed
- Treasurer: Ian Hiatt
return to top
Virginia Law and Graduate Republicans- Law and Graduate Republicans is the primary organization for law and graduate students who wish to support the local and national candidates of the Republican Party and to promote Republican ideas and ideals at the University of Virginia. Room 192B
- President: Miles Sasser, mss6w@virginia.edu
- Vice President of Campaigns: Carlton Davis
- Vice President of Events: John Bennett
- Vice President of Outreach: Amal Dave
return to top
Virginia Law Rod & Gun Club - The Rod & Gun Club seeks to promote America's traditions of hunting,
fishing, archery, and marksmanship within the Law School. The Club
provides opportunities for members and non-members alike to participate in
exciting, educational hunting, fishing, and shooting range trips. Further, the
Rod & Gun Club exists to advocate within the Law School for the rights of
sportsmen and gun owners.
return to top
Virginia Law Veterans -
Virginia Law Veterans shares information about
veterans benefits and issues among interested persons;
sponsors speakers on issues of concern to the veterans and
military community; encourages public interest in, and pro
bono work on, issues related to the welfare and interests
of military personnel and veterans; identifies members of
the Law School community who, based on previous military
experience, can serve as information resources for anyone
conducting research on national security or international
law and policy issues; provides support to Law School
admissions staff by encouraging military veterans and active-duty personnel to both apply for admission to the Law School and matriculate; and promotes
social interaction between the diverse population of military
and Coast Guard veterans, active duty, national guard,
and reserve personnel at the Law School. Membership is
open to any interested person with no requirement of any
past or present tie to the military. Room 192E
- President:
Scott Jones, stj4d@virginia.edu
- Vice-President:
Dave Hardy
- Treasurer:
Pat Fagan
return to top
Virginia
Law Weekly - The Virginia Law Weekly is the Law
School's weekly newspaper. The Weekly is always looking for
columnists and articles. Contact the newspaper if
your organization or department is sponsoring an activity or
event that should be covered. 924-3070, Room 277/279
return to top
Virginia Law Women - VLW is a student organization dedicated to addressing issues that interest, concern, and affect women in law school. Members may take part in VLW's mentor-mentee program, attend VLW meetings and activities, and/or join any of VLW's active committees (i.e. scholarship, speakers, community affairs, feminist awareness).
924-3458, Room 196D
- President: Christine Bestor, ceb4s@virginia.edu
- Vice President: Tamara Fishman
- Secretary: Corrie Sirkin
- Treasurer: Lucy Jennings
- Speakers Chairs: Christine Mandell, Dena Kessler
- Community Affairs: Fiona Worrall
- Scholarship: Lanora Pettit
- Alumni Relations: Kathryn Reed
- Admissions: Renu Shah, Kendra Kocovsky
- Feminist Awareness Chair: Lauren Paull
- Mentor-Mentee Chairs: Lindsey Correa, Liz Miller
- Board Members at Large: Liz Carter, Alyssa Petroff
return to top
Virginia
Society of Law & Technology (VSLaT) - VSLaT exists to serve the law school by helping law students use technology and establishing a forum for the discussion of issues relating to law and technology. We encourage students with little or no technical background to participate in our group.
return to top
Volunteer Income Tax Association (VITA) - In VITA, students can
help low-income and elderly residents of Charlottesville
complete their income tax returns on Saturday mornings
during tax season. Students receive training
on how to provide assistance and are encouraged to
come as often as their schedules allow. VITA is a project
of the Legal Assistance
Society.
return to top
Women
of Color - Women of Color provides social support to the diverse population of women at the Law School; promotes the welfare of its members through educational, professional, cultural, social and community service programs; and provides a forum for the discussion of issues affecting women of color in the Law School and the University community as a whole. Women of Color seeks to achieve these goals through service projects and fundraisers benefiting the University community and the greater Charlottesville-Albemarle community, social gatherings to promote fun and friendship, and open communication and involvement with the administration, professors, other student organizations, and the undergraduate community. Room 196D
- President: Karla Hardy, kh4be@virginia.edu
- Professional Development Chair: Linda Otaigbe
- Academic Development Chair: Chioma Ayogu
return to top