Student Organizations

STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION (SBA)

The Student Bar Association (SBA) of the University of the District of Columbia’s David A. Clarke School of Law (UDC Law) shall endeavor to promote goodwill among the students; provide a forum for the exchange of ideas; promote fellowship between students, administrators, and faculty; foster the professional development of the students; sponsor extracurricular programs and activities; benefit the students and the school of law; conduct fundraising projects to support student events and scholarships; promote high standards of academic excellence; and, promote goodwill between the school of law and the university student body.

Advisor: Dean Yannick Brookes

ABA YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION

The Law Student Division of the American Bar Association (ABA) is committed to empowering future legal professionals by fostering academic excellence, ethical integrity, and a strong sense of service. Through professional development, networking, and mentorship opportunities, we equip law students with the resources to succeed in law school and beyond. Our mission is to cultivate a supportive, inclusive community that promotes access to justice, encourages civic engagement, and prepares students to become leaders and advocates in the legal profession. By actively engaging with ABA initiatives, we strive to build a diverse, resilient generation of lawyers who are ready to make meaningful contributions to the legal field and society.

Advisor: Dean Yannick Brookes

BLACK LAW STUDENT’S ASSOCIATION (BLSA)

The purpose of this organization shall be to represent the views of Black students at the University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clark School of Law; to promote the welfare of its members through educational, professional, cultural and social programs; and to provide a forum for the discussion of local and national issues affecting both the Black law student community and the University community as a whole, thereby accepting greatness and entering excellence.

Advisor: Professor Sakinah Tillman

BETHEL CAMPUS FELLOWSHIP

The purpose of UDC Law BCF is to provide regular opportunities to study and discuss the Bible, worship, and pray in group settings. UDC Law BCF provides opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual development among members. UDC Law BCF seeks to serve as a resource to the student body by offering opportunities to discuss spiritual matters and provide materials in the form of teachings, videos, books, and articles, for the UDC Law’s benefit and consideration.

Not currently active this semester. If you are interested in leading this organization, please contact Dean Brookes to learn the process.

BROTHERS IN LAW

The general purpose of this organization is to serve as a resource center for all underrepresented male students enrolled at UDC Law School. The Organization will seek to expand the recruitment and retention of these individuals and empower them to make a difference in their education and in their careers as attorneys.

Advisor: Dean Anthony Ervin

BUSINESS LAW SOCIETY (BLS)

The mission of the UDC Business Law Society is to provide a forum for UDC Law students to develop an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of business law. UDC Business Law Society is also committed to exploring the intersection between corporate law and social justice. UDC Business Law Society is dedicated to educating the student body about issues in corporate law, entrepreneurship, technology, fintech, securities law, and other business-related fields. Business Law Society is also committed to helping students explore the many career opportunities in business law and promoting the school and its students to the business and legal communities.

Advisor: Professor Masai McDougall

CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY

The purpose of this Chapter is to develop and maintain a vibrant Christian law student presence on campus, enabling its members, individually and as a group, to love the Lord with their whole beings–hearts, souls, and minds–and to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37- 40).

Advisor: Professor Shakisha Morgan

CRIMINAL LAW SOCIETY

The mission of the Criminal Law Society is to promote the study of and professional development in the ever-evolving field of criminal law and creating opportunities for students interested in criminal law. This will be done by increasing the presence of criminal law at UDC by creating a forum for discussion on criminal law issues, organizing events and hosting speakers, panels, and employers, as well as connecting members with faculty, practitioners, judges, policymakers, and others that can advise on how to navigate a career in criminal law.

Advisor: Professor Akin Adepoju

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW SOCIETY (ELS)

The Environmental Law Society (ELS) is dedicated to promoting awareness, advocacy, and action on environmental issues within the legal community and beyond. Our mission is to empower students to explore the intersection of law, policy, and environmental sustainability, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to champion environmental justice and conservation. Through education, collaboration, and outreach, ELS fosters a community committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges, advocating for equitable solutions, and inspiring future leaders in environmental law.

Advisor: Mr. Ravaughn Pope

EVENING LAW STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION (ELSA)

The Evening Law Students Association (ELSA) is a dedicated organization that supports and advocates for the unique needs of students enrolled in evening law programs. ELSA provides a platform for evening students to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on academic and professional development opportunities. Through networking events, workshops, and social gatherings, ELSA aims to create a vibrant and inclusive community that enhances the law school experience for all evening students.

Not currently active this semester. If you are interested in leading this organization, please contact Dean Brookes to learn the process.

FEDERALIST SOCIETY (FS)

The principal goal of The Federalist Society Student Division is to foster debate among students, academics, legal practitioners, and public policy experts at the law school level. Accordingly, the National Office of the Society helps our chapters organize and fund speeches and debates at their law schools. In addition to these events, local chapter activities include debates between faculty members, formal or informal discussions of practical or theoretical legal issues, publications, and academic research projects. The Society seeks to create a sense of community and to promote the exchange of ideas among conservatives and libertarians involved in the law.

Advisor: To Be Determined

JEWISH LAW STUDENT’S ASSOCIATION (JLSA)

To cultivate interest in Jewish culture and traditions, and to foster a community that embraces and fosters relationships between the Jewish community and students at David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia.  To welcome all students with an interest and willingness to learn, into an environment that showcases the long history of the Jewish people. To foster strong ties with other cultural and religious entities at UDC Law, and embrace diversity of thought, belief systems and traditions amongst one another.

Advisor: Professor David Wolitz

LATINX LAW STUDENT’S ASSOCIATION (LLSA)

The LatinX Law Student Association will serve as a conduit for a collective Latinx/e law student voice. We are a non-partisan organization driven by a progressive agenda that protects and advances the civil rights of Latinx students in law school and in our respective communities. As a consequence, LLSA is dedicated to promoting and sustaining the academic success of Latinx law students. However, we recognize that we cannot merely seek achievement for ourselves and forget about the progress and prosperity of our community; we are one and the same. Let there be no question that LLSA is a progressive union whose member will work nationally, regionally, and locally to bring about positive change within the law school community and society at large by addressing legal issues dealing with immigration, education (both K-12 and higher education), healthcare, gender equality, employment issues, and sexual orientation. LLSA also acknowledges the diversity within the Latina/o community and recognizes that our civil rights are furthered when we build coalitions with other communities. LLSA is committed to combating all forms of prejudice, including discrimination based on color, race, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, and veteran status. Realizing that internalized oppressions only further divide us, we strive to actively engage and organize around these issues, so we are accountable to and representative of all of our communities.

Advisor: Professor Janet Fiorentino

UDC LAW REVIEW

The University of the District of Columbia Law Review is a student-run periodical that publishes articles of topical legal interest. We aspire to serve the District of Columbia by raising awareness of important legal issues concerning is residents. Through this periodical, we strive to provide a forum for the expression of innovative ideas and to promote excellence through a constant dedication to effective and thoughtful legal publication.

Advisor: Professor Bruce Ching

LAW STUDENTS FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS (LSDR)

Law Students for Disability Rights (LSDR) is a student organization committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities within the legal profession and society at large. LSDR focuses on raising awareness, providing resources, and promoting accessibility in law school environments. Through educational events, advocacy initiatives, and community outreach, LSDR empowers law students to champion disability rights and work towards a more equitable legal system.

Advisor: Mr. Ravaughn Pope

NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL LAW STUDENTS SOCIETY (GREEKS AT LAW)

GreekS at Law is an esteemed organization dedicated to fostering collaboration and unity among students within sororities and fraternities affiliated with NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) chartered organizations. Our mission aligns with the core values of the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, emphasizing academic excellence, community engagement, and social justice. We promote scholarships, networking, and service initiatives that not only enhance the law school experience but also benefit the broader Washington, D.C. community. By upholding our traditions and legacies, we create a supportive environment that emphasizes family and personal growth. Character development and leadership training are fundamental to our mission. We empower our members with the skills necessary to take on influential roles within their organizations and the community. By engaging with alumni, we provide current members with essential networking opportunities, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society. Greek at Law seeks to enrich the law school community, ensuring that our members are well-equipped to embody the values of UDC as they embark on their legal careers.

Advisor: Mr. Ravaughn Pope

OUTLAW

The mission of UDC OUTLaw is to: foster an inclusive, community-centered space for the diverse body of LGBTQIA+ students and allies at UDC Law to discuss and advance the intersectional identities affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals; support the legal education and professional development of LGBTQIA+ students and alumni of UDC Law; and provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ students and allies at UDC Law to educate, support, and empower each other, the UDC Law community as a whole, and the broader community of LGBTQIA+ individuals, legal professionals, and advocacy and support organizations in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Advisor: Dean David Singleton

MUSLIM LAW STUDENT’S ASSOCIATION (MLSA)

The Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA) is a student organization that fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for Muslim law students. MLSA aims to provide a platform for students to engage in discussions on legal issues affecting the Muslim community, promote cultural understanding, and advocate for social justice. Through networking events, educational programs, and interfaith dialogues, MLSA encourages students to explore the intersection of faith and law while building a strong community within the law school.

Advisor: Professor Vanita “Saleema” Snow

PHI ALPHA DELTA FRATERNITY (PAD)

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International is a professional law fraternity advancing integrity, compassion and courage through service to the student, the school, the profession and the community.

Advisor: Professor Keith Morgan

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAW SOCIETY (SAELS)

The purpose of this organization shall be to unify students who have an interest in sports and/or entertainment law. This organization’s main objectives are:

1) to facilitate networking opportunities amongst law students, practicing attorneys, and other professionals in the sports and entertainment industry, and

2) to educate and inspire burgeoning attorneys in the methods of building substantial bridges between academia and successful careers within the entertainment industry.

Advisor: Professor John Mason

WOMEN’S LAW SOCIETY (WLS)

The mission of the UDC Women’s Law Society is to enhance female representation in the law community, provide support throughout the course of your legal education and build strong relationships within the community by service. The organization seeks to provide a safe space for women and femme-aligned individuals to discuss and advance social, cultural, economic, and political issues affecting women’s lives, education, and legal careers. The Women’s Law Society fulfills its mission by sharing scholarship and internship opportunities, creating networking opportunities, and fostering connections with UDC alumni in ways that allow members to empower each other.

Advisor: Professor Janet Fiorentino