Student Organizations at USD Law

Advocates for Children and Education (ACE) seeks to promote the welfare, protection, and education of children and youth. Our main objective is to provide interested students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to connect with and positively impact children in the local community. We have volunteer opportunities available in the areas of juvenile delinquency, special education, and general mentoring and advocacy. ACE also offers resources and information about careers in child advocacy and education law, and works closely with the Children's Advocacy Institute (CAI) at USD Law.

Representatives for Youth in Academic Affairs (RYAA) Program

This program collaborates with the San Diego Public Defender's Office to pair law students with juvenile offenders who need support in school. ACE members receive training in education law and work directly with students and parents to help children improve school performance and obtain special education services. All cases are referred by public defenders. ACE advocates send periodic updates to the PD's office and, when appropriate, appear at juvenile court hearings, CFTs, and IEP meetings to support parents and students. Pro bono hours are rewarded for your time.

If you are interested in being a part of the RYAA program, please contact: ryaa.usd@gmail.com.

Education Rights Holder Program

Local judges appoint ACE volunteers to hold education rights for students in foster care, until social workers find someone to permanently hold education rights. As temporary education rights holders, volunteers are the main educational advocates for their students and have the legal authority to make all education-related decisions. Usually, holders come in when parental rights have been terminated or when the court deems that the minor’s parents can't make decisions for their child anymore. The program works directly with the Public Defender’s office. Our case load requires us to review school documents, interview the minors, make plans for their success and to attend court hearings for the minor.

If you are interested in being a part of the Education Rights Holder Program feel free to contact: usd.ace@gmail.com

Organization Contact

Web pages

ACE Facebook Page

Instagram: Follow us @ace_usd

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The Alternate Dispute Resolution Team (formerly known as the Client Advocacy Team) seeks to: 1) foster and encourage the development of client advocacy skills among USD law students; 2) develop and maintain USD's reputation for excellence in client advocacy and negotiation training in the professional and academic communities; 3) host and administer interscholastic client advocacy competitions, and compete in interscholastic client counseling, negotiation, sport law negotiation, and mediation competitions hosted by other institutions; and 4) maintain an active role in the affairs of USD that impacts the professional development of its students in matters relating to client advocacy.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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The mission of the organization is as follows: To foster and encourage the development of appellate advocacy skills among the students of the University of San Diego School of Law. To develop and maintain the University of San Diego School of Law's reputation for excellence in appellate advocacy training in the professional and academic communities. To administer intramural moot court competitions, host and administer interscholastic moot court competitions, and sponsor teams to represent the University of San Diego School of Law in interscholastic moot court competitions hosted by other institutions. To maintain an active role in the affairs of the University of San Diego School of Law that impacts the professional development of its students in matters relating to appellate advocacy.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Appellate Moot Court Board Website

Appellate Moot Court Board Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawmootcourt

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The USD Asian Pacific American Law Students Association seeks to provide professional, academic, and social opportunities for all law students with the ultimate goal of advancing the representation of Asian American and Pacific American individuals in the legal field. APALSA utilizes its connections with practicing attorneys and diverse local bar associations to strengthen its ties with the Southern California Asian American legal community and to provide valuable connections and opportunities to interested law students. APALSA also fosters mentorship and a sense of community among its members and is open to all individuals who support the equitable representation of diverse individuals in the practice of law. Finally, APALSA is committed to promoting a greater understanding of the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and histories of AAPI individuals.

Organization Contact

Web pages

APALSA Facebook Page

APALSA LinkedIn Group

Instagram: Follow us @usdapalsa

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USD Black Law Students Association (BLSA) utilizes the resources of USD School of Law and the legal community to articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs of the Black law students at USD; facilitate discourse and professionalism among all law students; and instill a greater sense of commitment to the needs of the Black community. A component of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), we are proud to be one of the largest student-run organizations in the United States. NBLSA is a national organization formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of Black law students to effectuate change in the legal community.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawblsa

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Our purpose is to facilitate open dialogue in various areas of business and transactional law, to provide a forum for students to network both within the USD community as well as the surrounding legal community, and to educate interested students in specialized issues of business law. 

Organization Contact

Web pages

BLS Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawbls

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The purpose of the Christian Legal Society is to inspire, encourage and equip Christian law students, both individually and in the community, to proclaim, love and serve Jesus Christ. We exist to tangibly serve others and provide a Christian community on campus. Mentorship programs, service activities, speaker meetings, and events are available to all.

Organization Contact

Web pages

USD CLS Facebook Page

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The purpose of the Criminal Law Society is to provide professional development and networking opportunities for law students interested in criminal law. We promote the practice of criminal law through informational meetings, panels, and networking events. The Criminal Law Society was formed to provide a resource for students interested in pursuing criminal law on either the prosecution or defense side.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: Follow us @usdcrimlawsociety

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This organization will strive towards various objectives such as, but not limited to, networking and uniting with the international diaspora of the Indian and Desi legal community and collaborating with other USD organizations to promote awareness and understanding of diverse cultures on campus, while also providing a platform for distinguished Indian and Desi legal scholars to share their vast skills and experience.

Organization Contact

We seek to provide students interested in employment and labor law with the opportunity to learn more about the field and to network with attorneys in the field.

Organization Contact

Web pages

EALLS Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usd_ealls

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The purpose of the Environmental Law Society is to increase awareness of environmental issues and their legal, political and social implications; to provide students with practical experience in the field of environmental law; to create opportunities for students to connect with local attorneys and other professionals working in the field; and to encourage and organize green and sustainable initiatives on the USD campus and in the San Diego community.

Organization Contact

Web pages

ELS Facebook Page

Instagram: Follow us @usdels

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FLS aims to connect students interested in family law with alumni and the family law community of San Diego to help expand outreach, facilitate networking, and help foster a dynamic community. FLS will also assist with helping students to understand their interests within family law and connect them with industry mentors. FLS seeks to contribute services to the local community. 

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @usdfls

The activities of the University of San Diego School of Law Student Chapter shall primarily serve to encourage learning about federal law, courts, and legal practice, to advance the FBA Law Student Division’s purposes, to promote and to serve the interests of the Division members, and to support growth in the Division’s membership. We serve to enhance the professional growth and development of members of the Federal legal profession and promote high standards of professional competence and ethical conduct, including through the provision of quality education programs. We also support the members of the Association including through promoting professional and social interaction, notifying and educating members as to developments in their respective fields of interest, encouraging member involvement in activities of the Association, and providing opportunities for members to assume leadership roles in the Association.

Organization Contact

Web pages

@usdlawfba - Instagram

To address legal and social issues relevant to the Filipino and Filipino-American communities. This organization adheres to all policies and regulations of the University of San Diego (USD).

Organization Contact

The purpose of First Generation Legal Professionals (FGLP) is to support law students who grew up in working-class or low-income communities, students who are first in their families to earn a college degree, and students who are first in their families to attend law school. The group would strengthen the resources USD School of Law currently provides for first-generation students, leverage the law school’s supportive alumni community, and offer unique programming designed to target issues that disproportionately impact first-generation students.

Organization Contact

Web pages

FGLP website

FGLP TWEN Page

Instagram: Follow us @usdfglp

The Golf Law Society aims to provide a recreational, networking, and mentorship forum for law students, faculty, and staff members who are interested in the game of golf.

Organization Contact

The Health Law Society brings together students and members of the community to enhance understanding of health law issues. Our goal is to increase health law career opportunities by forming alliances with industry associations, hosting speaker events, creating a strong alumni network, and developing professional relationships with potential employers. We support and work to enhance the University of San Diego School of Law's reputation for excellence in health law academics. We maintain an active role in the affairs the university that impact the professional development of its students in matters relating to health law.

Organization Contact

Web pages

HLS TWEN Page

Instagram: Follow us @usdhealthlawsociety

The purpose of the Immigration Law Society (IMLS) is to connect interested students with the practice of immigration law. IMLS seeks to facilitate critical thinking about immigrants' rights issues and to promote immigration law by providing opportunities to network with professionals, learn from panel discussions, and engage in community service.

Organization Contact

Web pages

IMLS Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdimmigrationlawsociety

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IPLA's purpose is to provide students interested in or pursuing careers in intellectual property law with opportunities to learn about the variety of careers in the field. IPLA organizes professional development and social events that enable students to hear from and meet with IP attorneys. Additionally, IPLA offers students a chance to network and meet other students interested in IP law. Areas of focus include patent prosecution, patent litigation, trademark, copyright, licensing, trade secret, privacy/data security, technology law, and more.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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USD IPLA Instagram: @usd_ipla

The mission of the International Law Society ILS) is to provide USD law students with insight into the practice of international law through panel discussions, networking events, and speaker series regarding various topics in international law. We hope to educate students, provide resources regarding career opportunities in international law, and work with USD to facilitate involvement with the San Diego community and the greater international community.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) at the University of San Diego School of Law is committed to: a) Representing the interests of Jewish students within the USD community; connecting Jewish students to each other, faculty, and the greater San Diego community, b) participating in and increasing diversity initiatives, c) promoting the acceptance and inclusion of all races, ethnicities, and religions.

Organization Contact

Web pages

JLSA Facebook Page

Instagram: Follow us @usd_jlsa

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The purpose of the USD La Raza is to utilize the resources of the University of San Diego School of Law (USD Law) and the San Diego legal community to: articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs goals of Latino law students; to facilitate discourse and professionalism among all law students on campus; instill in all members of USD La Raza a greater commitment to the needs of the Latino community; and to influence the legal community to bring about meaningful legal and political change that address the needs of the Latino community.

Organization Contact

Web pages

La Raza Facebook Page

Instagram: Follow us on @usdlawlaraza

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The purpose of Law Students for Cross-Racial Understanding is to encourage law students to engage in sophisticated, high-level discussions concerning racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination in hopes of creating bridges of understanding. We also focus on spreading a message of unity and inclusion.

Organization Contact

Web pages

LS4CRU Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @ls4cru

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MELSA's purpose is to provide a supportive, pro-active environment to address the legal issues facing the Middle Eastern community, as well as to create a forum for networking between the organization's members and attorneys practicing in San Diego. Our mission is to stay connected and maintain a sense of unity, while fostering a mutual understanding between diverse cultures and backgrounds represented at the University of San Diego.

Organization Contact

Web pages

MELSA Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawmelsa

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The Military and Veterans Bar Association (MilBar) is comprised of student veterans, potential JAGs, students interested in the military or military service in general, and those interested in serving the San Diego veteran community. Mil-Vet Bar connects interested students with the on-campus Veterans Clinic, where law students can intern for credit or volunteer pro bono hours. Mil-Vet Bar also connects students to the local legal community through mixers with the San Diego County Military Bar Association. Additionally, we give students the opportunity to volunteer at two annual events in San Diego that give homeless veterans access to resources they need ranging from dental services to legal help. Mil-Vet Bar is dedicated to serving our community, making lasting connections, and helping students pursue their professional interests.

Organization Contact

Web pages

MilBar Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdmilbar

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The Name and Gender-Marker Change Clinic serves the needs of transgender and non-binary individuals in California by assisting participants with the process of obtaining name and/or gender-marker changes through the California court system. The Clinic itself exists virtually and is offered on a monthly basis, with pro bono volunteer opportunities for law students and licensed attorneys. The Clinic also partners with Pride Law and the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association (THLA) to host events, networking opportunities, and outreach regarding the LGBTQIA+ community at USD and in San Diego. Through our work and community events, we strive to make USD a more inclusive campus. Participants can reach out for appointments at transclinic.sandiego@gmail.com.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @USDTransClinic

USD’s National Mock Trial Team trains students for regional and national trial competitions. Competing in five major tournaments each year, the team is dedicated to teaching the art of trial advocacy and molding strong future litigators. Members of the trial team are selected through participation in a spring intramural competition.  The team is coached by seasoned attorneys with both mock trial and real-life litigation experience. Competing members can receive academic credit.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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The purpose of the Older Wiser Law Students is to provide law students that have commitments during the day an opportunity to get involved at the University of San Diego and greater San Diego legal community.

Organization Contact

Web pages

OWLS Website

Instagram: Follow us @usdowls

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The Palestinian Alliance of Law Students is an intersectional organization committed to building and engaging with a community centered around the promotion of human rights and solidarity with Palestine.

Organization Contact

The Purpose of Pride Law is to foster the Law School's LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. Pride Law strengthens the resources the Law School currently provides for LGBTQIA+ law students by advancing the understanding of legal issues affecting the local, state, national, and international LGBTQIA+ community, providing networking opportunities for law students, and embracing every individual?s uniqueness and contributions. Pride Law will comply with all of the University of San Diego's policies and regulations.

Organization Contact

Web pages

USD Pride Law Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usd_pride_law

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PBLA is an organization dedicated to volunteering in the local community. We create and promote opportunities for law students to gain practical legal experience through community service. Through each of its programs, PBLA connects law students with opportunities to volunteer with various community organizations. These community organizations assist those in San Diego who might be lost in the legal system or who might not be able to afford competent counsel. Some of these programs are not specifically law-oriented for those who want to help in the local community.

Volunteering at the PBLA Clinics is one way students can earn pro bono hours which can count towards the USD Pro Bono Service Recognition.

Organization Contact

Web pages

PBLA website

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawpbla

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PILF is a student-run organization invested in fostering a community of law students dedicated to public service. We promote these goals by fundraising and sponsoring public interest and community service events to educate students about the rewarding career possibilities in public interest law. Through education and encouragement, we also seek to instill a sense of community ownership, pride, and responsibility that will motivate students to utilize their legal education to make positive changes in the community.

Organization Contact

Web pages

PILF Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdpilf

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The mission of the Real Estate and Land Use Society is to educate and facilitate interest in the different areas of real property and land use law; to provide a forum for professional development and networking opportunities within the USD community and surrounding legal community; and to promote the practice of real estate and land use law.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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We are an association of law students dedicated and united by our Catholic faith. Our chapter works closely with the local STMS chapter to put on speaker events, networking events, and other events that foster charity and community, as well as strengthen our relationship with Christ. All our welcome to join, and you do not need to be Catholic to become a member.

Organization Contact

Web pages

STMS Website

STMS Facebook page

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The purpose of SDILJ is to be a journal of exceptional caliber, worthy of reference within its specialized area. The SDILJ will strive to enrich the body of knowledge available through thescholarly exploration and evaluation of contemporary legal issues and concerns relating to the International Law arena. The purpose of the SDILJ will be carried out primarily through scholarly research, writing, and publication.

The SDILJ shall prepare for publication, print, and distribution, with the latter two if requested by the authors, on behalf of the University of San Diego School of Law, a legal periodical known as the San Diego International Law Journal. The SDILJ shall engage in such additional printing and publishing as may be concerned with or operate to the advantage of the SDILJ or the Law School. Such additional printing and publishing may include, but shall not be limited to, written symposia, transcripts of oral symposia, transcripts of important speeches and transcripts of debates on legal issues.

Organization Contact

Web pages

https://www.sandiego.edu/law/academics/journals/ilj/

The San Diego Journal of Climate & Energy Law (“JCEL”) serves as a foundation for continued dialogue and development of the rapidly emerging legal issues related to climate change and energy. JCEL's inaugural issue was published in December of 2009, paving the way as our nation's first law periodical focused exclusively on the legal aspects of energy and climate change. JCEL seeks to educate and enlighten the local, national, and international community through scholarly discourse and research. In addition, JCEL hosts a yearly symposium that provides a forum for climate and energy law industry experts and academics to discuss their findings with the legal community. The goal of JCEL is to foster an atmosphere of honest and thorough research, and to evaluate issues relating to the world's transition to a clean energy economy. JCEL shall strive to achieve this goal by publishing well- rounded individuals through a rigorous selection process.

Along with issuing an innovative journal in a burgeoning field, JCEL is equally as dedicated to innovating its publication process and being an environmentally friendly journal. JCEL will continue to run completely "paperless," utilizing digital file management to perform cite-checking functions. JCEL also strives to transform USD School of Law into a leader in the field of climate and energy law by producing a world-class legal periodical supported with intellectual excellence.

Organization Contact

Web pages

https://www.sandiego.edu/law/academics/journals/jcel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcel

Linked In: usdlawjcel@gmail.com admin@LinkedIn

SDLR aims to enhance the body of legal scholarship through researching, writing, and publishing. On behalf of the Law School, SDLR shall publish and distribute one volume per year published in at least four issues. The publication shall be known as the San Diego Law Review. SDLR shall engage in additional publishing to the advantage of SDLR or the Law School upon Law School approval if additional funds are required. Such additional printing and publishing may include, but shall not be limited to, the following: written symposia, transcripts of oral symposia, transcripts of important speeches, and transcripts of debates on legal issues. Furthermore, SDLR shall provide educational and experiential value to its members through training members to develop strong legal writing and editing skills.

Each Editorial Board is encouraged to promulgate specific purposes and goals during the term of office.

Organization Contact

Web pages

https://www.sandiego.edu/law/academics/journals/sdlr/
Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/usdsdlr/

SELS is a student-run organization dedicated to providing information, career support, and social activity for students interested in sports and entertainment industry careers. We are committed to increasing student exposure to the industry. We seek to achieve our goals by arranging guest speakers that will examine topical issue in sports and entertainment law. Through these events, our organization strives to provide a realistic introduction to the entry level sports and entertainment law markets for today's law student.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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The Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) 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. SALDF also offers opportunities for students to learn about and connect with local attorneys and other professionals working in the field of animal law. SALDF is committed to the goals of educating the law school and surrounding communities about forms of institutionalized animal abuse and engaging in projects that combat that abuse.

Organization Contact

Web pages

SALDF Facebook Page

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All law students are members of the Student Bar Association (SBA). The SBA is the student government of the School of Law. The Executive Board consists of the President, Vice President, Vice President of Student Organizations, Secretary, and Treasurer. Also part of the SBA council are elected representatives from each class year and registered student groups. First-year representatives are elected at the beginning of the fall semester, one representative per section. An LLMC representative is also elected at the start of the fall semester.

SBA members act as the official student representatives and advocate for student interests on many different issues. The SBA is responsible for appointing student representatives to the various law school and university committees.

The main goal of the SBA is to represent and serve the student body. To that end, it must determine what university events and issues affect law students, ensure that law students are represented on those issues, and advocate their interests.

Organization Contact

Web pages

SBA Facebook Page

SBA TWEN Page

Instagram: Follow us @USDLawSBA_ 

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The focus of the Tax Law Society is to educate and generate interest in law students about the different areas and issues in tax law; to create opportunities for law students to network with tax practitioners and professors; and generate interest in pursuing graduate tax degrees. Tax law appears in many areas, including business, bankruptcy, accounting, contracts, and more! You will cross paths with tax law regardless of your desired field, occupation, or career. Join us to learn more!

Organization Contact

Web pages

TLS Facebook Page

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawtls

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The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on the 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. The Society seeks both to promote an awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: Follow us @fedsocusdlaw

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The purpose of the Probate Law Society is to foster interest and engagement in the field of probate law, to provide a forum for students to connect with practitioners and alumni involved in estate planning, and to educate members on key topics such as wills, trusts, and the probate process.

In collaboration with Probate Attorneys of San Diego (PASD), the organization hosts a variety of events including networking mixers, educational lectures, and mentorship opportunities that offer real-world insights into the practice of probate law.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @usdprobate

The Transactional Law Team (TLT) competes in various transactional meets. We provide a forum for students to hone their corporate and transactional law skills, to learn transactional research and drafting, and to further develop their negotiation techniques.  TLT members become familiar with the details of a corporate transaction or deal and will have the ability to apply those skills to the practice of corporate or transactional law in their future careers.

Organization Contact

Web pages

USD LinkedIn Profile

USD TLT Instagram

Trial Attorneys of University of San Diego is an organization that serves the needs and interests of law students who want to become trial lawyers. Together, we learn the skills necessary to pursue a career in trial advocacy through networking and innovative learning strategies.

Organization Contact

USD Law Running Club is dedicated to promoting physical fitness, well-being, and a sense of community among our law school students. Our primary purpose is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can come together to enjoy the benefits of running, develop healthy habits, and foster connections with fellow students who share an interest in running and physical activity.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @usdlawrunningclub

The USD Law Progressives seek an open dialogue among members of the USD community - graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, administration, staff, and alumni - in order to foster a productive discussion with the goal to encourage and spread progressive values. The USD Law Dems wish for all members to be politically active and involved in issues they are passionate about throughout their careers in law. To that end, we organize speakers, panel discussions, special campaigns, and social hours for members and non-members alike.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: Follow us @sdlawdems

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The USD chapter of the National Lawyers Guild seeks to promote a progressive law practice and use law for the people. We seek to unite lawyers, law students, and legal organizations as an effective force in the service of people by valuing human rights over property interests. We will protect and foster the civil rights and civil liberties of all people. We will promote justice in the administration of the law.

Organization Contact

Web pages

National Lawyers Guild

USD NLG Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdlawnlg

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USD.AI's purpose is to provide forward-thinking USD students with cutting-edge, practical insights on (1) AI developments that raise legal issues, (2) evolving AI regulations, and (3) AI tools for lawyers.

Organization Contact

The Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (VICAM) Team competes in the area of international commercial law and arbitration, specifically at the the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria and Hong Kong. The mission of the team is to foster the development of international legal writing, arbitration, and oral advocacy skills among its members; to promote professionalism and academic excellence; to employ the talent and coaching of the faculty; to maintain the school's outstanding reputation through international competitions; and to keep pace with the advancements of international law and commerce.

Organization Contact

Web pages

VICAM Facebook page

VICAM LinkedIn group

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The goal of the Women's Law Caucus (WLC) is to bring together the community of USD law students interested in exploring the wide spectrum of issues facing women in the legal community, as well as issues impacting women more generally. We actively accomplish this goal by 1) facilitating increased awareness and understanding of these issues through club-sponsored events; 2) empowering future female leaders and enhancing the role of women in the legal community; 3) promoting awareness of various social, economic, legal, and political issues facing all people, especially women; and 4) increasing the potential of the student body to effect meaningful change, both within the USD community and the community at large.

Organization Contact

Web pages

WLC Facebook page

Instagram: Follow us @usdwlc

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