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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more information

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Instagram: @USDchristianlegalsociety

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

Watch our video for more information.

The purpose of DILSA is to create a supportive community for South Asian law students and allies, foster cultural connection and belonging, and promote professional, academic, and social opportunities within the legal field.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: usddilsa

Employment and Labor Law Students (EALLS) provides students interested in employment and labor law with opportunities to learn about the field and connect with practitioners. Through guest speakers, panel discussions, and networking events, EALLS introduces students to the practice of employment and labor law and helps build professional relationships within the field.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @usd_ealls

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usd-ealls/

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Web pages

@usdfals on Instagram

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

Instagram: usdimmigrationlawsociety
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1MRVhj585Y

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

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

@usdlawils (Instagram)

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

Instagram: @usd.jlsa

MELSA’s purpose is to create an inclusive and supportive community for students interested in Middle Eastern cultures, communities, and legal issues. The organization seeks to foster connection, cultural awareness, professional development, and dialogue among students, faculty, alumni, and attorneys. MELSA also aims to promote mutual understanding across diverse backgrounds while providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and engagement with legal topics affecting Middle Eastern communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: usdlawmelsa

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

Instagram: usdmilbar
Facebook: USD MIL Bar

USD’s National Mock Trial Team trains students for regional and national trial competitions. 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

Instagram @usdlawmocktrial

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more information.

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

Watch our video for more informaiton.

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

Watch our video for more information.

San Diego International Law Journal (SDILJ) is a student-run academic journal devoted to international legal scholarship. Since 1999, SDILJ has provided a global forum for pertinent issues in international and comparative law. The journal publishes bi-annually and showcases academic and practical submissions written by scholars, judges, and practitioners from throughout the world.

As a journal based in San Diego, a cornerstone of trade, technology, tourism, and immigration, international legal developments are particularly relevant to our community. SDILJ thus encourages submissions pertaining to international trade, United States-Mexico relations, immigration, maritime law, human rights, and other unique international topics of interest.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diego-international-law-journal/posts/?feedView=all

The San Diego Journal of Climate & Energy Law serves as a foundation for continued dialogue and development of the rapidly emerging legal issues related to climate change and energy. The journal delves into topics such as insurance claims related to climate change, law and economics associated with cap-and-trade greenhouse gas markets, new energy policy of the carbon-constrained world, legal implications of trans-border air and water pollution, and effects of climate change on endangered species law.

The San Diego Journal of Climate & Energy Law also partners with the USD Environmental Policy Initiatives Center to host the Annual Lesley K. McAllister Symposium on Climate and Energy Law.

Organization Contact

Web pages

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

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

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

Watch our video for more information.

The purpose of SBA is to foster collaboration amongst the organizations of the law school. SBA encourages student organizations to put on joint events, reaching greater student audiences. It also keeps student leaders informed of upcoming events in the law school. SBA works to facilitate leadership among campus, promote opportunities for students to receive mentoring, networking opportunities, as well as other events such as Barrister's Ball. SBA is the student organization that addresses student concerns through the Dean Student Advisory Committee and implements changes that greatly improve the lives of law students, such as adding the snack pantry or additional microwaves and fridges. Overall, SBA is for the students and does whatever it can to improve their law school experience.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: usdlawsba

Office

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

Instagram: @usdlawtls

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

https://fedsoc.org/

Instagram: usdfedsoc

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

The Transgender Name and Gender-Marker Change Law Clinic serves the needs of trans and nonbinary individuals in California by assisting participants with the process of obtaining name and/or gender-marker changes through the appropriate California court system. The clinic itself is held virtually over Zoom. The Transgender Name and Gender Change Clinic agrees to comply with all of the University of San Diego’s policies and regulations.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @USDTransClinic

A. The organization shall be a student-run organization created under and governed by the University of San Diego and the University of San Diego School of Law.
B. The mission of the organization is as follows:
a. Foster and encourage the pursuit of legal careers as trial attorneys.
b. To develop and maintain the University of San Diego School of Law’s reputation
for excellence in oral and written advocacy.
c. 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 criminal and civil litigation.
d. To host and administer speaking and networking events to develop and maintain relationships and career opportunities within the San Diego legal community.
C. At all times, the organization and its members shall exemplify professionalism in dealing with fellow TAUSD members, students, faculty, and administration.
D. The organization shall comply with all of the University of San Diego’s policies and regulations.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @TrialAttorneysofUSD

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

Instagram: Follow us on @usdlawlaraza

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

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

Watch our video for more information.

We're a run club open to anyone who wants to lace up and get moving. Whether you're chasing a personal best, training for your first 5K, or just here for the post-run coffee and good company, you've got a spot with us.
Our goal is simple: bring people together through running. No pressure, no judgment, just good vibes, fresh air, and miles shared with friends. All paces welcome.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: @usdlawrunclub

Our mission is to support and advocate for laws and legal systems that strengthen our democratic legitimacy, uphold the rule of law, realize the promise of equality for all, and keep the Constitution a living, relevant framework for the 21st century.

At USD School of Law, the ACS Student Chapter serves as a hub for evolving legal thought and community. We are committed to open discussion and welcoming diverse viewpoints on legal theory and evolving constitutional doctrine — bringing that national conversation directly to our campus. Through speaker events, panel discussions, and engagement with pressing legal and policy issues, our chapter aims to prepare USD law students to be thoughtful advocates and leaders in the legal profession.

Organization Contact

Web pages

ACS National Organization Website

USD․AI is the University of San Diego School of Law's student-led forum on artificial intelligence, providing forward-thinking students with cutting-edge, practical insights on (1) AI developments that raise legal issues, (2) evolving AI regulations, and (3) AI tools for lawyers.

Programming spans in-firm AI use and governance, data privacy, IP and creative rights, global regulation, economic disruption, and the ethical challenges of generative tools, to reveal how AI is reshaping law, business, and society.

Organization Contact

Web pages

https://sites.google.com/sandiego.edu/usd-ai/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/usd-ai-usd-s-society-for-discourse-on-ai/

Competing in international commercial law and arbitration worldwide, VICAM fosters the development of international legal writing, arbitration, and oral advocacy skills among its members while promoting professionalism and excellence in advocacy.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: instagram.com/usd.vicam
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/usdvicam

The Women's Law Caucus aims to unite law students at University of San Diego School of Law who have an interest in exploring the diverse range of legal issues that impact women.

Organization Contact

Web pages

Instagram: Follow us @usdwlc