Student Organizations

Going to law school is not just about classes and case books. It is meeting people, exploring different areas of law and getting involved in the legal community. With over 40 unique law student organizations, journals and teams from which to choose, USD School of Law offers ample opportunities to enrich your legal education, become a part of the USD law community, experience the legal "real world" and network with professionals working in your chosen field—all before graduation.

The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the umbrella organization for the student-run organizations at the University of San Diego School of Law. The various groups sponsor networking events, provide study assistance, represent group concerns, sponsor speaker programs, participate in and sponsor competitions, host social activities and promote community relations.

  • Advocates for Children and Education (ACE)

    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.

  • American Constitution Society (ACS)

    The mission of the American Constitution Society is to reincorporate values of compassion and respect for each individual in American law and politics, in order to build a stronger national community. We believe in the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice. We believe these principles are integral to understanding the Constitution and should form a starting point for enactment and interpretation of the law. 

    Organization contact

    Web pages

    ACS National Organization Website

  • Anime and Manga Law Society (AMLS)

    The purpose of this organization is to bring together students with a shared interest in the consumption and discussion of anime and manga. We strive to be an organization that is welcoming to all and that may provide a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel alone. AMLS will comply with all of the University of San Diego's policies and regulations.

    Organization contact

  • Appellate Moot Court Board (Moot Court)

    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.

  • Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)

    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.

  • Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

    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

  • Business Law Society (BLS)

    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.

  • Client Advocacy Team (CAT)

    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 training in the professional and academic communities. 3) Host and administer interscholastic client advocacy competitions, and sponsor teams to represent USD in interscholastic client advocacy competitions hosted by other institutions. 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.

  • Criminal Law Society

    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

    Criminal Law Society Facebook page

    Instagram: Follow us @usdcrimlawsociety

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Employment and Labor Law Society (EALLS)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Environmental Law Society (ELS)

    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.

  • Federalist Society (FedSoc)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Health Law Society (HLS)

    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

  • Immigration Law Society (IMLS)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Intellectual Property Law Association (IPLA)

    IPLA's purpose is to provide students interested in, or curious about, intellectual property law opportunities to learn about the variety of careers in the field. IPLA organizes social events that enable students to learn about and interact with IP attorneys. Additionally, IPLA offers students a chance to network and meet other students interested in IP law.

     

    Organization contact

    Web pages

    Watch our video for more information.

  • International Law Society (ILS)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA)

    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

    Watch our video for more information

  • La Raza Law Students Association (La Raza)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Law Students for Cross-Racial Understanding (LS4CRU)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Military Bar Association (MilBar)

    The Military 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. MilBar connects interested students with the on-campus Veterans Clinic, where law students can intern for credit or volunteer pro bono hours. MilBar 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. MilBar 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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • National Lawyers Guild (NLG)

    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.

  • National Trial Team

    USD’s National 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

      National Trial Team

    • Professor Francis A. DiGiacco
      National Trial Team Coach
      digiacco@gmail.com

    Web pages

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS)

    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.

  • Phi Delta Phi (PDP)

    Phi Delta Phi (PDP) promotes the advancement of the highest intellectual, professional, and ethical standards within the University of San Diego School of Law community. Wigmore Inn and its members are charged with the responsibility to seek and promote excellence in scholastic and ethical standards in order to achieve this goal.

    Organization contact

    Web pages

    PDP International Honor Society website

  • Pride Law

    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.

  • Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF)

    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.

  • Real Estate and Land Use Society (RELUS)

    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.

  • Saint Thomas More Society (STMS)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS)

    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

      Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS)

    • Allison Harvey
      President
      usdsels@gmail.com

    Web pages

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Student Bar Association (SBA)

    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_ 

    Watch our video for more information.

    Office

    Warren Hall, The Writs Room 114F
  • Tax Law Society (TLS)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Transactional Law Team (TLT)

    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 TLT Facebook Page

    View our video for more information.

  • Transgender Name and Gender-Marker Change Clinic (N&G Clinic)

    The Transgender 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

  • University of San Diego Family Law Society (USD FLS)

    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

  • USD Law Democrats Club (USD Law Dems)

    The USD Law Democrats 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

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot (VICAM)

    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

      Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot

    • Alexis Herskowitz
      President
      usdvicam@gmail.com

    Web pages

    VICAM website

    VICAM Facebook page

    VICAM LinkedIn group

    Watch our video for more information.

  • Women's Law Caucus (WLC)

    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

    Watch our video for more information.