Student Organizations

Students at GW Law are active and involved members of their academic community. Over the years, they have established over 60 organizations that reflect their diverse interests and concerns. These organizations play an important role beyond that of fostering camaraderie. By sponsoring speakers, hosting panel discussions, and encouraging dialogue on a wide variety of legal issues, the activities of GW Law student organizations have become an important extension of the curriculum. Through these organizations, students also make significant contributions to the Washington, DC-area community.

Please fill out the form below if your student organization needs an email address and we will get you set up with one!

Information for Holding an Event as a Student Organization

GW Law School Organizations, with a few exceptions, work with and through the SBA to plan and host events. All Student Organization events must comply with the Student Organization Handbook. Information about hosting events can be found starting on pg. 25. Events with alcohol or travel must be approved in advance.

A few things to keep in mind:

1. As of 2021, University funds cannot be used to buy single use plastics. This means student organizations cannot use the money they receive from the SBA Senate to buy single use plastics. This GW Single Use Plastics Elimination Guide may be useful for complying with this policy.
2. In addition to the information that must be submitted before your Student Organization holds an event, SBA requires student organizations to submit a post event report. Link to event report is coming soon.

Student Organizations

Student Bar Association (SBA)

President: Cherissa Lindsay
Chief of Staff: Ebony Upshaw
Contact: [email protected]

Phone: 202.293.1921
Fax: 202.293.1928
2028 G St., Suite 023, Law Learning Center

All students of the Law School are members of the SBA, the Law School’s student government. Through its elected officers and representatives, the SBA acts as an advocate of the student body, oversees the funding of student organizations, and sponsors a number of social, professional, and community service programs and events. Students take an active role in the academic and institutional development of the School through the SBA’s participation on the faculty–student committees dealing with faculty tenure and appointments, curriculum development, student recruitment, any incidents of discrimination and harassment, and public interest involvement. All students are encouraged to participate in SBA elections and to take advantage of the programs and activities that the SBA sponsors throughout the year, including the First-Year Mentoring Program; the Halloween Party; the Barrister’s Ball; weekly “Bar Reviews”; annual blood, food, and clothing drives; used book sales; as well as several community service projects and activities involving the American Bar Association Law Student Division.

Anti-Corruption & Compliance Association (ACCA)

President: Ella Hillier
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Anti-Corruption and Compliance Association (“ACCA”) of The George Washington University Law School is established for the purpose of promoting issues related to anti corruption and compliance. It will accomplish this purpose through activities that include lectures, conferences, forums, panels, and networking events with leading practitioners in the field.

Antitrust Law Association (ALA)

President: Jack Detiveaux
Organization Email: [email protected]

The purpose of the Antitrust Law Association is to promote the study and practice of antitrust law, provide networking opportunities for students interested in antitrust law, and foster a community of like-minded individuals.

Art Law and Entertainment Society (ALES)

President: Eric Elia
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Art Law and Entertainment Society (ALES) promotes awareness of the field of art, cultural heritage, cultural property law and careers, improves students' knowledge of this field and current issues, and maintains contacts with students who may desire to explore art, cultural heritage and cultural property law.

Asian/Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA)

President: Seung Hwi Yoon
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Asian/Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) is a national organization for Asian/Pacific American and other interested law students. Its goals are to provide academic and social support for incoming as well as continuing students, to assist members in job searches, and to increase Asian/Pacific American enrollment and participation at the Law School. APALSA holds various workshops throughout the semester to help students better orient themselves to the Law School and has instituted a “buddy system,” whereby second- and third-year students act as mentors to first-year students. APALSA fosters a sense of community among Asian/Pacific American students by hosting various social events within the Law School itself or with other APALSA chapters in the region and participating in the annual national APALSA convention.

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

President: Jaylah Richie
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Employment Opportunities: [email protected]

The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) at The George Washington University Law School is a service organization aimed at promoting academic excellence, professional development, community service, and social unity among our members.
GW BLSA is an official chapter of the National Black Law Students Association. We have been at GW Law for several decades, making positive and influential contributions to the law school and Washington, DC communities. Also, in an effort to promote and support a diverse student body at GW Law, BLSA members participate in the recruitment of minority students and provide information to the law school community about the contributions of African-Americans to the field of law.

GW BLSA is a very active organization, hosting dozens of academic, professional, service, advocacy, and social events throughout the school year.

BLSA Website

Christian Legal Society (CLS)

President: Logan Younce
Organization Email: [email protected]

GW CLS exists to inspire, encourage, and equip lawyers and law students, both individually and in community, to proclaim, love, and serve Jesus Christ through the study and practice of law, the defense of religious freedom, the provision of legal assistance to the poor, and the proclamation of the Gospel.

GW CLS is dedicated to seeking justice with the love of God by following His principles: Helping members faithfully serve Jesus in their professions, relationships, communities, and churches; influencing the legal profession and the law in accordance with His teachings; and serving others as He would serve them.

GW CLS seeks to attain this mission by holding regular Bible study fellowship sessions, offering mentorship to members, and hosting other events as appropriate.

Consumer Law Association (CLA)

President: Hagar Sivan
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Consumer Law Association (CLA) strives to provide a forum for students interested in consumer protection law to explore the field. CLA’s primary goals are to enhance students’ access to professional insights in the consumer law practice area, to facilitate students’ opportunities to engage in this field, and to cultivate a network of students and practitioners with similar interests and passions.

Corporate and Business Law Society (CBLS)

President: Madison Klimchak
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Corporate and Business Law Society is founded for the purpose of providing its members with opportunities to gain insight into corporate and business law practices, connecting with practicing attorneys, and supporting members in their job searches. It will accomplish this purpose through networking events, panel discussions featuring experienced legal practitioners, and the timely dissemination of relevant job postings. In collaboration with other student organizations, CBLS intends to promote the study and practice of corporate and business law across various industries. For law students with an interest in corporate and business law who may be uncertain about where to begin, CBLS aims to serve as a comprehensive and foundational resource.

Entertainment and Sports Law Association (ESPLA)

President: Aidan O'Connor
Organization Email: [email protected]

ESPLA works to expose our student body to the world of Sports and Entertainment Law. In a field that is all about who you know, making connections during law school is pivotal. We help students get that exposure to the right people. We work to hold at least one Sports and one Entertainment event per semester. Past events have included panels, NFL games/meet and greet with the General Counsel, etc.

Environmental & Energy Law Association (EELA)

President: Charlotte Knaggs
Organization Email: [email protected]

Events hosted by GW's Environmental and Energy Law Association (EELA) introduce students to the wide variety of EEL-related transactional, regulatory, and litigation career paths within the private and public sector. GW has been a leader in environmental and energy law since 1970, due in part to a significant monetary grant from the Ford Foundation. EELA's yearly career panels host attorneys from top law firms, non-profits, government agencies, and administrative law chambers. EELA also moderates panels discussing current events, fostering academic debate and dialogue between GW Law Professors, Deans, and local members of the American Bar Association's Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER). EELA's annual "Meet the Professors Night" in the fall and "Sustainability Week" in the spring teach students about EEL-related programs at GW Law and help students choose courses for the coming year. To stay updated on professional development, educational, and social events, current and incoming students should email [email protected] and ask to be added to EELA's biweekly newsletter.

Evening Law Student Association (ELSA)

President: Emily Thomas
Organization Email: [email protected]

The purpose of the Evening Law Student Association shall be to promote the welfare of all evening law students through advocacy, community building, and mentorship.

Visit the ELSA on Facebook

Fashion Law Society (FLS)

President: Kathryn Chavez
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Fashion Law Society brings students together who are interested in the legal and business crossroads of the fashion and beauty industry. The society aims to expand student resources by bringing in guest speakers, hosting networking events, and providing industry resources. The Fashion Law Society will connect DC to major fashion markets through partnerships with local fashion professionals and museums.

Government Contracts Students Association (GCSA)

President: Kristina Zaslavskaya
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Government Contracts Student Association (GCSA) is an organization at The George Washington University Law School. Through GCSA, members come together to learn about the field of government procurement law from professors, practitioners, industry resources, and events organized or sponsored by the GCSA. We, the members of GCSA, subscribing to the regulations and policies of The George Washington University, establish this Constitution to govern the matters within our organization.

GW American Constitution Society (ACS)

President: Peter Finnican
Organization Email: [email protected]

The American Constitution Society at The George Washington University Law School is a group of students, faculty and staff that seeks to restore the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and liberties, and genuine equality in American Law. The American Constitution Society aims to help strengthen in American law a steadfast commitment to uphold the rights, liberties, and dignity of all people—a commitment embodied in both the text, structure, and history of our Constitution; a document “Intended to endure for ages to come, and consequently, to be adapted to the various crises of human affairs.”

GW Defenders

President: Finley Davis
Organization Email: [email protected]

GW Defenders is committed to developing and sustaining a robust community of the future public defenders at The George Washington Law School. Our mission is three-fold: EDUCATE. To educate and encourage self-education on the role of public defense and abolitionist organizing in our society and legal community at large. ACTIVATE. To activate our beliefs by organizing direct action campaigns for current issues affecting those involved in the criminal legal system. COMMUNICATE. To communicate and connect with alumni to build and sustain a network of current and future public defenders.

GW Human Rights Law Society (HRLS)

President: Emma LaFrance

The GW Human Rights Law Society aims to educate on, embrace, and discuss human rights law. The group will facilitate discussions with the community, invite human rights law practitioners, and provide students with an interest in human rights law access to resources. The group is committed to spreading awareness and promoting a safe environment for students to engage with each other and with difficult issues involving human rights. It accomplishes this purpose through activities that include educational panels, networking activities, and pro bono and public service opportunities.
 

GW Law Association for Women (L.A.W.)

President: Amanda Hichez
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Law Association for Women (L.A.W.) strives to promote greater awareness of gender inequities and other issues affecting women and femme-aligned individuals; to provide an accessible and empowering space for women, including but not limited to transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary students who may identify with women’s experiences; and to help those students achieve their legal aspirations by creating opportunities for professional development and community.

GW Law Bands

President: Ben Winneg
Organization Email: [email protected]

The purpose of the GW Law Bands is to give students at George Washington Law School the opportunity to play music in an organized band setting, and perform for the larger student body.

GW Law Equal Justice Foundation (EJF)

President: Witt Hollensbe
Organization Email: [email protected]

George Washington Law Equal Justice Foundation (GW EJF) organizes fundraising events and activities in the George Washington University campus community to raise money for public interest law student stipends.

These stipends give students in unpaid public interest legal work financial aid. Thus, students are able to participate in public interest law while receiving financial compensation.

GW Law First Generation Professionals (FGP)

President: Mary Kate Greening
Organization Email: [email protected]

First Generation Professionals (FGP) provides a welcoming space for first-gen law students to celebrate and appreciate the unique experience of first-gen students in law school. The organization will aim to provide networking and collaboration opportunities for its members by hosting events with first-gen attorneys in the legal community and forming connections within and outside the law school.

GW Law International Law Society (ILS)

President: Mary Kate Greening
Organization Email: [email protected]

ILS is one of the largest and most active student organizations at the law school. Throughout the year, ILS presents guest speakers, sponsors social functions, and promotes career development activities such as lunches with practitioners. Each year ILS hosts International Law Week, offering professional and social activities, including visits to the State Department and DC law firms for discussions with partners and associates in international practices, a career fair of international public agencies, several speakers and panel discussions, and concluding with an embassy reception. In past years, panels have addressed topics such as international arbitration, trade, human rights, and international business law.

GW Lawmakers (GWL)

President: Alex Day
Organization Email: [email protected]

Lawmakers’ purpose is to learn about how law is written, deliberated and enforced. This organization embraces viewpoint-diverse, constructive dialogue as a core principle of its community. Our events will feature speakers from different levels of government and from multiple viewpoints to provide substantive, nuanced analysis on legislation, regulation and government administration. 

GW Law Revue

President: Kim Moughler
Organization Email: [email protected]

The GW Law Revue has been a pillar of the GW Law community since 1978, bringing laughter and delight to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. GW Law Revue players use pastiche to comment on law school, their fellow students, their professors, current events, and the legal community at large. Their main event, the annual Law Revue Show, is a multi-act theatrical spectacle that combines music, dancing, and sketches for a live audience in Lisner Auditorium. GW Law Revue players come from a variety of artistic backgrounds. Some are seasoned performers, actors, and musicians; some are experienced stagehands, writers, and lyricists; and others are stepping onto the stage for the very first time.

GW Law Run Club

President: Emma Stinson

The purpose of GW Law Running is to foster a social running community within The George Washington University Law School.

Facebook Page

GW Law Soccer

President: Matthew Harris
Organization Email: [email protected]

We provide a friendly environment for GW Law students of all skill levels to play pickup soccer on the weekends and relieve stress. We also organize participation of GW Law students in DC's Sunday adult soccer leagues, which play competitive games on the National Mall.

GW Law Softball

President: Carter King
Organization Email: [email protected]

GW Law Softball facilitates practices and games for GW Law students of all abilities. GW Law Softball seeks to create a fun, welcoming environment for all students to connect in a non-academic setting.

GW Law Squash Club

President: Shloke Nair
Organization Email: [email protected]

SQUASH TEAM of the George Washington University (“GWU”) is established for the purpose of getting law students together for weekly squash games. It will accomplish this purpose through activities that include practice matches and scheduled drill practice.

If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice

President: Tori Kendle

If/When/How trains, networks, and mobilizes law students and legal professionals to work within and beyond the legal system to champion reproductive justice. In collaboration with communities, organizations, and movements, we work to ensure all people- especially those most likely to face reproductive injustice- have the ability to decide if, when, and how to create and sustain a family.

If/When/How Website

Immigration Law Association (ILA)

President: Kevin Vo
Organization Email: [email protected]

Founded in the Spring Semester of 2009, the Immigration Law Association (ILA) strives to: Promote awareness of immigration law and careers therein, improve The George Washington University Law School's community's knowledge of immigration law and current immigration issues, and maintain contacts with students who may desire to explore immigration law. This objective shall be met by bringing speakers onto campus, administering educational events, and networking among students and other organizations. Promote immigration pro bono work and advocacy opportunities for students. This objective shall be met by organizing events with local public interest organizations and promoting them to the student population.

International Arbitration Student Association (IASA)

President: Harsha Motamarry

It shall be the purpose of IASA to promote awareness of international arbitration and careers therein, improve students’ knowledge of international arbitration and current issues surrounding it, and maintain contacts with and among students who desire to pursue a career in international arbitration. These objectives shall be met by bringing speakers onto campus; coordinating visits to relevant events and organizations; interacting with The George Washington University Law School’s faculty; networking among students, faculty, alumni, and other organizations; and maintaining a list of contacts who practice international arbitration.

International Refugee Assistance Project at George Washington University Law School (IRAP at GW)

President: Christine Connolly
Organization Email: [email protected]

IRAP at GW works with pro bono attorneys, IRAP Headquarters, and IRAP chapters across the United States and Canada to advance legal pathways to safety for refugees and other displaced people. This can be by supporting casework, contributing to litigation matters, or working on policy advocacy projects. Through IRAP, students can develop legal research, client work, and client advocacy skills. Through projects, casework, and trainings, IRAP at GW students have the opportunity to learn about refugee law and contribute to IRAP’s important work advocating for refugees and displaced people. 
IRAP is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Since its founding in 2008, IRAP has helped resettle over 4200 refugees and their families to 18 different countries and has trained over 4000 law students and lawyers in the process. GW Law is one of IRAP’s 26 student chapters across the United States and Canada.

J. Reuben Clark Law Society

President: Carson Robb
Organization Email: [email protected]

Values upon which the society is founded are (1) public service, (2) loyalty to the rule of law, and (3) appreciation for the religious dimension in society and in a law student's personal life. To accomplish its mission, the JRCLS will (1) encourage members to regard law studies as preparation for service of courts, clients, and society, (2) promote and protect the rule of law, and (3) provide its members with opportunities for continuing dialogue on legal topics of significance with members of the Student and local Professional Chapters of the Law Society.

Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA)

President: Chaim Roffman
Organization Email: [email protected]

JLSA is established for the purpose of strengthening a community based upon Jewish values and traditions by running periodic educational, communal, and religious programming to further the goal of strengthening the Jewish community on campus.

Labor and Employment Law Society (LELS)

President: Aaron Bernstein
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Labor and Employment Law Society brings together students, professors and professionals in the Labor and Employment Law field.  We are a non-partisan group and welcome the viewpoints of professionals representing management, labor/workers, and neutrals such as arbitrators and mediators so that our members get a well rounded view of issues in this field. LELS hosts networking events among the students and professionals during the year and hosts the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law Panel Luncheon in the Spring. LELS welcomes all collaboration with other organizations on the law school campus that support the deepening of student knowledge and awareness of labor and employment issues.

Lambda Law (Lambda)

President: Meredith McDuffie
Contact: [email protected]

Lambda Law (“Lambda”) of The George Washington University (“GW”) is established for the purpose of providing education and support regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) legal issues, employment concerns, and fostering tolerance and awareness on campus at The George Washington University Law School (“GW Law”). Lambda provides social, educational, and professional opportunities to all students at the law school.

Lambda Law on Facebook

Latin American Law Student Association (LALSA)

President: Maria Velasquez

The Latin American Law Student Association (LALSA) provides support and educational services to Hispanic and other students at the law school, while fostering an appreciation for Hispanic language and culture. LALSA also encourages its members to become involved in public interest organizations in the metropolitan area, particularly the DC Law Students in Court program and Ayuda. LALSA activities have included hosting speakers to discuss career and legal topics and holding meetings to provide support and assistance to first-year students with summer job searches, moot court competitions, and final examinations. LALSA sponsors several social events each year. All students are welcome to participate in LALSA, especially those who have an interest in Latin American cultures or the Spanish language.

Law Students for Justice in Palestine (LSJP)

Organization Email: [email protected]

GW Law Students for Justice in Palestine serves to enrich the legal educational experience of students by raising awareness about the legally recognized rights of Palestinians, facilitating dialogue about how this area of law must be improved, and introducing students to career paths that would allow them to advocate for such improvement. GW LSJP aims to protect and advocate for the free speech and academic freedoms of law students engaged in Palestine solidarity work. GW LSJP recognizes the importance of joy in the struggle for liberation and seeks to celebrate, preserve, and share the deeply rooted Palestinian culture and tradition.

Law, Justice & International Development Society (LJIDS)

President: Navya Nagubadi

The Law, Justice and International Development Society (LJIDS) aims at critically and creatively engaging GW Law students, students-at-large, and alumni on the fundamental role that domestic and international law play in the multidisciplinary processes of social and economic development, social justice, and political stability in developing, post-conflict, and transitional states around the world.The organization furthers its purpose by developing members' practical skills through pro bono international development work ; engaging members on emerging research and practice trends through various events ; disseminating relevant information, opportunities and resources ; and fostering networking and community building, both within the membership and externally. Any student curious or passionate about law, justice, and international development is encouraged to join the Society.

Legal History Society (LHS)

President: Ryan Chapman

The GW Law Legal History Society is an organization intended to foster a love of history among the GW Law community, plan programming utilizing GW Law’s rich legal history resources, and to provide a space for GW Law students to make a deeper connection between history and the legalprofession.

Mental and Emotional Student Health Society (MESHS)

President: Kyle Donohue
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Mental and Emotional Student Health Society (MESHS) of The George Washington university Law School (GW Law) is established for the purpose of the continuous provision and facilitation of support within the GW Law community for addressing mental health and wellness concerns by creating a safe space that is cognizant of and compassionate towards the mental wellbeing of the students throughout the year and consolidates available resources available through and beyond the school for addressing mental health and wellness.

Middle Eastern & North African Law Student Association (MENALSA)

President: Ori Fedida
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association (“MENALSA”) of The George Washington University Law School is established for the purpose of promoting a community of students of Middle Eastern or North African (“MENA”) background and providing a welcoming space for law students to celebrate and MENA culture. The organization aims to provide networking and collaboration opportunities, and host events with MENA community members. It will accomplish this purpose through activities that include holding conversations with practicing MENA attorneys and policymakers, events that promote diverse discussions, and meetings that connect students with opportunities to network with other MENA students and professionals.

Military Law Society (MLS)

President: Jackson Head
Organization Email: [email protected]

MLS exists to promote interest in military law careers among GW Law students. We host events to achieve this goal and connect students with military law practitioners.

Facebook

Twitter

Music Law Association (MuLAn)

Organization Email: [email protected]

The Music Law Association (“MuLAn”) of The George Washington University Law School is established for the purpose of raising awareness in the field of Music Law and related careers, improving students' knowledge in this field and current issues. MuLAn also strives to develop a strong network between students who desire to explore a career in the Music Law Industry with lawyers in this field. These objectives will be met by bringing speakers from private practice, music companies, academia, non-profit organizations, and governmental entities onto campus. MuLAn will also maintain a good network with the members of MuLAn and its alumni.

Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA)

President: Sajeda Shaikh
Organization Email: [email protected]

MLSA is dedicated to serving as a space for Muslim and non-Muslim students alike to celebrate and find community with each other through the backdrop of their shared experiences and interest in Islam. We hope to strengthen the social and professional ties of the Muslim community at GW and in the DMV region more broadly.

National Security Law Association (NSLA)

President: Luke Schlobohm
Contact: [email protected]

The purpose of this Association shall be to: foster an interest in and understanding of the legal aspects and ramifications of national security; bring our legal training to bear on the problems facing the national security community; foster and encourage an attitude of professional competence; and serve as a source of information for law students, and prospective George Washington University Law School students.

Nonprofit Law Association

President: Jess Johnson
Organization Email: [email protected]

This association will aim to educate and spark interest in nonprofit law. We will cover topics including, but not limited to, the following: careers with nonprofits; legal issues for nonprofits; tax treatment; and nonprofit formation and governance.

Nota Bene

President: Connor Toth
Organization Email: [email protected]

We seek to inform and engage the public and the community at The George Washington University Law School (“GW Law”) on matters of public concern, and to amplify the voices of all GW Law students, regardless of year of study or degree program. The organization recognizes the crucial role of access to information in a well-functioning democracy and in legal academia. To that end, all members of the GW Law community are invited and encouraged to be active members of the organization.

Plaintiffs' Law Association (PLA)

President: Elan Reisner

The Plaintiff Law Association (PLA) is to create a community interested in plaintiff litigation and to present more exposure to law students about plaintiff career paths. The PLA connects students with attorneys who “represent victims of misconduct or negligence, advocate for justice, and hold powerful interests accountable for their actions.” PLA plans to host speaker events, networking opportunities, and connect students to the NPLA plaintiff career fair.

Real Estate Law Association (RELA)

President: Genna Fukuda
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Real Estate Law Association (“RELA”) serve to expose law students to the field of real estate and real property. Members of RELA have various opportunities to learn about the crossroads between law and the real estate industry, including, but not limited to: alumni events, career panels, networking events, and panels on current real estate events. RELA not only establishes ties to practitioners and the community, but also maintains those connections by keeping a list of contacts to be referred to by succeeding members. From an educational standpoint, RELA involves discussions of the basics of real estate and real property practice including, but not limited to: acquisition, development, leasing, and sale of properties, real estate finance, land use, zoning, and tenant rights.

South Asian Law Student Association (SALSA)

President: Meera Patel
Organization Email: [email protected]

The South Asian Law Students Association (“SALSA”) of The George Washington University Law School (“GW Law”) is established for the purpose of providing a strong social, academic, and career network for law students of South Asian heritage and encourages members to develop an understanding of how the law can be used as a vehicle for social transformation. It will accomplish this purpose by organizing and hosting a number of projects and events at GW Law and by disseminating information about local events, including cultural celebrations, professional seminars and conferences, and networking events.  SALSA will engage in activities that promote education, leadership and community service amongst South Asian law students as well as expand the general legal community’s understanding and appreciation of South Asian political, legal and social issues.

Street Law

President: Nathan Bruce
Organization Email: [email protected]

Street Law allows GW Law students to volunteer and engage with local youth by providing lessons on law, government, and civics.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF)

President: Rachel Pepper
Organization Email: [email protected]

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 seeks to raise the profile of the field of animal law. SALDF is involved in a variety of activities promoting animal law. SALDF each semester hosts several speaker events, the Washington Humane Society’s Mobile Adoption Center and a pet photo contest. SALDF also participates in local animal charity events such as the Poplar Spring 5k Run for the Animals and the HSUS Walk for animals and National Meatout Day. SALDF assists in the administration of the Animal Welfare Legal Reform Project, an independent pro bono project through which law students participate in activities helping to reform and improve enforcement of animal welfare laws in the District of Columbia.

SALDF on Facebook

Student Health Law Association (SHLA)

President: Amanda Lee

The Student Health Law Student Association (“SHLA”) of the George Washington University (“GWU”) is established for the purpose of increasing student interest in the growing field of health law, based on the premise that as health care grows, so too does the demand for excellent health lawyers.  It will accomplish this purpose through activities that include informing students about local professional seminars and conferences focused on health law as well as sponsoring programs that introduce students to attorneys practicing in diverse areas of this field.

Student Intellectual Property Law Association (SIPLA)

President: Monica Lee
Organization Email: [email protected]
Subscribe to the SIPLA Listserv: Member Registration Form

The Student Intellectual Property Law Association (SIPLA) is committed to exposing GW Law students to the unique aspects of the intellectual property law profession. SIPLA draws upon leaders in the field not only to explore the traditional intellectual property law disciplines of patent, trademark, and copyright law, but also unfair trade practices, antitrust, computer law, technology licensing, sports law, entertainment law, and communications law. SIPLA also houses the Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Brief (IPEL)—a forum for SIPLA members interested in copyright, trademark, entertainment, and media law to write blog posts on current trends and developing issues to be published on the IPEL website.
Throughout the year, SIPLA works with the IP department and career center to host lectures from experts in the field. Lecturers sponsored by SIPLA have included the president of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the former commissioner of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and intellectual property practitioners and academics from around the country. SIPLA is committed to enhancing GW Law students’ career options by providing unmatched networking opportunities and a chance to interact with hundreds of intellectual property law alumni from around the country.

Tax Law Society (TLS)

President: Aristides Hadjipanteli
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Tax Law Society is established to promote awareness among students and alumni of the opportunities provided by the study and practice of tax law. Through a variety of student and alumni events and programs, TLS ultimately aims to educate its members, raise awareness of opportunities available in the field, and facilitate the development of professional contacts.

Tech Law Student Association

President: Grant Beanblossom
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Tech Law Students Association is a group committed to cutting-edge legal issues related to the internet or computers. These issues include intellectual property, internet privacy, computer crime, and many other subjects.  The Tech Law Students Association's focus is to provide an avenue for discourse that allows students to learn and critically think about these issues, and to prepare for eventual careers in these areas. This is most typically accomplished by bringing in speakers on key issues and holding cyberlaw-related events.

The Federalist Society

President: Alicja Haran
Organization Email: [email protected]

The Federalist Society (“FedSoc”) of The George Washington University Law School is established for the purpose of providing a fraternal assembly whereby members have the opportunity to explore, evaluate, discuss, question, and debate conservative and libertarian political philosophy, particularly as applied to the judiciary, both within the organization and with the greater community. The organization shall facilitate the ability of individuals, both within and without the organization, to adopt reasoned and grounded policy positions by providing educational fora, including, but not exclusive to, debates, lectures, seminars, and publications, wherein varying positions may be explored.

Veteran Law Students Association (VLSA)

President: Allison Vaughn
Organization Email: [email protected]

For veteran law students to encourage camaraderie and networking with fellow veterans and professionals.

The Womxn of Color Collective (WoCC)

President: Taylor Moises

The Womxn of Color Collective serves to enrich the legal educational experience of women and non-binary* people of color by fostering a close-knit community of people dedicated to the advancement of racial and gender justice within the legal field and beyond. WoCC serves to empower and inspire women and non-binary people of color to realize their professional and personal aspirations, by providing space for collective healing, cultural humility and solidarity. Centering the perspectives of women and non-binary people of color, WoCC seeks to facilitate dialogue that confronts racial and gender inequities in the historically white and patriarchal institution of law and to further explore the intersections of gender, race and the law.

*Non-binary, in WoCC’s context, is used as an umbrella term to include anyone who identifies as non-binary, transexual, gender non-conforming, or any other gender queer identity

Student Briefs