Students | Columbia Law School
Alphabetical List of Student Organizations
AFRICAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The purpose of the African Law Students Association is to articulate, promote, and provide a forum for students, professors, and professionals to meet and pursue their interest in African legal jurisprudence, cultures, and societies. Our goal is to sponsor and support formal and informal events that provide insight into African law and culture, and into current issues concerning the relationship between Africa, the United States, and the rest of the world. We also hope to build a network between current members and alumni.
Contact: alsa@law.columbia.edu.
ALPINE SOCIETY
The Alpine Society is a group of approximately 50 law students dedicated to promoting group-oriented social outlets for the Law School community by organizing outdoor recreation trips. Our activities include, among others, skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, and hiking. We also aspire to foster increased awareness in the Columbia Law School community of legal issues affecting outdoor recreation. In the past, the Alpine Society has organized weekend trips to ski areas in New England and spring break trips to resorts in British Columbia and Utah. We welcome members of all levels, from novices to experts.
Contact: alpine_society@law.columbia.edu
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 by citizens concerned about mass arrests of suspected radicals by the Department of Justice. Since then, the ACLU has continued to fight to protect and secure the rights guaranteed by our Constitution, which occasionally requires it to defend the rights of unpopular groups and unsympathetic characters. The Columbia Law School chapter, established in April 1991, serves to focus attention on constitutional law and civil liberties issues of national, regional, and campus interest, as well as to encourage hands-on involvement in protecting civil liberties. Past events have included debates, speaker panels and training sessions. We also engage in activist activities such as petitioning state and federal officials, or distributing information to groups of citizens to inform them of their rights. For example, the ACLU participates in the Suspension Representation Project (SRP), which trains law students to represent NYC public school students in superintendents’ suspension hearings. In the 2008-2009 school year, one out of every 14 students in NYC was suspended. Youth who are suspended from school are more likely to fall behind in school, be retained a grade, and drop out. The SRP enables law students to develop valuable legal skills, including interviewing clients, conducting direct and cross examinations, and delivering closing arguments. Involvement in the SRP is also an excellent way to work with law students from other local law schools. Chapter members can get involved in other activities as well, including assisting ACLU lawyers with legal research, drafting position papers about civil liberties issues, and speaking about civil rights issues. From year to year, the ACLU continues to refine its mission to meet the needs and interests of our members and the Law School and University communities. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to join and participate.
Contact: aclu@law.columbia.edu
AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SOCIETY
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is a national organization of students, professors, practicing lawyers, and others who favor a progressive approach to the constitution and public policy. We believe in the fundamental principles of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice and believe these principles should be central to American law. We hope to foster open, respectful, and informed political discourse. To that end, our chapter sponsors many programs throughout the year, including speakers and panels, debates and discussions, and, on the fun side, happy hours, trivia nights, movies, and more. We also provide a connection between Columbia Law School students and an ever-growing network of like-minded alumni and local practitioners.
Contact: arw2155@columbia.edu
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Thousands of people are in prison because of their beliefs. Many are held without charge or trial. Torture and the death penalty are widespread. In many countries, men, women, and children have “disappeared” after being taken into official custody. Still others have been killed without any pretense of legality. These human rights abuses occur in countries of widely differing ideologies. Amnesty International is an independent, worldwide movement of people dedicated to the protection and promotion of internationally recognized human rights. The Columbia chapter shares this vision and works towards its fulfillment through campaigns touching on all areas of human rights. In addition to conducting monthly meetings and sponsoring letter-writing events, we work with other student groups and outside organizations to educate the law school community about pressing human rights issues through speakers, panel discussions, and film screenings. We invite you to get involved, and we welcome your questions and ideas.
Contact: amnesty_international@law.columbia.edu
ASIAN AND PACIFIC AMERICAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Asian and Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) facilitates awareness and discussion of issues and events that affect Asian-Pacific Americans and other minority groups within the legal world and society at large. Columbia’s APALSA chapter is one of the most active and cohesive Asian-American law student organizations in the country, with a history of social change and responsibility. In 1997, APALSA was responsible for setting up a seminar about Asian-American jurisprudence, one of the first of this type in the nation. Our alumni have spread across the world, creating a strong network of connections and offering professional advice in several fields. Since the Law School is pre-professional as well as academic, APALSA makes a concerted effort to provide guidance services to our members. During the school year, APALSA sponsors a job-search workshop to assist those seeking public interest and firm jobs. In addition, APALSA maintains connections with the Asian-American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and professionals from both the public and private sectors, including judges, district attorneys, public interest lawyers working in the Asian-American community, and partners in private law firms, in order to stay informed about current events, issues, and opportunities. During the academic year, APALSA attempts to ease the anxieties of first-year students by providing an upperclass student adviser or mentor. APALSA also organizes study workshops and review sessions, and compiles and makes available study aids and outlines for all foundation courses. Scattered throughout the year are social events, such as happy hours, cultural and arts activities, and dinner parties.
Contact: apalsa@law.columbia.edu
BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is an inclusive organization that provides academic support, alumni resources, and career opportunities to its membership. BLSA connects the law school community to the challenges and needs of black communities locally, nationally, and internationally. BLSA actively facilitates the relationship between the student body and alumni, professors, practitioners, and university administrators. We organize numerous events throughout the year to create opportunities for students to explore their interests, including career panels, speaker series, and alumni mixers. Our marquee events are the Fall Retreat, the Paul Robeson Conference, and the Paul Robeson Gala. We also sponsor the National Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition and support first-year students who participate. Each year we provide many services to first-year law students, including mentoring, course review sessions, and résumé and career workshops. BLSA is strongly committed to community service and addressing the difficulties faced by the black community. BLSA also reaches out to impoverished communities through voter registration campaigns, legal advocacy, and food and clothing drives. During Spring Break 2010, we sent a team of students to New Orleans to provide myriad legal services ranging from fair housing to juvenile rights. BLSA is a chapter of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). NBLSA is the largest law student-run organization in the United States, with more than 200 chapters at law schools throughout the country. These chapters represent more than 6,000 black law students. The organization’s purpose is twofold: to facilitate the academic and professional development of African-American students in law schools across the country, and to instill in them a greater commitment to the needs of the black community.
Contact: blsa@law.columbia.edu
CALIFORNIA SOCIETY
The California Society of Columbia Law School is dedicated to representing and developing the ties of the many CLS students and alumni with an interest in California. In fact, almost 200 CLS students are from California, and 2000 alumni live in the state. We are committed to developing a social, intellectual, and professional environment for students and alumni through events, job resources, panels, speakers, and mentoring programs. Through collaboration with other organizations and the administration, we aim to become the central resource for students and alumni in connecting California and Columbia Law School.
Contact: CaliforniaSociety@law.columbia.edu
CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY
The Christian Legal Society (CLS) is a non-denominational Christian fellowship that conducts weekly meetings and social events open to all faiths and non-faiths. The focus of the gatherings is discussing and learning how the Christian faith can play a vital role in one’s study and practice of law. CLS weekly meetings generally involve student-led Bible studies, although outside speakers often are invited to speak. CLS also sponsors various outreach events, retreats, and meetings with other Christians at Columbia and in New York City.
Contact: christian_legal_society@law.columbia.edu
CIVIL RIGHTS LAW SOCIETY
The Civil Rights Law Society is an organization dedicated to initiating discourse on civil rights issues, both domestic and international. The Society provides a forum for scholars, practitioners, and law students to share their ideas and experiences through guest lectures, panel discussions, conferences, and community service/pro bono events. Past events have included a panel on careers in civil rights with practitioners from government, academia, private practice, and nonprofits; a dinner and panel discussion on criminal law and civil rights; and a panel on voting rights 50 years after Brown vs. Board of Education. The Society also aims to help prepare Columbia Law School graduates to enter both the public and private sectors armed with a stronger consciousness of civil rights issues.
Contact: crls@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA CARD CLUB
The Card Club is dedicated to bringing members of the Law School class together for card games and tournaments, in addition to creating opportunities to meet fellow players. There is a special focus on poker, which in addition to being fun and intellectually stimulating, is a great networking tool. Players of all abilities are welcome, and we would love to hear about your game of choice. The Card Club is also committed to creating dialogue within the Law School and the legal community surrounding the legal and regulatory issues of card-playing.
Contact: cardclub@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA BUSINESS AND LAW ASSOCIATION
The Columbia Business and Law Association (CBLA) is the Law School’s principal student group dedicated to the interaction between law and business. We recognize that lawyers with business training and business leaders with a legal background can gain a critical competitive edge in the current economy. CBLA therefore aims to provide a forum for students to pursue scholarship and professional opportunities in business, both within and outside of law. The organization routinely sponsors lectures, workshops, and networking events from traditional areas of interest such as investment banking, management consulting, venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and entrepreneurship. CBLA also serves as a center for members of the Columbia Law School community interested in many aspects of business law, including corporate governance and securities regulation.
Contact: cbla@law.columbia.edu
Website: www.clscbla.com
COLUMBIA GASTRONOMY SOCIETY
The Columbia Gastronomy Society is the student group dedicated to the art and science of food and cooking. Through a variety of tastings, formal dinners, casual outings, talks by chefs and other food connoisseurs, cooking competitions, and trips to farmers’ markets, members of this group come together over their love of good food.
Contact: gastronomy@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA HEALTH LAW ASSOCIATION
The Columbia Health Law Association is Columbia Law School’s new student organization dedicated to the field of health-related law and policy. Guided by a vision of professionals working together to solve some of today’s most important issues, we are working to build a community at Columbia Law School where students can engage and learn from physicians, law professionals, academics, and one another. Our goal is to create interest and awareness while providing a launching point for those already interested to get involved.
Contact: chla@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL ANTITRUST LAW ASSOCIATION
The Columbia International Antitrust Law Association was established in March 2010 as the first antitrust association in an Ivy League school. The purpose of the association is to bring together Columbia Law School students, professors, and alumni interested in legal issues in connection with the study, practice, and development of antitrust law both in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions. Our goals include promoting integration among our members; fostering and promoting the study, practice, and development of antitrust law around the globe; organizing academic events; promoting contact with law firms, business organizations, governmental, and nongovernmental agencies and organizations; organizing social events; and assisting incoming new students.
Contact: ciala@law.columbia.edu
Website: blogs.law.columbia.edu/antitrustassociation
COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (CIAA)
The purpose of CIAA is to bring together Columbia Law School students, professors, alumni, and practitioners interested in the study, practice, and development of international arbitration as an individual discipline for many purposes, including: (i) to promote integration among its members; (ii) to exchange information and experiences about legal issues involving international arbitration; (iii) to organize academic events; (iv) to establish contacts with law firms, business organizations, governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations; (v) to organize social events; and (vi) to assist incoming new students.
Contact: CIAA@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LATIN AMERICAN BUSINESS LAW ASSOCIATION
The Columbia Latin American Law and Business Association (CLABLA) was founded by a group of LL.M. students at Columbia. Our purpose is to bring together students, faculty and alumni interested in the relationship between the law of Latin American countries and the United States legal system. We promote integration among our members; develop contacts with law firms, business organizations and governmental and nongovernmental agencies and organizations; and assist incoming Latin American students. CLABLA members will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Contact: clabla@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW OPERA AND CLASSICAL SOCIETY
The Columbia Law Opera and Classical Society brings together Columbia Law students who share a common interest in exploring New York’s unparalleled opportunities to learn about and enjoy opera and classical music. Our events range from lectures to dinners to live performances. No knowledge or experience is required to become a member.
Contact: clocs@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW REVUE
Columbia Law Revue is the Law School’s very own law student-written/directed/produced/performed musical comedy show. Each year, the Law Revue puts on two shows, one for each semester. The music is generally a parody of music from all genres, including classic rock, pop, hip-hop, and show tunes. We welcome performers, writers, and techies with all levels of talent and experience, and allow our members to determine their own level of involvement in each show.
Contact: law_revue@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL COMPETITIVE TABLE SPORT SOCIETY
The Columbia Law School Competitive Table Sports Society is a student group focused on promoting small-scale student interactions and building personal relationships through competitive table sports which include time-honored American pastimes like Pool, Table Tennis, Snooker, Billiards, Mah Jong, Table Twister, and everyone's favorite, Manual Ping-Pong.. Our mission is to make the CLS community feel smaller by creating opportunities for students to interact with each other in a more fun and intimate environment than the typical law school setting. We host various table sport events throughout the school year - tournament and bracket-style madness isn't just for March.
Contact: ctss@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL YOUNG DEMOCRATS
The Columbia Law School Young Democrats provide a link between students and the Democratic Party. The group serves as a forum for information and discussion about political issues and a resource for political activism for Democratic causes. We campaign at both the national and local levels and we work with various groups affiliated with the Democratic Party to promote fair and informed elections.
Contact: cld@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL MILITARY ASSOCIATION
The Columbia Law School Military Association (CLSMA) is a nonpolitical, nonpartisan social group whose purpose is to promote camaraderie and networking among Columbia Law School military veterans and civilian students, to explore and develop local veteran-related volunteer and pro bono opportunities, and to stimulate thoughtful discussion about the military and its role in modern society. Military service is not a prerequisite for membership. In fact, many (if not most) of our members come from outside the armed services. Whether you’re interested in becoming a military lawyer, want to help out some local vets, or just want to learn something about the military and debate important issues with interesting, open-minded people, the CLSMA has something to offer.
Contact: CLSMA@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL DISC
Columbia Law School Disc promotes ultimate Frisbee and other disc-related sports at Columbia Law School. It hosts weekly coed games that are friendly, competitive and open to all skill levels. Sign up at: http://groups.google.com/group/clsDISC.
Contact: disc@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL REPUBLICANS
Columbia Law School Republicans is the hub for a progressively more visible community of Republicans at Columbia Law School. We welcome with open arms Republicans of every stripe, color, affiliation and denomination, and encourage you to speak proudly of your political leanings to your classmates and in the classroom. We serve to provide forums for balanced political discussion, act as a place to meet and mingle with your co-politicos, and serve as a launching pad for networking and political involvement.
Contact: clsr@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL SOCCER CLUB
The Columbia Law School Soccer Club organizes weekly coed soccer games. Games are open to all skill levels. Sign up at http://groups.google.com/group/clssoccerclub.
Contact: soccer@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL SOFTBALL CLUB
The Columbia Law School Softball Club gives students a chance to get out of the library and spend Friday afternoons on the diamond. The Club hosts weekly games just a few blocks from campus. These friendly scrimmages are open to everyone—the more the merrier. Join us for a few innings of slow-pitch, and then follow us to a local watering hole for some drinks after the game. It’s Friday afternoon the way Nature intended it! In addition to the weekly scrimmages, the Columbia Softball Club fields teams against the other New York City law schools, defending its crown in local tournaments. Then in the spring we travel down to Charlottesville to compete in UVA’s annual law school softball championship. The UVA tournament attracts over 1,000 law students from schools all over the country. It’s the best weekend in law school. So what are you waiting for? Put down the casebook and play ball!
Contact: clsc@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL TRIAL TEAM
The Columbia Law School Trial Team (CLSTT) represents Columbia at a variety of interscholastic trial advocacy tournaments, most notably competitions sponsored by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), the Texas Young Lawyers’ Association (TYLA), and the American Bar Association (ABA). Team members selected via a selective tryout process that takes place each fall semester have an opportunity to participate as attorneys or as witnesses and to explore their interest in potential future careers in litigation practice. Attorneys write and deliver their own opening and closing statements and examinations at trial, while witnesses employ their acting skills to portray credible characters on the stand. In addition to attending tournaments, team members also have the chance to attend valuable workshops on evidence and procedure and to participate in team social events interspersed throughout the academic year.
Contact: trial_team@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA LAW WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
The Columbia Law School Women’s Association (CLWA) works to advance the position of women in the Law School, legal profession, and society at large. CLWA works to foster an inclusive community for women within the Law School and to provide career and academic resources. Each year, CLWA conducts a mentoring program where first-year students are matched with second-and third-year student mentors. CLWA also hosts academic panels, journal panels, and a Women in Firms panel to give our members advice from a woman’s perspective. CLWA invites speakers to Columbia for discussions and forums on important issues such as women in public interest, women on the bench, international women’s rights, feminist jurisprudence, and the balance between professional and family obligations. Every spring, CLWA sponsors the Myra Bradwell Dinner, an event to celebrate women in the legal profession and Columbia alumna. In 1869, Myra Bradwell was denied admission to the Illinois bar because she was a married woman. Past honorees have included Hillary Clinton, Gloria Steinem, and Geraldine Ferraro. CLWA serves as a liaison to alumni and to the administration about issues of concern to women. The group also coordinates an outreach program to admitted women students and networks with women’s groups at the University.
Contact: clwa@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA REAL ESTATE LAW SOCIETY
The Columbia Real Estate Law Society (CRELS) aims to spark dialogue about real estate law, development, and property management; present networking opportunities with practitioners in those fields; and inspire creative approaches to real estate. CRELS hopes to assemble seminars, discussions, and networking events devoted to the public policy aspects of land use, real estate development, and housing as well as the challenges facing local governments concerning how and how much land should be allocated to public use. We also seek to explore corporate real estate law by hosting panels addressing real estate transactions, real estate finance, and real estate as an investment vehicle. In past years, we heard from a lawyer from a large New York law firm who handled complicated hotel acquisitions, hosted a panel on trends in real estate, and discussed innovative urban development with an environmentally friendly developer.
Contact: crel@law.columbia.edu
COLUMBIA SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
The Columbia Society of International Law (CSIL) is Columbia Law School’s principal student group dedicated to issues involving international law. The Society informs its members about opportunities to practice international law and current issues in international law; provides members in-person access to many of the top international firms; allows members the opportunity to meet leading scholars in the field; offers guidance and advice on career paths in the fields of public and private international law; and provides opportunities for American and international law students and alumni to form connections with each other that span the globe after graduation from Columbia Law School.
Contact: csil@law.columbia.edu
Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/law/csil/
COLUMBIA STRATEGIC SIMULATION SOCIETY
The Columbia Strategic Simulation Society (CSSS) is a group of Law School students, faculty, and staff dedicated to the enjoyment of strategic simulations such as Risk, Settlers of Catan, and Battlestar Galactica. (That’s right, we get together and play games!) CSSS aims to benefit the Columbia Law School community by providing a group-oriented social outlet through promoting strategic board and card games. CSSS provides an extracurricular opportunity open to all members of the Columbia Law School community and actively seeks new members to teach the hobby of strategic gaming. We meet every other Friday at 7 p.m. in JG 304.
Contact: csss@law.columbia.edu
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACTION NETWORK
The Criminal Justice Action Network (CJAN) is an organization of students dedicated to increasing actual justice in the criminal justice system. We also work on related issues such as the abolition of the death penalty, improved indigent defense, and prisoners’ rights. Our mission is threefold: to increase awareness of such issues in the Law School community, to assist attorneys on various cases, and to encourage interaction among students interested in improving the criminal justice system. Each year, we organize spring break caravans, in which students travel to New Orleans, Atlanta, and San Francisco to work with organizations doing capital defense work. There are also opportunities to do pro bono work throughout the school year. Additionally, we sponsor speakers, film screenings, and opportunities for students to visit prisons in the area. This should be an exciting year. Whether you are interested in criminal defense or becoming a prosecutor someday, we hope you’ll be a part of it.
Contact: cjan@law.columbia.edu
DEANS' CUP
The Deans’ Cup is one of the largest student-run events in America, an annual basketball competition between teams from Columbia Law School and NYU School of Law. Started in the spring of 2002, the Deans’ Cup raises funds for public interest organizations at both schools while uniting them in school spirit that rivals the best in sports. The Deans’ Cup fosters camaraderie between two of the foremost law schools in the city with firm sponsorship and widespread student dedication. It is one of the most exciting events of the year.
Contact: deanscup@law.columbia.edu
DE VINIMUS
De Vinimus is an organization that provides the opportunity to learn about and enjoy wine. De Vinimus conducts several tastings each semester focused on different regions and styles of wine production. Tastings are led by wine producers, writers, sommeliers, and other experts in the field. Yearly membership dues guarantee a spot at all events, although guest spots are frequently available.
Contact: DeVinimus@law.columbia.edu
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT
The Domestic Violence Project (DVP) raises awareness about domestic violence and provides legal services to battered women. Our activities include the Courtroom Advocates Project, Uncontested Divorce Workshop, Battered Immigrant Women’s Project, and Domestic Violence Awareness Week. The Courtroom Advocates Project (CAP) is a joint program with five other New York City law schools. CAP participants help women obtain orders of protection against abusive partners by drafting petitions and advocating for them in family court. Several full-time attorneys and six different New York agencies that specialize in legal problems associated with domestic violence support the project. Through the Uncontested Divorce Workshop, students work with attorneys to assist low-income women who are victims of domestic violence to obtain divorces from their batterers. Students complete and file all the necessary papers in New York Supreme Court. Participants in the Battered Immigrant Women’s Project assist abused immigrant women in obtaining residency status under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition process. Students are assigned a client and complete the petition from beginning to end, learning skills such as client interviewing and affidavit drafting. During Domestic Violence Awareness Week, DVP organizes speakers, panels, fundraising, and other activities aimed at raising awareness and educating the Law School community.
Contact: dvp@law.columbia.edu
EDUCATION LAW AND POLICY SOCIETY
The Education Law and Policy Society (EdLaw) is for students who are interested in the interaction between law and policy as related to education. EdLaw hosts practitioners in the field for panel discussions and career-focused events. In addition, the group provides several pro bono opportunities, leads frequent reading groups, and organizes informational visits to local schools in New York City. Please join us for interesting conversations and events.
Contact: education_law_and_policy_society@law.columbia.edu
EMPOWERING WOMEN OF COLOR
Empowering Women of Color (EWOC) aims to meet the needs of this disparate yet cohesive group of people, with the understanding that this is a complex and underserved segment of the law school population that faces unique challenges. EWOC provides a safe space for collaboration and dialogue regarding numerous issues relevant to women of color. We also offer mentorship, community involvement, and social activities. EWOC serves to reach out to the larger Columbia community and communicate your opinions and ideas about Law School, legal, and societal issues in a respectful and organized manner. Everyone is welcome to join us!
Contact: ewoc@law.columbia.edu
ENTERTAINMENT, ARTS, AND SPORTS LAW SOCIETY
The Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Society (EASLS) is one of the largest and most active student organizations at the Law School, with more than 70 members interested in legal careers in the professional entertainment, arts, or sports industries. EASLS explores legal issues and trends affecting these industries and educates students about career opportunities through panel discussions, roundtables, and lectures. EASLS members are afforded the chance to meet top entertainment and sports law practitioners, including many Columbia alumni. EASLS also tries to enrich the cultural life of the Law School community through many cultural offerings in New York City. In addition, EASLS members have access to job lists and job panels and to special deals and free tickets to sports, arts, and social events throughout the city.
Contact: easls@law.columbia.edu
Website: www.columbia.edu/cu/law/easls/
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW SOCIETY
The Environmental Law Society (ELS) is for students who are concerned about environmental issues and/or interested in environmental careers. We actively pursue expansion of the environmental curriculum and promote improved environmental efforts by the Law School. ELS hosts events with top environmental practitioners from the government, public interest groups, and private law firms. In addition to these panel discussions and informal lunches, we also host large-scale events, such as an Earth Day celebration and outdoor events such as hiking trips, park clean-ups, and tree planting. ELS welcomes all interested new students and offers ample opportunity to become involved at any level.
Contact: els@law.columbia.edu
Website: www.columbia.edu/cu/law/els
FASHION LAW SOCIETY
The Fashion Law Society (FLS) was created to introduce students at the law school to the world of fashion. We seek to explore areas of the law that affect the fashion industry, including intellectual property, business and finance, international trade and government regulation, and consumer culture. FLS provides its membership with alumni resources, career and networking opportunities, and a space to discuss the latest in fashion.
Contact: fls@law.columbia.edu
FEDERALIST SOCIETY
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 was 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. At Columbia Law School, we sponsor debates and events to help promote an awareness of these principles. We encourage everyone to join and participate.
Contact: federalist_society@law.columbia.edu
FIDELIO SOCIETY
The Fidelio Society at Columbia Law School is a group dedicated to investigating morality in the law and in society at large. Each year we begin by analyzing the different sources of morality and different philosophies of morality (natural law, utilitarianism, Divine morality, communitarian morality, etc.). As the year progresses we move to the important moral issues facing contemporary society such as distributive equality, abortion, family structures, tolerance, and religion in the public square. Throughout the year we have more entertaining meetings such as taking tours of the city and visiting important museums, all with an eye toward morality in the public square.
Contact: fidelio@law.columbia.edu
GOLF CLUB
The Golf Club, in promoting golf at Columbia Law School, provides a recreational and social outlet. It gives law students the chance to develop and improve a new life skill and to play at some of the many golf courses in New York City and the surrounding area.
Contact: golfclub@law.columbia.edu
HARLEM TUTORIAL PROGRAM
The Harlem Tutorial Project is a joint effort between Columbia Law School and Columbia Business School. We provide tutoring to students at a secondary school in Harlem. Each tutor selects one day each week to meet with his or her student for tutoring and mentoring, making an enormous difference in that student’s life. Participation is a great way to escape the rigors of law school life and to give back to the local community.
Contact: htp@law.columbia.edu
HIGH SCHOOL LAW INSTITUTE
High School Law Institute (HSLI) teams up student-teachers from Columbia Law School with students from New York City high schools. Our student-teachers help high school students build oral advocacy and writing skills through classes in criminal law, constitutional law, and mock trial. We hold classes Saturday mornings on Columbia’s campus. HSLI also focuses on sparking student participation and conversation, exploring the relevance of legal topics to students’ lives and honing the tools necessary for the students to express their opinions. Special events include College Information Day (where students interact with representatives from undergraduate programs), and a Mock Trial Competition and Graduation Ceremony.
Contact: hsli@law.columbia.edu
IMPACT
Impact is a nonpartisan group of law students at Columbia organized to help protect the integrity of the voting process and to inform the Columbia Law School community of important issues in election law. Impact works to fulfill its mission by, among other things, organizing voter registration drives, providing students with opportunities for poll monitoring activities, and coordinating with groups active in the Morningside Heights area to provide local residents with information concerning the right to vote. To create a broad coalition of students, Impact uses existing national student networks, including the National Black Law Students Association, the Latino/a Law Students Association, and the National Lawyers Guild. Impact is a member of Election Protection, a coalition of more than 60 nonprofit organizations dedicated to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to cast a vote that will be counted.
Contact: IMPACT@columbia.edu
INSITE
InSITE is an entrepreneurial mentorship program that brings together the best and brightest students from Columbia and NYU business and law schools to support New York entrepreneurs in the development of their businesses and their pursuit of venture capital and angel investments. InSITE’s mission is to accelerate technology startups through their early-stage development, transitioning them from their seed stage into being venture-funded companies. Each semester, InSITE fellows get the opportunity to work closely with a different New York startup in the process of securing its first round of venture or angel funding.
Contact: InSite@law.columbia.edu
J. REUBEN CLARK LAW SOCIETY
The J. Reuben Clark Law Society has been an organized association at Columbia for more than 20 years. Named for J. Reuben Clark, Jr. (Columbia Law School Class of 1906), it serves members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) and all others interested in participating in the group’s discussions and activities. We meet weekly to discuss topics of interest. In the past, we have invited scholars, attorneys, religious leaders, and students to lead these discussions. The group also sponsors social activities and an occasional forum. The Columbia chapter is part of the international J. Reuben Clark Law Society (www.jrcls.org), and is often included in events sponsored by the New York professional JRCLS chapter. Anyone is welcome to join us, no matter his or her degree of affiliation with the Mormon community.
Contact: jrcls@law.columbia.edu
JEWISH LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) is a group whose purpose is to unite Jewish law students of all backgrounds for social, religious, and educational activities. There is a membership drive in the beginning of the first semester, and all students are encouraged to join throughout their years at Columbia. This year, we will also be selecting a 1L board member. Past events have included a debate between Alan Dershowitz and Nat Lewin about the separation between church and state, a Friday night dinner with the editor of a controversial Jewish magazine, many intra-graduate student Shabbat dinners, an apples and honey table providing information for the High Holy Days, an awesome Chanukah party, and many events in conjunction with the Columbia University Hillel graduate student committee. We welcome any level of commitment and participation. We hope you will join us and look forward to meeting you. Shalom!
Contact: JLSA@law.columbia.edu
KOLEINU (Law Students for Israel)
Koleinu - Law Students for Israel was founded to foster a community of students with an interest in Israel, the Middle East, and the practice of law in Israel to come together and share ideas, exchange information, and learn from each others' experiences. Koleinu aims to promote education about Israeli law and society, and an open and respectful dialogue amongst the Columbia Law School student body about issues affecting Israel and the region. To that end, we host educational, professional and social events at the law school, including a wide range of speakers and guests. We are an inclusive group and are eager to build a diverse membership. We look forward to your involvement.
To learn more about us, please visit our website or contact us directly via email at koleinu@law.columbia.edu
KOREAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (KLSA)
The Korean Law Students Association provides a forum for people to learn more about Korean culture and to interact with other similarly interested students. We are dedicated to exploring the intersection between Korea and the United States and providing relevant academic, social, cultural, and professional opportunities to the Columbia Law School community. We organize activities from social outings to Koreatown and cultural celebrations to professional panels and academic resources. We are continually expanding our horizons and exploring ways to work together with other Columbia Law School groups, as well as to establish and maintain ties with the greater Korean community in New York City. Everyone with an interest in Korean legal practice or culture is invited to participate! We highly encourage those with only minimal previous exposure to Korean film, history, or food to come and learn more about our vibrant community.
Contact: klsa@law.columbia.edu
Website: www.columbia.edu/cu/law/klsa
LATINO/A LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Latino/a Law Students Association (LaLSA) sponsors academic, social, and community service activities to promote understanding of the Latino community. LaLSA serves as a liaison between its members and the administration, alumni and other professionals in the legal field. LaLSA also works to increase the number of Latino/a students and faculty at Columbia Law School and to ensure that students receive the necessary support to achieve academic and professional success. Most activities focus on first-year students. LaLSA offers many programs to ease the transition to law school and the legal profession, including an adviser program in which upperclass students are paired with first-year students to provide advice and support. Several tutorials and review sessions take place throughout the year about topics ranging from study tips to finding summer employment. LaLSA welcomes everyone to join and participate.
Contact: lalsa@law.columbia.edu
Website: blogs.law.columbia.edu/lalsa
LAW/CULTURE
Law/Culture produces institutional space within Columbia Law School to question the meaning of law from diverse perspectives in the humanities and social sciences. Legal concepts and practices have long fascinated anthropologists, political theorists, artists, and other thinkers, yet students in a traditional legal setting are rarely exposed to the law but from the perspective of a legal scholar or practitioner. While this focus is effective for producing lawyers, we believe law students benefit from opportunities for informal yet serious engagement with law through other discourses. Through lectures, reading groups, symposiums, film screenings, and other fora, Law/Culture probes the way in which law shapes and is shaped by basic cultural concepts and categories, such as identity, the body, community, and space. By viewing the law as a cultural phenomenon, and culture as suffused with legality, Law/Culture expands and deepens the discussion within the Law School community of the meaning and practice of law.
Contact: lawculture@law.columbia.edu
LAW STUDENTS FOR LIFE
Law Students for Life is an organization dedicated to promoting the dignity of human life at every stage. We aim to raise awareness and provide a forum for discussion around pro-life issues and provide community around pro-life perspectives.
Contact: lsfl@law.columbia.edu
LAW STUDENTS FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Law Students for Reproductive Justice (LSRJ) is a national network of law students and lawyers committed to the promotion of reproductive rights and social justice. Our organization educates, organizes, and supports law students to prepare a new generation of advocates to protect and expand reproductive rights as fundamental civil and human rights. The Columbia chapter of Law Students for Reproductive Justice works to further these goals, increase awareness of sexual and reproductive health issues in the law and in both global and local communities, and stimulate dialogue on these topics within the Law School. To this end, Columbia LSRJ hosts on-campus events—such as panels, debates, and social and fundraising events—and participates in citywide events with a reproductive rights focus.
Contact: lsrj@law.columbia.edu
LAW STUDENTS FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE (LSSE)
Law Students for Social Enterprise (LSSE) is dedicated to exploring the field of social enterprise and to informing law students about unique opportunities for promoting social value. Members of this group reject the notion that we must choose between “selling your souls” and making money, on the one hand, and “saving the world” and making peanuts on the other. Instead, LSSE recognizes that lawyers can have a positive social impact through a variety of legal and non-legal careers. Through speaker series, volunteer opportunities, collaboration with other student groups, and an annual symposium, LSSE members connect with both students and professionals interested in social enterprise and learn about the range of possibilities in the space.
Contact: social_enterprise@law.columbia.edu
MENTORING YOUTH THROUGH LEGAL EDUCATION (MYLE)
Mentoring Youth through Legal Education (MYLE) is the law student-run portion of the Legal Outreach program at Columbia Law School. Legal Outreach prepares urban youth from underserved communities in New York City to compete at high academic levels by using intensive legal and educational programs as tools for fostering vision, developing skills, enhancing confidence, and facilitating the pursuit of higher education. Legal Outreach uses law to attract junior high school students to academic programs that inspire and motivate them to strive for academic success. From 8th through 12th grades, students work after school, on weekends, and during summers to build the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals. An important part of the program is the debate program, which is facilitated through the invaluable assistance of Columbia Law School student debate coaches. Participating in Legal Outreach satisfies Columbia Law students’ 40-hour pro bono requirement. MYLE helps to facilitate social events between the debate coaches, students and mentors, and also assists in recruiting new debate coaches each year.
Contact: Evan Kreiner, evan.kreiner@law.columbia.edu
MIDDLE EASTERN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (MELSA)
With the Middle East becoming one of the most active regions in the world, the need for understanding its continuous development, cultural wealth, interesting history, unique challenges, and legal landscape is felt more than ever before. At MELSA, we work hard to expand the understanding of our fellow law students, and promote discourse regarding these important issues. From the vote in the UN General Assembly and other issues related to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to the status of women and Sharia Law, we actively seek to raise awareness with an unbiased approach on many important issues.But MELSA does not stop there. Our social events such as Mediterranean Nights and Passport to Egypt have for years attracted many students. With Shisheh (hookah) smoke in the air, Arabic music in the background, and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, we give you the chance to experience Cairo, Istanbul, and Tehran right here in New York City. In addition, our coordination with student organizations from other law schools (in particular NYU) and many practicing attorneys, public interest organizations, and law firms around the country allows you to expand your network beyond Morningside Heights and Columbia University. We encourage you to become a member by signing up on our mailing list so we can inform you of our great activities. But if you want more, MELSA’s fresh, energetic board is looking to go beyond previous years, and is providing a unique opportunity for 1L’s to join its board for the first time.
Contact: melsa@law.columbia.edu
Website: www.cumelsa.org
MIDWEST SOCIETY
The Midwest Society of Columbia Law School is committed to creating a cozy community of unabashed lovers of the Midwest. United by friendliness, we are dedicated to fostering the social, intellectual and professional development of the many Columbia Law School students and alumni with an interest in the Midwest. Our panels, speakers, and events will give the Law School community a chance to connect substantively with Midwestern happenings, dispelling forever the misconception that we are just a bunch of flyover states. Our mentoring programs and job resources will bring a much-needed taste of Midwestern goodness and pragmatism to New York City. And our social events will, of course, lead to the inevitable conclusion that Midwesterners are just the nicest people around.
Contact: midwest_society@law.columbia.edu
MOOT COURT
Columbia University's Moot Court Programs consist of the first-year Foundation Program, the Harlan Fiske Stone Honors Competition, and the Jerome Michael Jury Trial. Each provides students with the opportunity to develop their written and oral advocacy skills. Participation in the first-year Program is mandatory for all first-year students, whereas Stone and Jerome Michael are elective activities for upperclass students. In addition to these intramural programs, Columbia participates in other national moot court competitions (e.g. Frederick Douglass, NALSA, VIS, ACS, Environmental Law and Jessup). First-year students may use participation in these national competitions to satisfy their Foundation Moot Court requirement.
NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD
The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) is a radical coalition dedicated to the need for basic change in the structure of our political and economic systems. We seek to unite United States lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers to function as a political and social force championing civil rights and liberties in the face of oppression. Our Columbia chapter is a growing collective of students interested in the public interest and those interested in bringing about systemic change. We also serve as a link between students and both the New York City chapter and the national NLG organization. We are invited to attend many of the national organization’s events and projects. NLG also trains legal observers to serve at rallies and demonstrations, presents educational and political panels, and engages in activism at the Law School. New projects this year include starting a book club featuring radical works of theory and a series of speakers from the citywide chapter to help students get involved working on the issues in which they are interested.
Contact: nlg@law.columbia.edu
NATIONAL SECURITY AND LAW SOCIETY (NSLS)
Founded in April 2010, the National Security and Law Society (NSLS) is an officially recognized student organization at Columbia Law School. By providing opportunities and resources designed to promote discourse on national security law, NSLS works to increase the understanding of the intersection of national security issues and law. NSLS also offers Columbia Law School students who are interested in national security law with career help, academic advocacy, networking opportunities, and forums for education and discussion.
Contact: ceg2161@columbia.edu
NATIVE AMERICAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) was founded in 1989 to foster academic support for Native American students and others interested in American Indian legal issues. NALSA provides a network for students interested in indigenous legal and cultural issues. NALSA seeks to increase awareness of Indian issues, viewpoints, culture and societies. In addition to providing support and help to Native American law students, NALSA has focused on increasing Indian recruitment in response to the historically low Indian enrollment at law schools. NALSA sponsors several educational and social events annually. These include cultural events, speaker presentations, potluck dinners, and the Annual Columbia Powwow. NALSA played a central role in the 1993 presentation of the Pueblo Jemez Repatriation Project, the largest repatriation in United States history of sacred Indian objects. Members of NALSA attend the Annual Federal Indian Bar Conference conducted each spring in Santa Fe, New Mexico and attend the mid-year D.C. Indian Conference. Some NALSA members participate in the Human Rights Program and receive grants to work in their respective native communities or other indigenous communities during the summer.
Contact: nalsa@law.columbia.edu
NEW ENGLAND LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The New England Law Students Association (NELSA) is an organization for students who hail from New England, plan to practice there after law school, or are otherwise interested in the region’s unique legal community. We sponsor a variety of professional and social events with the goal of building a strong network of current students and alums. Membership is open to everyone in the Columbia Law School community, regardless of your home state or MLB-team allegiance.
Contact: nelsa@law.columbia.edu
NHK: JAPANESE LEGAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION
As a proud contributor to Columbia University’s unrivaled commitment to Japanese studies, Nihon Houritsu Kenkyuukai (NHK), or the Japanese Legal Studies Association, serves the legal community by organizing social, cultural, and educational events related to Japan, as well as providing information on the many opportunities available at Columbia and in New York for people with Japanese interests. In addition, we strive to facilitate interaction between Japanese members of the Law School community and those interested in Japan or Japanese law. Many of our members come to Columbia as accomplished business, government, or legal professionals in Japan and provide an opportunity to exchange ideas about Japanese and/or international law and practice. We welcome anyone with an interest in Japan, regardless of level of familiarity with Japan, its culture, or language. Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have.
Contact: nhk@law.columbia.edu
OUTLAWS
Outlaws is Columbia Law School's LGBTQ and ally law student organization. Outlaws provides programming that spans the gamut from advocacy to professional development to social events. Past programming has included a panel on the implementation of the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell," a mentorship program with upperclass students; and the opportunity to work on asylum cases for LGBT persons persecuted in their home countries. We also have a lot of fun together: We host mixers with other graduate schools at Columbia, outings in Hell’s Kitchen and the East Village, and dinners with employers who seek to recruit Columbia LGBTQ students. Outlaws aims to create a strong LBGTQ and allied community at Columbia; our varied programming supports that goal.
Contact: Matt Dulak and Precious Benally, outlaws@law.columbia.edu
Website: blogs.law.columbia.edu/outlaws
PUBLIC INTEREST LAW FOUNDATION
The Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1980 by members of the Law School community. PILF is a privately funded organization of law students, faculty, alumni, and friends that raises money through membership dues, donations, and renowned events to support public interest pursuits at Columbia Law School and organizations across the country. PILF donates approximately $100,000 annually to the Law School community and beyond. Each year, PILF helps to finance the Guaranteed Summer Funding program for Columbia law students pursuing unpaid public interest internships. Additionally, PILF provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations around the country. Each fall, three first-year representatives are elected to the board of directors, though the majority of law students participate in PILF in some form. Students, alongside PILF members, plan and attend the annual fall PILF dinner honoring a distinguished public interest lawyer, staff the much-anticipated PILF live auction, and play in the Deans’ Cup Columbia-NYU Basketball Game. Students also participate in PILF by pledging part of their summer salaries to the Summer Salary Drive. In addition to hosting a variety of public interest informational and social events, PILF operates a used bookstore where students can buy textbooks and study guides (including those for Legal Methods!) for $10 to $20. All of the money PILF raises enriches our community. We look forward to welcoming you to Columbia and to the PILF network of supporters!
Contact: pilf@law.columbia.edu
RIGHTSLINK
Rightslink is a student-run human rights law research organization based at Columbia Law School. Leveraging the vast research resources available to Columbia students, we provide free legal research services to human rights groups that lack the capacity or political freedom to conduct their own research. In turn, students interested in human rights gain the opportunity to contribute to research projects covering both domestic and international issues ranging from language discrimination to human trafficking. Working closely with the Human Rights Institute and the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Rightslink also organizes academic and professional events throughout the year to foster a human rights community at the Law School and connect students with human rights scholars and practitioners around New York.
Contact: rightslink@law.columbia.edu
RUNNING FROM THE LAW
Running from the Law seeks to bring members of the Law School community together and provide an escape from everyday student life through exercise and the enjoyment of running. Whether you are just starting to run or are an experienced runner, we welcome all to join us to explore the best routes in the city.
Contact: rfl@law.columbia.edu
SAINT-EX LITERARY DINNER CLUB
The Saint-Ex Literary Dinner Club (SELDC) is a literary organization at Columbia Law School. We are dedicated to bringing a taste of literature to students overburdened with casebook reading. The club is very low-stress, as we meet approximately once a month and discuss novels, poetry, etc. related to a particular theme. You’ll get to enjoy great food and great company, and the best part is that there is no extra reading required. We function a bit differently from a regular book club in that you are not required to read a new book for each meeting. We understand that law students are busy and perhaps don’t have the free time to consistently read new books, so we encourage students to bring a book they read in the past that relates to whatever theme the organizer of the particular dinner chooses. Past themes include the simple-but-great “Your Favorite Book,” as well as “Valentine’s Week: Books Related to Love” and “The Funniest Book You’ve Ever Read.” You can also feel free to use the Club to send out notices about poetry readings, author signings, and any other literary events in the city that you feel are worth attending.
Contact: SELDC@law.columbia.edu
SOCIETY FOR CHINESE LAW
The Society for Chinese Law is for students interested in any and all things related to China, law, and politics. Our events and activities fall into three main categories: career, academic, and social. They provide a great way for students to meet scholars and practitioners in the field of Chinese law, as well to meet one another. Recent career events have included a discussion panel with corporate lawyers who are members of the board of the New York-based China Business Law Association about private practice opportunities in China, and a similar panel focusing on public interest opportunities with speakers from the Open Society Institute and Legal Aid. Throughout the year, heads of American law firms’ offices in China as well as partners from leading Chinese firms come to discuss their work. Our lunchtime academic panels have touched on a variety of subjects, including Taiwan’s legal development, and employment discrimination in mainland China. The range of speakers has been equally broad and has included American legal scholars, such as NYU Law Professor Jerome A. Cohen; Chinese legal counsels, such as Assistant General Counsel of Microsoft-China, as well as Chinese NGO activists. Speakers often stay after the discussion to chat with students, answer questions, and sometimes go out for a meal, providing a great networking opportunity for students. On the social front, we have been known to undertake epic hotpot and karaoke outings, and to throw parties with plenty of Chinese food and drink. The social events are a great way to get to know our members and friends who hail from China, the U.S., and beyond and have a great diversity of experiences working in or with China. We take seriously our mission of educating ourselves and the larger Law School community about legal developments in China, and we also know how to have a good time!
Contact: scl@law.columbia.edu
SOCIETY FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS
The Society for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (SIRR) is dedicated to promoting a dialogue about the legal rights of refugees and immigrants in the United States and globally. Students sponsor panels and workshops and organize pro bono and advocacy activities. SIRR coordinates the Immigration Advocacy Project. Additionally, SIRR directs the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project and the African Services Committee Project.
Contact: sirr@law.columbia.edu
Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/law/sirr/index.html
SOCIETY FOR LAW, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The Columbia Law School Society for Law, Science and Technology (SLST) promotes discussion of technology and its influence on law and social policy. The SLST organizes various events, like speaker panels, lectures, and reading groups, that bring interesting thinkers on technology law to Columbia. SLST is also a way for Columbia Law School students interested in science and technology to meet each other, and others in the metropolitan area. Our topics of interest include the Internet, telecommunications, biotechnology, computer law and intellectual property, but have ranged further afield to topics like video games and careers in technology law. While the field is sometimes known as cyberlaw or information law, our aim is to be broad and inclusive: we try not to be restricted by labels.
Contact: slst@law.columbia.edu
SOUTH ASIAN LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
The South Asian Law Students Association (SALSA) promotes discussion and awareness of issues affecting South Asians and South-Asian Americans, particularly in law. In the past, SALSA has organized a voter registration drive among the South-Asian community in New York; a gathering with South-Asian alumni to discuss legal opportunities in New York; a discussion with Georgetown Professor Neal Katyal about the dearth of minority clerks at the Supreme Court; and a faculty panel discussion with Dinesh D’Souza. SALSA also strives to create a sense of community between students of South Asian heritage and other individuals with ties to the region. SALSA sponsors numerous social and cultural functions throughout the year including Mela (an annual South Asian-themed banquet held in Low Library), trips to Jackson Heights (New York’s version of little South Asia), and film screenings. SALSA has developed a mentor system whereby upperclass students provide guidance and support to first-year students and LL.M. students. Additionally, we conduct a workshop about classes, examinations, and job searches.
Contact: salsa@law.columbia.edu
SQUASH CLUB
The Squash Club is CLS' prime spot to enjoy the great game of squash. We arrange several tournaments and subsequent happy hours, which are great places to meet new squash players and find someone to compete with. Other events include squash instruction that allow members to increase their proficiency and trips to professional squash tournaments in the area. We normally play at Dodge Fitness Center. Check out our website for more information.
Contact: squash@law.columbia.edu
Website: http://blogs.law.columbia.edu/squash/
ST. THOMAS MORE SOCIETY
The St. Thomas More Society of Columbia Law School invites Catholics and the curious to explore how legal practice can be a channel for, but also a challenge to, our personal and professional values. Our speakers, panels, and parties provide a social and spiritual atmosphere for us to discuss and deepen our perspectives. And we’re so relaxed that you won’t believe we’re law students.
Contact: stm@law.columbia.edu
STUDENT ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
The Columbia Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) is a student chapter of the national group Animal Legal Defense Fund. SALDF seeks to advance the interests of animals through the legal system. With film screenings, lunches, and other events, we bring together students with a shared interest in animal welfare and/or animal rights. We also help connect students to pro bono and career opportunities in the field of animal law.
Contact: saldf@law.columbia.edu
STUDENT SENATE
The Student Senate is the official representative body for all Columbia Law School students. It is comprised of approximately 40 students, with 12 students are elected from each J.D. class, four students are elected from the LL.M. and/or J.S.D. classes and one student is elected to serve as a representative to the University Senate. The Senate’s primary responsibility is to address student concerns, either through direct action or by acting as a liaison to the administration and faculty. All senators are required to be members of at least one student-faculty committee. Other functions include: the organization of school-wide social events, the allocation of funding to all recognized student groups, the coordination of orientation and graduation activities, and the general oversight of student-run extracurricular affairs. Overall, the Senate’s job is to serve the student body and to make life at Columbia as interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable as possible.
Contact: senate@law.columbia.edu
TENANTS' RIGHTS PROJECT
The Tenants’ Rights Project (TRP) is operated in partnership with the Goddard Riverside SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Law Project. The SRO Law Project is staffed by attorneys and tenant organizers who work with SRO residents to preserve their buildings and improve living conditions. The Law Project was founded in 1981 in response to the alarming decline in SRO housing as a result of emptying tactics used by many owners who wanted to convert their buildings to luxury housing. TRP works closely with the SRO Law Project and Manhattan Legal Services to provide effective legal representation to low-income individuals and tenant groups in housing court. Participants in the project will meet with tenants, investigate and document the conditions of their building, draft and file papers required to initiate litigation, and accompany the tenants to housing court. Once in court, students will observe the proceedings and may have the opportunity to participate directly in arguing motions, negotiating settlements with landlords, and sometimes advancing a case all the way to trial under the supervision of a Law Project staff attorney. Participants in the project may also take an active role in the enforcement process once an order has been given in their case. TRP aims to give all participants the opportunity to work on a case from its inception to its official entry and—depending on the size and complexity of the case—exit from the court system.
Contact: trp@law.columbia.edu
TRANSFER AND VISITING STUDENT ORGANIZATION
The Transfer and Visiting Student Organization (TVSO) is open to all students. The organization is designed to ease the integration of transfer and visiting students into the Columbia Law School community. TVSO aims to achieve this goal by establishing a support network through which students may gain insight and information about the law school from experienced students and faculty; and providing opportunities for transfer and visiting students to gather and discuss important issues particular to their status.
Contact: tvso@law.columbia.edu
UNEMPLOYMENT ACTION CENTER
Each year in New York City, more than 25,000 claimants appear before administrative judges to seek unemployment insurance. Many cannot afford a lawyer. The Unemployment Action Center (UAC) gives law students a chance to represent some of these claimants at their hearings. Beginning in their first semester of law school, our advocates handle all stages of the case, by themselves or with a partner: interviewing the claimant, researching the law, developing a theory of the case, and arguing the case before an administrative law judge. A daily email digest of available clients makes it easy to fit a case into your schedule. UAC offers students a unique opportunity to take complete responsibility for a case, gaining practical litigation experience while making a meaningful difference for a real client.
Contact: uac@law.columbia.edu
Y’ALLSA
The goal of Y’allSA is to bring the best parts of Southern culture to Columbia Law School, including—but not limited to—barbecue, sweet tea, SEC football, a love of people, and basic courtesy. Y’allSA hosts a variety of events featuring these elements, such as bourbon tastings, game days at local bars, and any other excuse to combine food with friends. Y’allSA also helps students interested in working in Southern states network with students who have done the same and their employers. Though a Southern accent is certainly a bonus, Y’allSA welcomes students from all over the world interested in experiencing Southern culture.
Contact: yallsa@law.columbia.edu
YOGA CLUB
Build strength, stretch out, and de-stress with yoga! The Yoga Club provides weekly open-level yoga classes to the Columbia Law School community. Classes are in the flowing vinyasa style and will be taught by Om-certified yoga instructors. Classes are 75 minutes long and are held in Jerome Greene Annex. Space is limited, so arrive early to get a spot. Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes suitable for yoga. A $5 donation is suggested. Dates and times to be announced.
Contact: yoga@law.columbia.edu
YOUTH JUSTICE ASSOCIATION
The Youth Justice Association (YJA) was founded seven years ago to focus students’ attention on juvenile justice, child welfare, and education. We are dedicated to getting involved in community projects and promoting awareness of youth justice and advocacy issues. We bring leading practitioners to Columbia to discuss their work and experience in youth advocacy, as well as sponsor panel discussions about current issues and problems.
Contact: yja@law.columbia.edu