Student organizations are a vibrant and vital part of the student life experience at the University of South Carolina School of Law. The School of Law focuses on creating not only excellent lawyers but lawyer-leaders that take their experiences both inside and outside the classroom and help their community move to the next level. Participation in an organization supports social development, leadership skills and potential networking opportunities as well as multiple opportunities to give back to both the legal and local communities and a variety of ways.
Our organization is part of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) and we are in the Southern Region (SRBLSA) which seeks to promote the advancement of black law students and empowerment of the black community.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Lauren Waklatsi |
| Vice President | Aneesha Johnson |
| Treasurer | Gilbert Jean-Louis |
| Corresponding Secretary | Tiffany Eubanks |
| Recording Secretary | Ashley Long |
| Parliamentarian | Jurnee Jones-Holcombe |
| Community Service Director | Shonteé Gathers |
| Associate Community Service Director | Kristen McFadden |
| Historian | Bri Melton |
| Social Events Coordinator | Christina Doe |
| Mock Trial Manager | Rachel Ware |
Our objective in the Blockchain Law Society is to expose and educate our fellow students, faculty, and attorneys in the community on blockchain technology, its use cases, and how it will impact various legal fields moving forward.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Tyler Passarella |
| Vice President of Internal Communications | Duncan MacIlwinen |
| Vice President of External Communications | Ian Bondura |
| Secretary | Sheldon Newman |
The Business Law Association (BLA) is a student-led organization aiming to provide law students with the tools, knowledge, and network needed to begin their journey as business/corporate attorneys. Members will have a chance to network with like-minded students and be introduced to successful business/corporate attorneys of diverse backgrounds.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Stephen Murray |
| Vice President | Bradie Herbst |
| Treasurer | Connor Ocasal |
| Secretary | Jay Slappy |
| Student Outreach Coordinator | Ashley Errett |
| 2L Representative | Virginia Carroll |
| Social Media Coordinator | Michael Canino |
Carolina Equality Alliance is the student organization dedicated to focusing on the legal issues facing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community and their allies. CEA seeks to create a community of harmony, understanding, and respect between all students and citizens through creating meaningful discourse intended to increase awareness of the prominence, importance, and relevance of LGBTQIA+ issues within the student body and the legal community. CEA is dedicated to building a law school and legal community of full equality & respect.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Mya Mays |
| Vice President | William Koontz |
| Secretary | Emily Reich |
The Children's Advocacy Law Society is a student organization created to promote awareness of and educate law students about the many aspects of law affecting children. The Society aims to increase student involvement with organizations that provide legal services for and advance the rights of children. It is the goal of the Children's Advocacy Law Society to produce members well informed and well educated about the legal needs and rights of children, ready to enter the legal profession as able and active children's advocates.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Michelle Pappas |
| Vice President | Shannon Wood |
| Secretary | Lauren Pearson |
| Treasurer | Tasha Bridenback |
The Christian Legal Society (CLS) is a non-denominational national organization of lawyers and law students who share a common faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Law Student Ministries of CLS seeks to encourage students in spiritual formation, compassionate outreach, and integration of faith and learning to help students understand law as a Christian calling.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Caroline Murphy |
| Vice President | Scarlett Black Smith |
| Secretary | Paisleigh Price |
| Treasurer | Abby Johanson |
The Civil Rights and Engagement Society (CRES) is a student association dedicated to the continued need for activism and engaging in dialogue for civil and human rights issues that affect all walks of life. CRES strives to educate the community on the history of civil rights, the progression of social action over the years, as well as a citizen’s constitutional right to engage in democracy. We are a group of aspiring lawyers and public servants who wish to advocate for everyone’s rights, especially those who belong to more vulnerable populations whose rights have historically been violated. We are eager to collaborate with local, state, and Tribal officials to address and discuss issues that are important to and affect citizens. Additionally, CRES will volunteer with both local and state elections.
Read the Civil Rights and Engagement Society's statement on the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization [PDF].
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Lynnise Brown |
| Representative Relations | Lauren Waklatsi |
| Secretary | Avery Allen |
| Communications Director | Kathryn Stevens |
| Organizational Outreach Coordinator | Joshua Schusterman |
We, the students of the University of South Carolina School of Law Community and Engagement Task Force, aim to foster a diverse and inclusive educational environment in the law school wherein students of all backgrounds and affinities may thrive and succeed. Promoting inclusive excellence means acknowledging and meeting the needs of different students across a broad spectrum including age, gender, dis/ability, race, ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, and religion. By uplifting the voices, needs, and perspectives of all students through dialogue and education, the task force aims to not only welcome and ensure the success of those students who are traditionally underrepresented within the law school, but also to enrich the educational experience of the student body as a whole by exposing students to diverse perspectives and preparing them to be well-rounded, adaptable advocates in an ever-changing world.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Jordyn Holley |
| Vice President | Chloë Satzger |
| Secretary | Bri Melton |
| Communications Director | Jurnee Jones-Holcombe |
The University of South Carolina School of Law Family Law Society (FLS) is dedicated to fostering meaningful experiences with -- and knowledge of -- the practice of Family Law. Our members will have opportunities to hear from professionals in the space such as attorneys, family court judges, guardians ad litem, mediators, and more.
We will organize events to give our members the opportunity to socialize with other students interested in family law as well as professionals. The mission of this organization is to offer experiences within Family Law and to help build a network of connections that will benefit our members after becoming practicing attorneys.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Amanda Nesta |
| Vice President | Tasha Bridenback |
| Secretary | Margaret O' Berry |
| Treasurer | De'von Witherspoon |
| Event Head | Liza McCathern |
The Federal Bar Association University of South Carolina Law Student Division was created to support the needs and interests of students aspiring to federal practice, both public and private, as well as to strengthen student interest and knowledge of the Federal Legal system.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Bailey Jackson |
| Vice President | Hollie Sweep |
| Secretary | Becca Sternberg |
| Treasurer | Michael Doyle |
| Communications | Grace Naumowich |
The Federalist Society is a non-partisan conservative/ libertarian organization dedicated to freedom, federalism, and judicial restraint.
The Federalist Society seeks to educate the legal community through its programs and publications about how limited constitutional government based on the rule of law can have a positive effect on law and public policy.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Ben McGrey |
| Vice President | Chandler Huskey |
| Treasurer | JC Gaylor |
| Secretary | John David "JD" Jacobus |
| Outreach Coordinator | Ethan Felkel |
First Generation Law Student Association is an organization dedicated to helping first-gen students thrive. Our organization provides support to first-gen law students in their classes and beyond. We also serve as mentors in a law school pipeline program with first-gen students at USC Undergrad.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Chandler Roten |
| Vice President | Taylor Campbell |
| Treasurer | De’von Witherspoon |
| Secretary | Jay Slappy |
| 2L Representative | Madison Register |
| 3L Representative |
The Health Law Society is a close-knit group of students who share an interest in health care law and bioethics. The Society invites health care attorneys to speak to our group several times a semester to discuss the practice of health care law and the latest developments in the field. The Health Law Society also serves the law school and local communities by supporting health awareness programs and initiatives.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Taylor Campbell |
| Vice President | Addy Lowery |
| Treasurer | Anna Saulter |
The purpose of the Honor Council is to educate students on the Rule of Academic Responsibility as a set of ethical guidelines governing law student behavior. During Orientation, all incoming students are asked to sign a pledge signifying their commitment to the Rule of Academic Responsibility.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Chair | Mary Stewart DeLong |
| Vice Chair | Anna Evans |
| Parliamentarian | Alex Paris |
| Secretary | Alex Berman |
| 2L Representative | Katie Frank Bryce Pigeon |
| 1L Representatives | William Raffone Liza Segars Kate Willette |
The Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS) is a student organization geared towards the practice of intellectual property law. Like tangible property, "ideas" have economic value, and intellectual property law is the vehicle through which corporations and individuals seek to protect their intellectual assets. Intellectual property (IP) law encompasses matters relating to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade names, the drafting of licensing contracts, infringement litigation, internet law, and computer law. No particular educational background is required to practice IP law; however, a technical background is desirable for those who would like to practice patent law.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Ken Ejiri |
| Vice President of External Affairs | Kara Wagstaff |
| Vice President of Internal Affairs | Alex Kerrison |
The International Law Society aims to facilitate access to information regarding developments in international law and to foster interest and communication pertaining to various topical areas of international law.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Kjursten Collier |
| Vice President | Estefania Ramirez |
| Secretary | Liza McCathern |
| Treasurer | William Brown |
The PILS Summer Grant Program gives law students the opportunity to gain valuable public interest law experience and provides public interest organizations with valuable law student assistance. PILS hosts several fundraisers throughout the year to create funding for the Grant Program.
Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Mackenzie Keane |
| Vice President | Kjursten Collier |
| Treasurer | Joseph McNeila |
| Secretary | Taylor Lagroon |
| Outreach Coordinator | Cat Gibson |
We are a small collective of students seeking to establish a Hispanic/Latino based student organization at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Our hope is to establish a forum where Hispanic/Latino/Latina law students can share a sense of community and help foster the professional and academic development of our members. We plan to bring awareness about the needs of our members within the law school, as well advocate and build relationships within the community. If you are interested in becoming involved with this endeavor, please reach out.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Sara Cano Zuleta |
| Vice President | Genesis Gonzales |
| Treasurer | Andrew Iacobelli |
The University of South Carolina School of Law Labor and Employment Law Society is a student-governed organization dedicated to providing a greater understanding of the practice of labor and employment law.
Our mission is to develop an enriching and informative outlet for students through subject related events and luncheons with renowned attorney guest speakers, while also providing career guidance and networking opportunities.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Hollis Burnett |
| Vice President | Griffin Carrouth |
| Secretary | Katherine Mullett |
Law Students of Color Collective's Goal is to create a platform for all students of color to share their experiences and concerns with each other. Our top three goals are (1) allowing a space for student of color to gather and network among each other, (2) creating a safe space for BIPOC students to discuss the issues that affect our communities and (3) building a community in which all BIPOC can discuss our differences and gain a better understanding of each of our communities.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | TBD |
| Vice President | Sara Cano |
| Treasurer | Estefania Ramirez |
| Secretary | Lynnise Brown |
The Lincoln-Douglas Society strives to foster debate in higher education—something desperately lacking nationwide. Specifically, they wish to encourage debate of important and controversial issues in a civil and productive manner. To achieve these goals, the Lincoln-Douglas Society hosts debates by legal scholars, professors, practitioners, and students of law. Additionally, they serve as an apparatus for the various student-run groups at the school to allow representatives of their organizations debate their competing perspectives.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Cameron Cox |
| President | Carter Balderson |
| Treasurer | Joseph Becker |
The USC Mock Trial Bar hones students' evidence, civil procedure, and oral advocacy skills through participation in simulated trials. With coaching from award winning local attorneys, members of the bar learn how to draft and deliver witness examinations, opening arguments, and closing arguments. Each semester bar members are selected to represent the University of South Carolina School of Law in external competitions throughout the nation. Based on the team's recent performance in those competitions the bar has garnered recognition as one of the best mock trial programs in the nation.
Learn more about our Mock Trial program
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice | Tanner Wise |
| Associate Justice of External Competitions | Abigail Lodge |
| Associate Justice of Internal Competitions | Darien Mikell |
| Associate Justice of Hosted Competitions | Bailey Jackson |
| Associate Justice of Administration | Adrienne Lowery |
| Associate Justice of Community Relations | Madison Terry |
| Faculty Coach | Brett Bayne |
The Moot Court Bar has been established by students of the University of South Carolina School of Law in order to learn and adopt principles of appellate advocacy; to enhance analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills; to administer intramural moot court competitions at the Law School; to select and prepare teams to represent the Law School at extramural moot court competitions; to encourage respect for the highest standards of professionalism before our state and federal appellate courts; and to promote the Moot Court Bar’s activities within the Law School, the legal profession, and the community at large.
Follow the Moot Court Bar on:
Learn more about the Moot Court Bar.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Chief Justice | Brent Glasgow |
| Associate Justice for Intramural Competitions | Caitlin Costner Genesis Gonzales |
| Associate Justice for Writing & Research | Courtney Triplett |
| Associate Justice for Publicity and Alumni Relations | Kenley Richardson |
| Associate Justice for Finance & Administration | Joe Reinhardt |
| Associate Justice for External Competitions | Rebekah Davis |
National Security Law Society shall be to professionally develop South Carolina Law students in the practice of National Security law and foster partnership and mentorship with National Security Attorneys.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Joshua Ayers |
| Vice President | William Brown |
| Treasurer | Michael Canino |
| Strategic Engagements Director | Jake Helfenbein |
| Professional Development Director | Shelby Niehus |
| Director of Communications | Rebecca Holbrooks |
The Parents in Law Student Association (PILSA) seeks to build community and address the unique professional and personal needs of students who are parents. PILSA supports parents in navigating law school and preparing for a legal career.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Shinelle Polite |
Founded in 1869, Phi Delta Phi is the oldest legal organization in continuous existence in the United States. Phi Delta Phi was established to promote a higher standard of professional ethics in the legal community. The Calhoun Inn benefits the legal community by impressing upon law students, in the formative years of their legal careers, the need for integrity and strong ethical ties. Our Chapter's activities include sponsoring the Faculty Auction to raise money for the Public Interest Law Society's Summer Grant Program. This past year, we raised enough money to help fund 11 summer jobs. Various philanthropic and social activities are also planned throughout the year.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Magister | Bella Higgins |
| Vice Magister | Adrienne Tauscheck |
| Exchequer | Daniel Boucher |
| Clerk | Grant McGinnity |
| Historian | Mya Mays |
South Carolina Asian Law Student Association (SCALSA) provides a voice for Asian law students and advocates for the Asian community in South Carolina.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Director of Operations | Srijan Mukherjee |
| Director of Communications | Edward Shi |
| Executive Director | Anthony Cheang |
The South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is devoted to protecting the liberty of the citizens of South Carolina by fighting to ensure justice and due process for all persons accused of any criminal act.
We promote excellence and integrity in the practice of criminal law by providing the highest quality criminal law seminars to those who defend the accused.
We speak with a united voice in challenging legislation directed to limiting or eliminating the rights of the individual and we labor for laws that preserve equal access to justice for all.
Find us on Instagram
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Student Director | Caroline McAtee |
| Assistant Director | Sarah Michael |
| Secretary | Catherine Gibson |
| 3L Representatives | Katie Goliwas Kyle Cooper |
| 2L Representatives | Lee Gibson Chandler Hines |
The mission of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society is to provide a community for law students to connect with like minded students interested in sports and/or entertainment law. The SELS will provide students with monthly meetings where they can engage attorneys that work (or have worked) in the profession.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Luke Erbs |
| Vice President | Ashley Long |
| Finance Director | Zachary Bozard |
| Public Relations Director | Rachel Lindblom |
| Blog & Media Director | Anslee Wood |
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) provides a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interest of animals through the legal system and raising the profile of the field of animal law. Mirroring the national Animal Legal Defense Fund, our five focus areas are: animals used in research, captive animals, companion animals, farmed animals, and wildlife. The activities of the student chapter shall aim to highlight the legal issues related to these five areas and call attention to the overlap between animal law and other practice areas.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Megan Mercer |
| Vice President | Abby Johanson |
The mission of Student Bar Assocation is to foster and cultivate a professional, diverse, and supportive atmosphere at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Through this mission, SBA seeks to represent the voices and opinions of students to faculty and administration, to provide a support system for other student organizations, and to create social and educational opportunities for the student body.
Follow the Student Bar Association on Instagram.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | John David "J.D." Jacobus |
| Vice President | Sheldon Newman |
| Treasurer | Christian Ford |
| Secretary | Devyn Fischer |
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Alexis Paris |
| Vice President | Richmond Sheedy |
| Treasurer | Patrick McLean |
The purpose of the Technology Law Students Association (TLSA) is to bring together a community of students interested in the intersection of technology and the law, and provide information and resources to our community. Further, we aim to clarify that technology is more than computers and science, it is any innovation in any area.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President / Treasurer | Samuel Boyd |
| Vice President | Michelle McGee |
| Public Relations Director | Katie Frank |
Service Members and Veterans in Law encourages public interest in, and pro bono work on, issues related to the welfare and interests of military personnel and veterans; helps veterans assimilate into law school; and creates networking opportunities between veterans in the legal community and students who share similar backgrounds.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Shelby Niehus |
| Vice President | Luke Dorrough |
| Treasurer | John Bolchoz |
Women In Law seeks to encourage students as they enter the legal profession. We provide opportunities for our members to learn about the legal field from successful women lawyers. We serve others, particularly in areas benefiting women. We foster a community to support you through law school and into your career.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Caitlin Costner |
| Vice President | Morgan McCrary |
| Secretary | Nicole Lane |
| Networking Coordinator | Caroline Murphy |
| Treasurer | Sarah Kennedy |