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.
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) promotes the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and the fundamental values it expresses: individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, access to justice, democracy and the rule of law. The abiding principles are reflected in the vision of the Constitution's framers and the wisdom of forward-looking leaders who have shaped our law throughout American history. As a result of their efforts, the Constitution has retained its authority and relevance for each new generation. The American Constitution Society embraces the progress our nation has made toward full embodiment of the Constitution's core values. ACS believes that law can and should be a force for improving the lives of all people. We are revitalizing and transforming legal and policy debates in classrooms, courtrooms, legislature and the media, and we are building a diverse and dynamic network of progressives committed to justice. Through these efforts, ACS will ensure that the institutions of American law reflect the highest values of our nation and serve the needs of its people.
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.
| President | Stephen Murray |
| Vice President | Bradie Herbst |
| Treasurer | Connor Ocasal |
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 | Sam McKenzie |
| 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 | Scarlett Black |
| Secretary | Paisleigh Price |
| Treasurer | Abby Klass |
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].
For more information, contact Lynnise Brown.
We, the students of the University of South Carolina School of Law Diversity and Inclusion 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 diversity and inclusion 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 | Elle Ibiam |
| Co-Vice President | Madison Martin |
| Co-Vice President | William Koontz |
| Secretary | Chloe Satzger |
| Communications Director | Jordyn Holley |
The Environmental Law Society's mission is to create a community for students passionate about the environment. The ELS will provide its members with real world advice by hosting speakers and panels to prepare its members for jobs within environmental law locally, nationally, and internationally.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Cooper Branham |
| Vice President | Alex LePeter |
| Treasurer | Anna Evans |
| Community Outreach Coordinator | Josey Cline |
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 | Emma Blakley |
| Vice President | Morgan Boes |
| Secretary | Danielle Darrow |
| Treasurer | Jonathan Rogers |
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 | DeKiah Baxter |
| Vice President | Cathryn Beaman |
| Treasurer | Bailey Humphries |
| Secretary | Taylor Campbell |
| 3L Representative | Allison Pennington |
| 2L Representative | Chandler Roten |
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 | Lauren Hribar |
| Vice President | Michaela Russell |
| Secretary | Morgan Compton |
| Public Relations | Chase Thompson |
| Events & Marketing | Kenley Richardson |
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 | Chris Schwartz |
| Vice Chair | Halee Smith |
| Parliamentarian | Garrett Reinhart |
| Secretary | Mary Stewart DeLong |
| 2L Honor Council Members | Mary Stuart DeLong Alex Paris Anna Evans |
| 3L Honor Council Members | Garrett Reinhart Chris Schwartz Halee Smith |
The Humanist Law Student Association (HLSA) is a student group dedicated to building community among and advocating on behalf of law students who are non-religious, atheist, agnostic or share humanist values. We believe all individuals should act with compassion, think critically, and pursue a more just society through evidence-based public policy.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Co-President | Lydia Hendrix |
| Co-President | William Koontz |
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 | Kyanna Dawson |
| Vice President | Estefania Ramirez |
| Secretary | Chelsea Burkhart |
| Treasurer | Christy Litz |
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
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Emma Higgins |
| Vice President | Paige Brown |
| Communications Director | Rio Parker |
The JLSA serves as a social, academic, and spiritual resource for Jewish students at South Carolina School of Law. Our goal is to be an inclusive support system for all Jewish students and bring Jewish awareness and events to the law school as a whole. Activities include Shabbat dinners, social and networking events, speakers on Jewish legal topics, mentorship programs, and events celebrating Jewish holidays. Events are open to the school at large.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Garrett Schwartz |
| Vice President | James Robbins |
| Secretary | Austin Coward |
| Treasurer | Jonathan Umbriano |
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 |
|---|---|
| Co-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 for Reproductive Justice is a national organization dedicated to the support, education, activism and professional training of pro-choice law students.
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 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 |
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Co-President | Meredith Brown |
| Co-President | Zach Cook |
| Secretary | Lauren Hoyns |
| Treasurer | Oscar Locklear |
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 1902, Phi Alpha Delta is the largest professional co-ed fraternity in the United States. The Pinckney Chapter at the University of South Carolina was established November 30, 1949. Since then, Pinckney Chapter received national and local recognition with the fraternity's international foundation and the legal community, including awards for Outstanding Chapter in 1964, 1980, 1984, 1986, and Most Improved Chapter in 2014. After reactivating in 2013, the Pinckney Chapter has dedicated its time to serve our local community through Harvest Hope and other local organizations. By helping the community, our aspiring lawyers find other ways to serve their community outside of a law firm. Our Chapter's activities include co-sponsoring the faculty auction through fundraisers, including bake sales and raffles for wine pulls, where the proceeds go towards local charities, including Harvest Hope. Our goal this year is to find more ways to serve our community and promote professionalism.
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 |
Real Estate, the foundation of wealth in the United States, is a limitless source of legal issues. The Real Estate Law Society invites real estate attorneys and real estate professionals as guest speakers to provide our members with opportunities to explore real estate legal interests with practical, real life examples of land use, financing, investment, litigation, policy, and development.
The purpose of South Carolina Against Trafficking is to help spread awareness in the Columbia community about the pressing issue of human trafficking and its effect on the world, in particular the American South. The group will also help support the victims of human trafficking by having fundraisers to raise money to send to various victim shelters in the Columbia area.
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 |
|---|---|
| President | Hannah DeMaurice |
| Vice President | Reilly Lerner |
| Secretary | Caroline McAtee |
| 3L Representatives | Patrick O'Shaughnessy Sulaiman Ahmad |
| 2L Representatives | Sarah Michael Kyle Cooper |
| Pro-Bono Liaison Committee | Sarah Gibson Katie Goliwas Alyssa Markheim |
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) is a student group affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and we share its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
SALDF works with local shelters, including Pawmetto Lifeline and SQ Rescue, to assist with adoption events and any other needed assistance. Each year SALDF hosts events at the law school, such as the Cutest Pet Contest, to raise animal rights awareness and collect funds for local shelters. We also bring in puppies to assist students with stress management during exam week.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Chase Thompson |
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 | Melissa Byars |
| Vice President | Brent Adams |
| Treasurer | Arslan Valimohamed |
| Secretary | Luke Rankin |
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 |
| Communications | Grace Naumowich |
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 | Marianna McDevitt |
| Vice President | Lucas Gladstein |
| Treasurer | States Roberson |
| Secretary | Grace Meadows |
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 | Zachary North |
| Vice President | John Belser |
| 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 |