Student organizations are a vibrant and vital part of the student life experience at the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law. South Carolina 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 | Briana Melton |
| Vice President | Krishna Alexander |
| Chief of Staff | LaBarron Sledge |
| Associate Community Service Director | Jordan Green |
| Community Service Director | DiAvian Foster |
| Corporate Relations Director | Terin Tyson |
| Historian | Sterlyn Austin |
| Parliamentarian | Nya Tillery |
| Recording Secretary | Addie Smith |
| Social Events Director | Jay Slappy |
| Treasurer | Gilbert Jean-Louis |
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 | Virginia Carroll |
| Vice President | Jay Slappy |
| Treasurer | Jack Lyall |
| Secretary | Brooklynn Withers |
| Communications Director | Nicholas Pitcock |
| 2L Representative | J. Alex Johnson |
| Chair | Stephen B. Murray, III |
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 | Margaret "Meggie" Cruser |
| Vice President | Sarah Rosario |
| Secretary | Kate Willette |
| Treasurer | James Schnell |
| NACC Liasion | Brittany Clark |
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 |
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 | William Zheng |
| Vice President | Ki-Ga Pride |
| Secretary | Bri Melton |
| Communications Director | LaBarron Sledge |
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 | Desire`e Witherspoon |
| Vice President | LaBarron Sledge |
| Treasurer | Shinelle Polite |
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 | Grace Galler |
| Vice President | Kiara Jackson |
| Secretary | Madison Powell |
| Treasurer | Michael Doyle |
| Communications Director | TBD |
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 | Chandler Huskey |
| Vice President | Ethan Felkel |
| Treasurer | JC Gaylor |
| Secretary | Alex Harrell |
| Outreach Coordinator | McCall Phillips |
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 | Jay Slappy |
| Vice President | Desire`e Witherspoon |
| Treasurer | Nicholas Pitcock |
| Secretary | Izabella Forero |
| 2L Representative | Matthew Skipper |
| 3L Representative | Jada Young |
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 | Anna Saulter |
| Vice President | Chloe Stanfield |
| Treasurer | Kaitlin Gasner |
| Secretary | Bethany Weatherford |
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 | Bryce Pigeon |
| Vice Chair | William Raffone |
| Parliamentarian | Kate Willette |
| Secretary | Liza Segars |
| 3L Representatives | Nate Tackett Damonja Hilton |
If/When/How is a national nonprofit network of law students, professors, and legal professionals committed to fostering the next wave of legal experts for the reproductive justice movement. Mobilizing and mentoring new lawyers and scholars is a long-term strategy that will build capacity, vision, and leadership for a more successful reproductive justice movement. Law functions as both a catalyst to prompt the expansion of rights and a tool with which to hold governments and communities accountable for the delivery of liberty, equality, dignity, and fairness promised by those rights.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Anabel Masaschi |
| Vice President | Hailey Alderson |
| Social Media Coordinator | Christina Harding |
| Secretary | Courtney Clavel |
| Treasurer | Morgan Mercer |
| Community Outreach Coordinator | Tate Few |
| 2L Representative | Casey Barnhill |
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 | Jessica Brewer |
| Vice President of External Affairs | JP Harvey |
| Vice President of Internal Affairs | Levi Bradley |
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 | William Brown |
| Vice President | Liza Segars |
| Secretary | Graham Smith |
| Treasurer | Tate Few |
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 | Alexander Lingle |
| Vice President | Anabel Masaschi |
| Treasurer | Levi Cromer |
| Secretary | Madison Hood |
| Outreach Coordinator | Javis Benford |
| 2L Representative | Jonathan Becerra |
| 3L Representative | 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 | Will Kibler |
| Vice President | Ariana Ceja |
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 | Sam Hurwitz |
| Vice President | Caroline McLean |
| Secretary | Ki-Ga Pride |
| Treasurer | Ragin Lee |
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 | Grace Tumbleston |
| Associate Justice of External Competitions | Heather Burton |
| Associate Justice of Internal Competitions | Briana Padilla |
| Associate Justice of Hosted Competitions | Grace Naumowich |
| Associate Justice of Administration | LauraKate Roland |
| Associate Justice of Community Relations | Anthony Cheang |
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 | Luke Smith |
| Associate Justice for Internal Competitions | Ashley J. Hall Hollie Sweep |
| Associate Justice for Writing & Research | Jacob Kaufman |
| Associate Justice for Alumni, Membership & Public Relations | Michelle McGee |
| Associate Justice for Finance & Administration | Ethan Sammons |
| Associate Justice for External Competitions | Kara Wagstaff |
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 | Rebecca Kelley |
| Vice President | Gabe Millar |
| Treasurer | Sam Bryant |
| Strategic Engagements Director | Abby Wright |
| Professional Development Director | McCall Phillips |
| Director of Communications | Nate Jones |
USC NALSA strives for indigenous awareness and advocacy within the legal profession while working alongside 17 Tribes and Tribal Communities in South Carolina, as well as Tribes in the Southeast. So far this year, USC NALSA has worked with Pro Bono, taking the Palmetto Leader to the Catawba Nation to write wills and provide legal advice for members of the community. Our goal is to be a beacon of knowledge among our law school peers, educating them on the needs of the local Tribes to bring about a meaningful change in the Carolinas. Indigenous history is integral to the tapestry of the Carolinas; it is our undertaking to preserve the legacy of these cultural treasures.
Mission Statement: The purpose of the USC Law NALSA shall be to: articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of Native American and Alaska Native Law Students and their allies; foster and encourage professional skill; focus upon the relationship of the Native American and Alaska Native Law Student, the Native American and Alaska Native Attorney, and their allies to the American legal system; instill in the legal community at large a greater awareness and commitment to the needs of the Native American and Alaska Native community; influence the legal community to bring about meaningful change to meet the needs of the Native American and Alaska Native community; to encourage NALSA member law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes. However, this organization will not limit itself to these sole objectives. We reserve the right to become involved in other objectives and to support fellow student organizations in solidarity.
Email: scnalsa@mailbox.sc.edu
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| Co-President | Brooke Perry |
| Co-President | Will Kibler |
| Treasurer | Lauren O'Steen |
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 | Daniel Boucher |
| Vice Magister | Grant McGinnity |
| Exchequer | Madison Powell |
| Clerk | Efrosini Kiaris |
| Historian | Peyton Pratt |
The Real Estate Law Society strives to educate law students about the area of Real Estate Law, foster relationships between real estate professionals, faculty, staff, and USC Rice School of Law students, and expose students to the inner workings of the Real Estate Law world and its legal structure.
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Macy Gault |
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 |
| Director of Finance | William Zheng |
| Executive Director | Anthony Cheang |
| 2L Representative | Javis Benford |
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 |
|---|---|
| Executive Director | Lee Simpson |
| Co-Assistant Directors | Chandler Hines Cat Gibson |
| Secretary | Emily Dale |
| 2L Representatives | Javis Benford Coel Dunlap |
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 | Anslee Wood |
| Vice President | Terin Tyson |
| Treasurer | Duncan Crowder |
| Public Relations Director | Moni Hilton |
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 | Jasmine Pattschull |
| Graphics and Design Director | Abby Johanson |
| Social Media Coordinator | Caroline McLean |
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 | Devyn Fischer |
| Vice President | Jitwan Floyd |
| Treasurer | Gabriel Millar |
| Secretary | Bjore Samard |
| Position | Office Holder |
|---|---|
| President | Tony Jones |
| Vice President | Grant McGinnity |
| Treasurer | Patrick McLean |
| Historian | Bryce Lawrence |
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 | Samuel Boyd |
| Vice President | Michelle McGee |
| Technology & Logistics Officers | Jonathan Devore Max Young |
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 Dorriugh |
| Treasurer | Daniel Asper |
| Secretary | Jasmine Pattschull |
| Fundraising Chair | Dennard Small |
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 | Sarah Kennedy |
| Vice President | Nicole Lane Caroline Murphy |
| Secretary | Nicole Pallay |
| Networking Coordinator | Grace Tippett |
| Treasurer | Kate Willette |