2021 Southwestern Student Bar Association (SBA) Booklet

STUDENT BAR ASSOCIATION

Dear Incoming Students, Let me start by saying, YOU DID IT! Whether law is a second career choice for you, or whether this has been a lifelong goal of yours - you got in, you made it, and we are so excited to welcome you into the legal field with open arms! The community at Southwestern is student-centered, and we offer a variety of resources which are tailored to that mission. Our Student Bar Association (SBA) is here for YOU! We advocate for you all by offering programs that can help guide your legal education, as well as events that can make this new experience fun and enjoyable. Please peruse this guide at your leisure and throughout the year, as it is your one-stop shop for what we have to offer oncampus and remotely this year!

As 1Ls, you will hear a ton of advice that will encourage you, guide you, and sometimes scare you - my biggest tip is to take it all in stride! Remember who you are, why you came here, and what you hope to achieve. Staying grounded is what will keep you afloat in this journey which can sometimes make you feel like you are drowning. Trust me, you aren’t!

One of the greatest things that Southwestern Law School can offer you is a plethora of resources, opportunities, and experiences that will help you all through the way.

For me, Southwestern has been my absolute “meant to be.” I had always wanted to be an attorney, but pursuing my legal education at Southwestern has made me a better student, a better friend, a stronger woman, and undoubtedly will make me an amazing attorney. I have worked in the Legal Clinics, been granted a ton of externship opportunities, and have worked alongside judges and lawyers who have offered me mentorship as well as skill. As a Black woman, I cannot express how appreciative I have been towards Southwestern’s absolute dedication to diversity and inclusion, and the incredible student organizations that act as smaller communities within our larger family.

Whatever it is that you want to practice, whatever it is that brought you here, we welcome you into your highest power, your biggest challenge, and to tackle what will be your greatest award. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the SBA Board Members or feel free to stop by the office for questions, concerns, or to just say hello!

Here at Southwestern, our strength is our students and our power is our passion. We are so excited to welcome you all into the mix!

Sincerely, Angelique Ajala

PRESIDENT

ANGELIQUE AJALA My name is Angelique “Angel” Ajala and I am currently a 3L pursuing concentrations in both Public Interest and Criminal Law. I came to law school for two reasons: firstly, to be the Black Elle Woods, but secondly and most importantly, because I want to help people who have limited opportunities for access to justice. There is a saying that art imitates life, but Southwestern has taught me that law imitates life - or at least it should. It reinforces every day that being a lawyer is my “meant to be”, because of the access it has given me to various education, networking, and employment opportunities which I can use to give back to my community.

As of Fall 2021, I will be retaining my position as a Peer Mentor and a member of PMP Advisory Board, and the Community Relations Chair for the National Lawyers Guild Southwestern chapter. I will remain an active member of the Black Law Student Association and act as a Lead Teaching Assistant for Criminal Law, as well as continuing to volunteer with Court Watchers-LA and National Lawyers Guild-LA. Last year, I Co-Founded the award-winning Safe Space Series and am now currently serving as the President of our nationally-recognized Student Bar Association. Outside of school, I am an active member of the Black Women Lawyers Association and the Langston Bar Association.

As we transition back onto campus this Fall, I plan to use my position as SBA President to focus on three goals: Alumni/Outreach, Mental Health Awareness, and Academic Success. The SBA plans to introduce and continue events that will strengthen our community, build rapport, and empower our students to pursue their passions. We are so eager to welcome you all into our family! We support you and can’t wait to prepare you for this amazing legal world. Remember - this is your “meant to be!”

EVENING CO-VICE PRESIDENT

A.B. BURNS-TUCKER A.B. Burns-Tucker is a 3L in the Southwestern Part-Time evening program. Prior to law school A.B. earned her bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Political Science and her master’s degree in Criminology, Law & Society. In addition to being a working mom and owning a lash business, she currently serves as Evening CoVice President for SBA, Vice-President of BLSA, and a Peer Mentor.

She was inspired to attend law school after her younger brother was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to over 50 years in prison. Her advice to incoming students is, “Just enjoy the process.

It is going to be hard, and there are going to be challenges along the way, but the process is what it is, so enjoy it because once it is over, that’s it, and it’s on to the next challenge.”

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND BUILDING

JAQUELINE FLORES REYES My name is Jaqueline Flores Reyes, and I will be your Director of Community Outreach and Building! I’m currently a 3L in the Traditional Day Program. I am also the Community Relations Chair for the Latino Law Students Association and the Secretary for Homelessness Prevention Law Project. I want to pursue a career in housing rights and tenant’s rights. I’m passionate about underserved communities having access to stable housing. I’m so excited to be serving as your Director of Community Outreach and Building and look forward to continuing our amazing Safe Space Series! I can’t wait to meet you all and cheer you on as you begin your journey at Southwestern! Remember, you are valuable, and you belong!

UPPER-DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE

EMILY GOLDBERG My name is Emily Goldberg, and I am a rising 3L. Along with SBA, I am also the Co-President of PILC. My academic focus is solely in public interest, and I was fortunate enough to extern for Bet Tzedek this summer for their Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project team. As an upper-division representative for SBA, I want to make sure the incoming 3L’s needs are met, especially while we face such significant hurdles like taking the MPRE, preparing for the Bar, and finding employment postgraduation. We are in this together!

CO-EVENING VICE PRESIDENT

MARY HELLMAN Welcome to Southwestern Law School! I am the co-Evening Vice President. I am a 2L in the part-time evening program. I have worked in real estate for over ten years and have my B.A. in Biology & Bioethics from American Jewish University, where I was both Student Body President and Pi Gamma Mu President. I also received the student government award.

Southwestern is a great place to get involved. At Southwestern, I am also the secretary of Teen Court. I am very involved in leadership in my community as well and am currently running for LA City Council District 13. I can’t wait to meet everyone in person on campus and look forward to a great year together.

WORK AND FAMILY LIFE UPPER DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE

ZEKE HINDLE Born and raised in Los Angeles to a family of actors, Zeke has been surrounded by Hollywood since he was born. Through the guidance of his father, Art Hindle, and his mother, Adrienne Hampton, Zeke took on many roles as a child actor in TV, film, commercials, and theatre but wished to create his own identity through independent intellectual and athletic endeavor.

Upon graduating, Summa Cum Laude on an academic scholarship at Loyola Marymount University in 2012 with Honors, he played professional tennis on the ATP World Tour for three years. After obtaining a world ranking of 1729, he had to retire in 2016 due to a chronic knee injury, turning to a real estate agency to make ends meet, and becoming quite a successful businessman and negotiator in the process.

Zeke then set his sights on following in his family’s footsteps and began pursuing acting, writing, directing, and producing. Getting his first Screen Actor’s Guild worthy role in Gentlemen’s Fury (2017) and starring in his first feature film as co-creator, writer, director, and producer with Happenstance (2020), gaining a cult-like following in the process. He has two completed pilots that he is now pitching as television series; Imposter Society and Late Bloomers. He is also writing several feature scripts such as Venice, The Labyrinth, Wanderers, etc., and keeps busy creating short films and social media content constantly via his production company Preston Way. He is currently a 3L studying Entertainment Law at Southwestern, is the Work and Family Life Upper Division Representative of Student BAR Association, and the President of the Mindfulness in Law Society.

SBA TREASURER

TANYA LAGUERRE My name is Tanya L. Laguerre, and I am your SBA Treasurer. I also serve as Co-Vice Chair for NLG. I am a 2L Evening Student and work full time as a Human Resources Manager. Currently, my academic focus is labor and employment law. As SBA Treasurer, I will use my extensive corporate skills in budget management and bill reconciliation to keep SBA spending accurate and on track. I also manage funding and fundraising for corporate events and will certainly draw on that experience for this role. I will certainly do my best to ensure the integrity of SBA finances, but I will also use my seat on the board to represent the voices of those students who feel unheard or underrepresented. My goal is to make the SBA stronger than ever, and I will do my part as an unapologetically determined woman of color to achieve that. I look forward to returning to campus and to a memorable academic year serving all of you in my role as Treasurer! Go Bison!

SCALE VICE PRESIDENT

LAURA LASCOE I am the SCALE SBA VP. I took on the position because I want to support the SCALE cohort and make sure their voices are being heard throughout their accelerated law school career.

Along with the SBA position, I am on the SCALE Peer Mentor Advisory Board, a SCALE Peer Mentor, and the Competitions Chair for the Trial Advocacy Honors Program.

In my free time, I love to research recipes, peruse restaurant menus, and keep up with the restaurant scene. Cooking and eating are a passion of mine, and I am eager to plan my next vacation of culinary experiences.

DAY VICE PRESIDENT

JEFF MARTIN Jeff Martin is the Student Bar Association Vice President and a rising 3L. In addition to his position on the SBA, Jeff serves as the Co-Chair of the Public Interest Law Committee, the President of the Homelessness Prevention Law Project, and the Treasurer of Southwestern’s chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. He is a fellow in the Judge Harry Pregerson Public Interest Fellowship and a peer mentor in the Peer Mentor Program. He is passionate about civil rights and community building, whether that be fighting for tenants’ rights, decriminalizing poverty, or advocating for our unhoused neighbors.

Jeff is a former legal intern at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Homeless Youth Project and a former certified law clerk at the Federal Defender of the Eastern District of California. He will be working for the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s Office during his fall semester. In his free time, Jeff volunteers to be a Legal Observer at protests and rallies through the National Lawyers Guild.

As you begin your law school journey, Jeff would like to encourage you to build your community and take care of each other. Many of you are here to change the world, and Southwestern will provide you with an incredible opportunity to meet like-minded peers that can help you accomplish whatever you put your mind to. We keep us safe!

UPPER DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE

THELMA MBAEZUE-DANIEL Thelma Mbaezue-Daniel is a Spelman graduate, journalist, and educator, from Houston Texas. At Southwestern, in addition to being a Dean’s Fellow, Thelma won Best Oralist during the Moot Court Intramural Competition, where she argued before four State Supreme Court Judges. She currently works as a research assistant for the courses Contracts Law and Law & Social Change. Throughout her time at Southwestern, Thelma has been committed to criminal law, civil rights, and social justice reform. This past summer, she spent time at the Los Angeles Public Defender’s office as a law clerk assisting with felony cases and arraignments. She also serves as the President of Black Law Students Association, Student Bar Association Upper Division Representative, a Peer Mentor, a member of the National Lawyers Guild, Public Interest Law Society, Women’s Law, and Mass Incarceration Awareness Law society. Thelma is passionate about criminal and civil litigation and looks forward to supporting you as you navigate your first year. You are here for a reason, know that, and own that. Congratulations, and welcome to Southwestern!

ABA REPRESENTATIVE

ISAMAR NEGRETE Isamar Negrete is a 2L in the traditional day program. As ABA Representative, she wants to continue to ensure that Southwestern shines and receives recognition for all the hard work its students do on campus to promote a safe and diverse community. She is also Vice President of the Video Game Law Society, Historian of the Latino Law Student Association, and the Secretary of Bisong Acapella Group. Isamar is interested in pursuing a career in entertainment and intellectual property. As a first-generation student, she is committed to helping students achieve their goals as individuals and student organizations.

Southwestern is a community full of students and faculty that will help support your dreams and goals. Work hard for what you want, and don’t stop until you get there!

DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

KIRSTEN STOWE Hello! My name is Kirsten Stowe, a Traditional Day 3L, and I am your Director of Academic Affairs for SBA. I am also an Advisory Board Member of the Peer Mentor Program, an active member of the Black Law Student Association, Black Women Lawyers Association of LA, and a student member of various Bar Associations.

I have a passion for entertainment and came to Southwestern determined to turn that passion into a thriving career. I am double concentrating in Entertainment and Technology Law and was offered an amazing opportunity to spend my summer as the Business Affairs intern for ABC Signature at The Walt Disney Company. During my time at ABC, I have gotten a glimpse of what my dream job really looks like, and I am so excited to continue this adventure at ABC in the Fall!

For the 2021-2022 academic year, I am looking forward to serving the SWLAW community by creating a fun and supportive academic environment and ensuring that all of our students have the best resources available to them. Additionally, I am thrilled to plan specific events that will help students build their network and secure future opportunities.

Don’t be scared to ask questions and try new things. It’s ok if you don’t know the answer. I and the rest of the SBA board will always be open and ready to help. If I do not have the answer, I will help you get to the person who does! Law school can be a wild ride, but just know that you don’t have to go through it alone. You are part of our community now, and we want to see you succeed.

Welcome, future Bison, we are so excited to meet you!

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

CAMILA ZHAO My name is Camila Zhao, and I am the SBA Director of Student Life. I also serve as a Leads Article Editor of Law Review, CoPresident of APALSA, Secretary of Tax Law Society, and Activities Chair of PILC. This upcoming year, I hope to be able to meet and bond with each and every one of you. After more than a year of Zoom law school, I am excited to finally plan fun events and activities in person!

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Armed Forces Law Society The Armed Forces Law Society is a student-run organization that is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of Southwestern Veterans, military-affiliated students, and Judge Advocate candidates. Our goal is to provide leadership, networking opportunities, and resources to AFLS members and the Southwestern student community.

Armenian Law Students Association (ALSA) The Armenian Law Students Association of Southwestern Law School is a cultural organization that encourages and welcomes participation by all members of the Southwestern Community. The organization strives to promote the rich Armenian culture by providing a place of belonging for all students through music, language, food, and much more. As an organization comprised of minority students, ALSA reflects the importance of a tight-knit community and supports, celebrates, and respects students from all minority groups.

It introduces its members to attorneys in all areas of law who have walked in their shoes, provides an opportunity for students to network, and fosters social interaction within the student body. In addition, the organization sponsors several gatherings, mock interviews, and recreational activities.

From meetings to social events, ALSA aims to highlight the significance of diversity and inclusivity.

Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) APALSA is a cultural organization that strives to represent the interests of the members within Southwestern Law School, the legal community, and the community-at-large. APALSA serves as a support network for Southwestern law students interested in academic, professional, and social advancement. In order to procure meaningful change, APALSA seeks to promote and articulate the unique needs and issues facing the Asian-PacificAmerican community. APALSA is dedicated to conducting meetings and developing programs for the discussion and advancement of current and relevant legal issues. APALSA seeks to maintain strong relations with Southwestern Alumni and facilitate networking among students, graduates, faculty, and industry professionals.

Association of Persian American Law Students

APALS

The Association of Persian American Law Students is an organization of law students who are dedicated to academic excellence, professional development, and the advancement of the Persian/Iranian American community. Since its inception in 2018, APALS has embraced people of all backgrounds to collectively educate the community about legal issues of interest, to protect the legal rights of the community, and promote the achievements of Iranian American legal professionals. APALS aims to be a positive force in elevating Iranian American representation in the legal community.

Bisong Acapella Bisong Acapella is Southwestern’s only singing group on campus. Its members foster relationships through their mutual passion for music and performing. Bisong is committed to sharing its members’ musical talents with the rest of the Southwestern community by performing at multiple school events throughout the year. Bisong’s goal is to provide a scheduled break from the hardships of law school for its members as well as uplift the spirits of Southwestern with song.

Black Law Students Association (BLSA) The purpose of BLSA shall be to provide Black law students a forum for expressing their unique needs and concerns; to provide a support mechanism for local chapter problems; to provide a Black, united front; to develop future Black leadership; to keep the lines of communication between Black law students and their communities open; and to utilize the collective resources of the chapter to effectuate the goals of the National Black Law Students Association as expressed in Article II of the National Constitution.

Christian Legal Society Our goal is to give students the opportunity to fellowship together under the common interest of learning how to navigate the legal field while living a Christian life. There will be multiple levels of activity to allow every student to participate in correspondence with their comfort level. General meetings each semester will be held in order to give members and newcomers

information about community service opportunities. Monthly or bi-weekly meetings will be held to discuss scriptures from the Bible and how they may pertain to our careers as attorneys.

Finally, weekly bible study sessions will be held for those who want to have a deeper conversation about the teachings of the Bible. The goal of each of these activities is to create a community on-campus for those who identify as a Christian with an understanding that this journey is an individual one.

Consumer Law Society Consumer Law Society connects lawyers with students. The areas of law covered are consumer law, class action, torts, injury, product defect, and plaintiffs’ issues. Members can expect to meet with Los Angeles’s most prominent attorneys, get access to exclusive conferences, and even attend the Consumer Attorneys Association of California’s annual conference in Las Vegas.

Skills taught are how to get hired at a law firm, how to start your own law firm, how to interview, and how to build a case.

In connection with other chapters of Consumer Law Society at other law schools, join a prominent alumni network of talented Lawyers.

Criminal Law Society The Criminal Law Society (CLS) is dedicated to promoting student interest in both criminal defense and prosecutorial work. The CLS is established to encourage and support student interest in criminal law and to provide access to related information and resources. We provide law students with the opportunity to expand their experience in the criminal justice system through academic and networking opportunities with members of the criminal justice community.

Delta Theta Phi The object of this organization shall be to unite fraternally congenial students of the law, to lead them and their fellow students to high scholarship and legal learning, to surround them with an environment such that the traditions of the law and of the profession may descend upon them, to promote justice, to inspire respect for the noblest qualities of mankind

and to advance the interests of every college of law with which this Fraternity shall be associated. The mission of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity is, “To foster lifelong friendships and professional affiliations through legal education, international networking, and mutual respect.” This mission has and will continue to guide us through all of our legal careers.

Entertainment Law Society Entertainment Law Society promotes student immersion in the entertainment industry by encouraging its members to engage with the entertainment community and participate in entertainment-oriented events.

Environmental Law Society The Environmental Law Society raises awareness and understanding of environmental issues by organizing informative and engaging events with guest speakers and faculty. We expose students to the varying facets of environmental law, including regulatory action, environmental justice, and executive intervention. Our organization also helps foster relationships between alumni, environmental law practitioners, and students who wish to learn more about this area of the law. We’d love to have you!

Homelessness Prevention Law Project HPLP shall represent the interests of the members within Southwestern Law School as well as the legal community with the purposes of: 1. Promoting awareness of homelessness/houseless issues and the inherent rights of homeless/unhoused persons in Los Angeles County to the Southwestern Law School community, the general public, and the legal community, and to increase involvement in such issues.

2. Working alongside Public Counsel and any other on and off-campus organizations promoting awareness and prevention of homelessness.

Immigration Law Student Association ILSA is a school organization focused on creating a community where Southwestern Law students can discuss and raise awareness of current immigration issues, as well as participate in volunteer opportunities on campus and with local organizations that help promote immigrants’ rights.

International Law Society International Law Society is an association of Southwestern students dedicated to the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law. The mission of the International Law Society is to encourage the study of international law and to promote the establishment and maintenance of international relations on the basis of law and justice. Southwestern’s International Law Society acts as a liaison between Southwestern students and practicing attorneys interested in international law. International Law Society invites speakers and hosts public discussions on various aspects of public and private international law and international relations. International Law Society assists and encourages the development of international career resources and opportunities for internationally-minded students.

Intellectual Property Law Society IPLS shall represent the interests of its members at Southwestern Law School. IPLS shall serve as a support network for Southwestern students interested in practicing Intellectual Property, including Patent, Trademark, and Copyright law. IPLS shall articulate the unique needs and issues of IP law. IPLS shall conduct meetings to grow its membership, discuss relevant IP-related topics, and invite guests to speak. IPLS shall maintain relationships with Southwestern alumni and facilitate networking events among students, faculty, and industry professionals.

Jewish Growth Society The purpose of the Chapter is to look at the Old Testament and glean ideas from it that can shape us into becoming better lawyers. Every class, a new topic will be discussed. For example, some topics that will be discussed are how to listen better,

how to motivate yourself in the workforce, the importance of treating everyone with the utmost respect, and how to be at peace with yourself. To become a successful attorney, it is not sufficient that one has the researching, writing, and thinking skills, but one also needs to constantly grow into becoming a better person. The mission of this Chapter is to give techniques to law school students to help them become successful attorneys all through the eyes of the Old Testament. In law school, it is easy to get caught up in the everyday studying; however, this society will allow people to remember the importance of always striving to grow as a person.

Jewish Law Students Association The mission of JLSA is to represent the interests of our members within the Southwestern Law community, as well as the broader legal community. We act as the liaison to student’s interest in Judaism and promote Jewish values. We provide members with an extensive network and facilitate mentorships between student members and legal professionals. We conduct multiple events, both on campus and off, throughout the year, often partnering with other student organizations to provide students with exposure to real-world lawyering.

Labor and Employment Law Association Southwestern’s Labor & Employment Law Association is a student organization that is dedicated to helping our members explore the area of labor and employment law by providing different informational and networking opportunities that may help in their legal education and future legal careers. We strive to keep you updated on different opportunities in the field, including externships, scholarships, writing contests, and employment opportunities.

Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) The Latino Law Student Association (LLSA) is an organization dedicated to helping its members achieve success in law school by providing a supportive forum that addresses minority issues and concerns regarding legal education. LLSA is dedicated to fostering relationships within the Latinx community by providing students with peer mentorship and academic support. LLSA is also committed to providing members with

networking opportunities through diversity panels and alumni events, and community action via our annual Hoover Toy Drive.

LLSA is committed to creating a safe space for all Latinx students to feel supported, appreciated, and parte de la familia.

Law and Medicine Society The Law and Medicine Society (LMS) is an organization created in order to promote awareness of healthcare-related issues among the LMS members, the Southwestern Law School community, the general public, and the medical and legal community, and to increase the public and professional advocacy and involvement in such issues. Legal fields such as medical malpractice, medical insurance law, and many other fields of law that intertwine the practice of law and medicine, show the significant connection that both fields have in common. We provide networking from MD’s, JD’s, and professionals who share a dual degree in medicine and law, to inform us about the issues that arise in healthcare today.

Mass Incarceration Awareness Law Society MIALS seeks to raise awareness about issues related to mass incarceration on campus. We aim to foster the study of mass incarceration through experiential clinics and information sessions. MIALS is an inclusive organization and welcomes all law students. Meaningful change is enacted through the power of the people. Only by working together will we achieve it.

Mindfulness in Law Society The Mindfulness in the Law Society (MILS) at Southwestern Law School assists students to experience more ease and enjoyment as they define their law school experience and contribute to their communities. The practice of mindful awareness can help you attain a sense of calmness and wellbeing. Research indicates that this long-established and simple practice can increase concentration and decrease stress.

Mindfulness is a proven tool to expand your focus for better studying, to help with performance anxiety on exams, and for stress management in law school and beyond.

Music Law Society The Music Law Society’s mission is to provide an organization for law students interested in all aspects of music law. MLS’s purpose is to provide students with access to alumni and other professionals who are working in music law. In addition, MLS will provide students with access to information concerning courses, programs, and opportunities related to the music industry. Finally, MLS will offer a forum for discussion of relevant and current issues regarding music law.

The National Lawyers Guild Student Chapter The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Southwestern Student Chapter is dedicated to the principles and mission of the National Lawyers Guild, which is the nation’s oldest and largest progressive bar association and the first one in the US to be racially integrated.

The NLG’s purpose is to use the law for the people and promote the development of future radical lawyers. The NLG seeks to disrupt the traditional notions of how one must practice law and change law school culture from the inside out. The NLG is actively opposed to mass incarceration, police brutality, and all forms of systemic racism. Whether you came to law school to challenge racism, sexism, colonialism, homophobia, police brutality, prisons, or any other injustice in our society, the NLG is a great space to connect with others fighting for a better world.

OUTlaw

OUTLaw is a student organization interested in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) legal issues, employment concerns, and the fostering of tolerance and awareness on campus.

It is OUTLaw’s mission to: EDUCATE the community at large about legal and social conflicts and issues that affect LGBTQI individuals and the LGBTQI community; SUPPORT LGBTQI students at Southwestern with a network of nurturing connections and opportunities for positive socialization with other LGBTQI and allied individuals, and PROMOTE the visibility and unity of the LGBTQI community at Southwestern Law School and in the Los Angeles area. We have an exciting year planned, so join us at the next general meeting or sponsored

event, and see what we are all about - and before we forget, welcome to the OUTLaw family!

Public Interest Law Committee PILC will raise funds in order to provide Public Interest Grant recipients (students and graduates) with an opportunity to gain practical experience in public interest law. PILC will create a community where Southwestern law students take action in support of public interest law issues, including volunteering within the legal community on and off-campus. PILC will maintain strong relations and facilitate networking between students, other student organizations, graduates, faculty, and public interest professionals and experts at Southwestern Law School, within the legal community, and beyond. PILC will plan and conduct programs and events to educate Southwestern law students about current and relevant public interest law issues, thus encouraging discussion, exploration, understanding, and action with regard to these issues.

Southwestern Golf Society The Southwestern Golf Society shall represent the interests of the members within Southwestern Law School as well as the legal community with the purposes of: 1. Promoting awareness and utilization of golf as a significant resource for networking among the SGS, the Southwestern Law School community, the general public, and the legal community.

2. Providing all students at Southwestern the opportunity to participate in golf-related activities and learn the game of golf, thereby helping to alleviate stress that may be experienced at Southwestern Law School or during future legal careers.

Sports Law Society The Sports Law Society (SLS), founded in the fall of 2013, provides a forum for law students interested in the growing field of sports law. SLS aims to explore current and rising issues in domestic and international sports law through various events. Our SLS Board organizes networking opportunities, speaker panels, and fundraisers. Our Board also advocates for externships and classes in sports law.

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund accomplishes this mission by filing high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors to assure that animal abusers are held accountable for their crimes, supporting tough animal protection legislation and fighting legislation harmful to animals, and providing resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law.

Students for Technology Leadership and Entrepreneurship (STyLE) STyLE shall provide Southwestern students and graduates the opportunities to network and gain insight with professionals and leaders of the legal industry, technology sector, and business community.

Tax Law Society The mission of Southwestern’s Tax Law Society is to provide free tax services to low-income members of our community.

Teen Court Teen Court members participate in multiple Teen Court sessions hosted by partnered high schools. Our members assist volunteer judges and attorneys in a pre-filing juvenile diversion program. We do so by educating students, aged fifteen to eighteen, who serve as jurors in judging and sentencing firsttime youth offenders on juvenile crimes.

Within the Southwestern community, Teen Court promotes and educates others regarding alternative sentencing. We host informational meetings and provide volunteer opportunities for Southwestern members as well. Through these programs, Teen Court hopes to create an open dialogue regarding the impact of the criminal justice system on youth offenders.

Video Game Law Society The Video Game Law Society (VGLS), founded in the fall of 2021, provides a forum for law students interested in the growing field of video game law. VGLS aims to explore current and rising issues in domestic and international video game law through various events. Our VGLS Board organizes networking opportunities, speaker panels, and fundraisers. Our Board also advocates for externships and classes in video game law.

Welcome to VGLS!

Women’s Law Association Our mission is to promote the participation and success of women who have diverse backgrounds within the legal profession. We also hope to provide a sense of community for our members during difficult times as well as in their daily lives.

We do so by providing resources for women to advocate for fairness, equal representation, and equal rights.

Within the Southwestern community, we hope to create an open discussion regarding women in the context of the legal system. We will host social gatherings, informational meetings, and collaborate with other organizations. That way, we can educate Southwestern members on what they can do to help women thrive in the legal community.