Student Organizations
Overview
Discover a vibrant array of student organizations at KU Law, where students take full advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. With dozens of groups within the law school and more than 600 across campus, these organizations offer more than social clubs — they contribute both dollars and hours of service to the university and Lawrence communities. Whether you're interested in advocacy, networking, community service or other passions, KU Law student organizations provide leadership, academic enrichment and meaningful opportunities to make an impact.
Student organizations at KU Law report to Erin Kelley-Garrison, the assistant director for Academic & Student Affairs. For inquiries about joining or regarding current student organizations, please reach out to Erin directly at ekg@ku.edu. She can provide guidance and support to help you get involved and make the most of your experience.
Organizations must be open to all currently enrolled KU students, with the option to include faculty and staff members who are not serving as the organization’s advisor. Membership in an organization may be restricted based on specific criteria, such as enrollment in a particular degree program, shared interests, a minimum GPA requirement, and/or a required number of credit hours to join and maintain membership. However, organizations may not restrict membership based on any protected identity under KU’s non-discrimination clause.
Student Involvement Resources
Hosting an event with alcohol? This form ensures compliance with University policies and helps us support your event safely and responsibly. Reach out to Erin Kelley-Garrison at ekg@ku.edu for guidance. Remember to submit your Alcohol Approval Request Form at least four weeks in advance.
Planning an event with outside food? Please be sure to file a food exemption form before ordering your food!
The Office of Student Affairs at KU Law provides comprehensive support and resources to enhance student experiences and success. From academic advising to career guidance and beyond, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Connect with us to explore opportunities, access services and make the most of your law school journey at the University of Kansas.
Contact: ekg@ku.edu
Location: 1535 W 15th St, Suite 212. Lawrence, KS 66045
Rock Chalk Central is your gateway to explore and join student organizations, events and activities at the University of Kansas. Discover diverse opportunities to engage, connect and make a difference across campus. Accessible and user-friendly, Rock Chalk Central is where Jayhawks come together to enhance their college experience.
The Student Engagement Center at KU empowers Jayhawks to discover their passions and develop leadership skills. Through a variety of programs, resources and support, students can explore, engage and grow both personally and professionally. Whether you're interested in joining organizations, volunteering or honing leadership abilities, SEC is here to guide and enrich your journey at the University of Kansas.
Contact:engagement@ku.edu
Location: Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, 1299 Oread Ave. Lawrence, KS 66045
Student organizations are eligible to apply for travel funding to support student members each year. Organizations can receive up to $800 in funding to help cover travel expenses for conferences, competitions or other relevant events. Applications are limited to five organizations per year and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This funding is a great way to enhance your organization's involvement and representation at key events. Questions? Please contact Erin Kelley-Garrison at ekg@ku.edu.
As part of KU Law's student organization expectations, each group must complete a community service project by the end of Spring 2026. Projects should serve individuals or communities outside the organization — and ideally outside the Law School — and involve meaningful member participation (beyond just a donation). Groups may collaborate to meet this requirement. Submit your completed project details here to remain eligible for funding in the next calendar year.
Interested in launching a new student organization at KU Law? We’re excited to support your initiative! All prospective organizations must complete the New Student Organization Application Form to begin the recognition process. This form collects key details about your group’s purpose, leadership and advisor. Please note: all new organizations are required to meet with the Assistant Director of Academic & Student Affairs, Erin Kelley-Garrison, prior to final approval.
Click below to access the form and take the first step toward building your organization and making an impact in the KU Law community.
Student organizations must complete the Room Reservation Request Form to book space in Green Hall. Be sure to submit multiple date and time options, as space is limited. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your request is approved.
Sidharth Mohan, L'27, at the 2025 Diversity Banquet hosted by the Black Law Students Association (BLSA).
Students, alumni and staff at the First Generation Professionals networking event.
Students involved in OUTLaws & Accomplices during the 2023 Student Org Fair.
Student Organizations at KU Law
ABLE is dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion in legal education by advocating for the needs of disabled students.
President: Damon Crutcher
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is the nation’s foremost progressive legal organization, with a diverse nationwide network that includes nearly 200 student and lawyer chapters, and progressive lawyers, students, judges, scholars, elected officials, and advocates.
Mission
Our mission is to support and advocate for laws and legal systems that redress the founding failures of our Constitution, strengthen our democratic legitimacy, uphold the rule of law, and realize the promise of equality for all, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other historically excluded communities.
Vision
We envision a multi-racial, representative democracy that includes:
- A judiciary that reflects the diversity of the public it serves, vindicates fundamental freedoms, protects democratic guardrails, upholds the rule of law, and interprets the U.S. Constitution through the lens of history and lived experience;
- Democratic institutions that advance equity and justice, uphold the rule of law, and guard against the abuse of power; and
- A robust and diverse legal civil society that actively promotes progressive legal transformation and redress of the founding failures of our Constitution and of our laws and legal systems.
President: Staci Smith
The Asian Law Students Association (ALSA) embodies the bond and support of the Asian community within the legal profession. Its main goals include educating and advising society, and in particular the legal profession, of Asian culture, difficulties and prospects within this field.
President: Wade Hollenback
The Balance and Well-Being organization's purpose is to create a safe space at KU Law for students to connect, discuss mental health and learn wellness habits for life.
President: Nathaniel Page
The mission of the Black Law Students Association is to articulate and promote the educational, professional, political, and social needs and goals of Black law students and students of color. This includes creating opportunities for all students to interact with, and learn from, the experiences of minority students through shared social and community activities. The association is also dedicated to advocating for the needs of fellow students, increasing the admission of minority students, and fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for students.
The Association is both a social organization of students, and a community service organization.
The Association is operated and directed by students attending the University of Kansas School of Law under the advisement of a School of Law Faculty Advisor.
BLSA is open to any student enrolled at the University of Kansas School of Law, who is interested in furthering BLSA's mission and purpose. Interested students should attend BLSA meetings that will be scheduled throughout the academic year
President: Kristen Aiyanyor
The Business and Tax Law Society is a legal society that emphasizes community involvement in tax law and business education. The society is also dedicated to networking with legal professionals in the business, bankruptcy and tax sectors.
President: Brett Smith
CLS exists to inspire, encourage and equip law students, both individually and in community, to proclaim, love and serve Jesus Christ through the study and practice of law, the defense of religious freedom and the provision of legal assistance to the poor.
President: Christian Fish
The Energy and Environmental Law Society was founded by KU Law students interested in environmentalism. It brings together a wide coalition of students and faculty to explore environmental law, conservation and energy issues. ELS is committed to helping students effectively and intelligently use the law in the service of the environment through hosting speakers, advocating for causes and collaborating with groups throughout the university, Kansas and the world in their effort to address environmental issues.
President: Leyton Brunner
The University of Kansas student division of the Federal Bar Association represents the FBA to law students, stimulates law student interest in FBA activities and coordinates programs.
President: Hannah Cesaretti
The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. The Society seeks both to promote an awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities. This entails reordering priorities within the legal system to place a premium on individual liberty, traditional values and the rule of law. It also requires restoring the recognition of the importance of these norms among lawyers, judges, law students and professors. In working to achieve these goals, the Society has created a conservative and libertarian intellectual network that extends to all levels of the legal community.
President: Vincent Shiffiano
First Generation Professionals seeks to promote a positive atmosphere at the University of Kansas School of Law for law students who are first-generation college students or first-generation law students. Our objectives are to build community among aspiring first-generation legal professionals, promote strong ties between the organization, other student organizations, law faculty, students, and staff and the legal community at large through outreach and networking events, provide members with professional etiquette, and encourage members to embrace their unique background.
President: Kathy Carter
The University of Kansas Chapter of the National Hispanic Law Student Association (HALSA) is dedicated to the education, engagement and empowerment of aspiring members of the Hispanic legal community. HALSA is an advocate for issues that impact the broader Latino community and aims to foster the exchange of ideas and celebrate cultural heritage. HALSA is open to all students interested in joining.
President: Melanie Almendarez
The Intellectual Property Law Association strives to promote intellectual property issues across the student body, the state bar and beyond; bring together various facets of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and copyrights; provide a forum for open dialogue on current intellectual property issues and their future impact on the practice of law; and foster rapport between students and professionals in the field.
President: Ben Dekoning
The Dwight D. Eisenhower International Law Society was formed more than three decades ago. The organization sponsors visiting and local speakers to discuss current topics in international and comparative law, varying in a wide range of topics, in order to inform and promote international legal issues. Officers for the International Law Society gather and disseminate information about job opportunities in international law and business as well as host informational meetings about study abroad opportunities that might help in such endeavors. The organization helps provide support for the Jessup Moot Court Competition, which is sponsored and hosted by the International Law Students Association.
President: Harrison Polen
We affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer's personal religious conviction. We strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.
President: Emily Weiss
Jewish Legal Society (JLS) aims to support Jewish law students by providing a space to celebrate Jewish holidays, connect with the greater Jewish community of Lawrence/Topeka/Kansas City and advocate for social justice. JLS is open to law students of all backgrounds.
President: Wren Browne
Club to provide an environment for KU Law students to improve chess skills, learn how to play chess, and socialize with others through mutual love of the game.
President: Ave Mumgaard
The Kansas Law School Military & Veterans Society (KU MLS) is a law school organization open to all students, regardless of military experience. The organization's focus is to provide legal assistance for veterans through the legal aid clinic. KU MLS also does fundraising and volunteer work for local veterans and veterans initiatives. KU MLS provides mentorship and guidance to veterans interested in applying to law school.
President: Cody White
Kansas Law School Military & Veterans Society organization page
The University of Kansas Chapter of National Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) is dedicated to promoting Native American law student involvement in both the academic and legal communities involved with KU Law and the Lawrence area. Another main goal of KU NALSA is to educate the public and fellow students on the legal and political issues affecting Native Americans every day. The organization is focused on promoting the study and development of Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law and traditional forms of governance.
President: Cody White
The Non-Traditional Law Students Association (NILA) offers non-traditional students an opportunity for networking, professional development, socializing and performing community service. A highly diverse group of students are identified as “nontraditional” at KU, not as a label, but to provide a way for the University and the Green Hall community to recognize and provide additional outreach and engagement opportunities to this broad group of students. The purpose of NILA is to further that recognition and support of non-traditional law students at KU Law. NILA is open to all students and encourages membership of both traditional and non-traditional law students.
President: Jude Lane
OUTLaws & Accomplices is a group for those affiliated with the University of Kansas School of Law who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ+) and for ally classmates and faculty who support their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
President: Mary Duncan
The Public Interest Law Society (PILS) is a group of law students who are dedicated to public interest law or have a desire to know more about public interest. PILS facilitates events that encourage student participation and learning in a variety of public law areas such as criminal defense or prosecution, nonprofit litigation, legal aid work, government work or pro bono practices.
Additionally, PILS is committed to providing financial support to its members through stipends when possible. PILS also hosts and contributes to pro-bono events to allow law students the opportunity to gain valuable skills in different public interest areas.
President: Ellie Wilson
The Sports Law Society (SLS) of KU provides education and networking opportunities to students interested in the area of sports law. The SLS attends and participates in educational and informative events in order to share the different ways to work with sports through a legal degree. The group also organizes networking functions to help members meet with attorneys and other professionals practicing or working in different areas of sports law.
President: Davis Bax
Sports Law Society organization page
The St. Thomas More Society is a community of law students who are practicing members of the Roman Catholic Church and welcomes anyone who wants to connect with Catholic members of the legal profession and grow deeper in the faith. The St. Thomas More Society seeks to continue to grow the already robust Catholic legal community, as well as shed light on important intersections between the Catholic faith and the law. Throughout the year, we will host speakers to talk about faith and law, as well as keep students informed of local Catholic lawyer networking events.
President: Davis Bax
The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the organization of all students at the University of Kansas School of Law. The General Board is the governing and legislative body of the Student Bar Association. The General Board of the Student Bar Association has an affirmative duty to actively and vigorously represent student opinions to the administration and the faculty, to coordinate student activities, to acquaint law students with the nature and activities of the American Bar Association and the Kansas Bar Association, to enhance the reputation of the University of Kansas School of Law, and to promote and further the welfare of the student body. The General Board serves independently from, and equal to, the administration and faculty of the School of Law.
President: Angela Davis
The Trans Law Student Association (TLSA) was founded to create a space where trans, non-binary, genderqueer and all other gender non-conforming law students at the University of Kansas School of Law can gather, reflect, advocate and support our unique needs within the law school.
The objectives of TLSA are to:
- Create a student organization with a targeted approach to advocacy for trans, non-binary, genderqueer and all other gender non-conforming law students at KU Law.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of trans, non-binary, genderqueer and all other gender non-conforming people both inside KU Law and within the larger community.
- Build institutional knowledge surrounding the experiences of trans, non-binary, genderqueer and all other gender non-conforming law students so that knowledge may span generations, rather than a three-year cycle before students graduate, taking that institutional knowledge along with them.
- Sharpen our personal politic and theory as trans, non-binary, genderqueer and all other gender non-conforming law students by engaging in continued education and community building.
President: Wren Browne
Trans Law Student Association organization page
Women in Law is an organization that promotes leadership and active involvement through community service and social engagement. Women in Law focuses on the challenges that face women in the legal field but is open to all law students who are invested in the equality and progress of all, regardless of gender.
President: Danielle Ferrigno
Women in Law organization page
KU Law Events Calendar
