Daily Life on Campus

Pursue Your Passion

Our student organizations are an important part of the Law School community and the engine behind many exciting programs. They offer an opportunity for students to explore their academic work beyond the classroom, through events that bring them together with others of similar (or different) cultural backgrounds or philosophical beliefs. These student organizations are also an effective way for you to participate in activities that will broaden your knowledge of specific areas of the law, become involved in pro bono work, and connect with the Law School's alumni and other members of the legal community.

There are more than 40 student organizations within the Law School, representing a variety of practice areas and cultural groups. Members develop substantive and informative student programs throughout the school year, as well as organize school-wide social events. Early in the academic year, the Student Bar Association conducts its annual Organization Fair when representatives from the association's various organizations are available to meet with students interested in joining.

Visit the links on this page to learn more about the Law School's student organizations.

  • Contacts: Benjamin Kaser and Daniel Rowoth, Co-presidents
    The purpose of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) society is to introduce students to alternative methods of dispute resolution as opposed to the heavy focus on litigation in law school courses.
  • Contact: Elizabeth Komar
    Website: http://aclu.brooklynsba.org
    The American Civil Liberties Union chapter of Brooklyn Law School (BLS ACLU) is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the principles and values embodied in the Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution, and the New York State Constitution. BLS ACLU has initiated various projects and will continue to hold lectures, debates, community outreach (voter registration drives, etc), as well as other meaningful events.
  • Contact: Alexander Rabinowitz, President
    The American Constitution Society (ACS) believes that law should be a force to improve the lives of all people.  ACS works for positive change by shaping debate on vitally important legal and constitutional issues through development and promotion of high-impact ideas to opinion leaders and the media; by building networks of lawyers, law students, judges and policymakers dedicated to those ideas; and by countering the activist conservative legal movement that has sought to erode our enduring constitutional values.
  • Contacts: Sarah Gordon, Chair
    Website: Located on TWEN
    The Art Law Association (ALA) provides a forum for students, faculty, and practitioners, to explore and debate the wide range of legal issues associated with the creation, collection, presentation, and preservation of the visual arts. The ALA promotes these goals by organizing and publicizing art law events and networking opportunities on campus and in and out of New York City.
  • Contacts: Ferris Kim, President
    Website: http://apalsa.brooklynsba.org
    The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) is dedicated to serving the BLS student community by providing service opportunities and events in the areas of academics, professional and career development, community service, cultural awareness, and social events. APALSA offers a variety of resources to its members, including a blue book quiz review, final exam preparation, and outline distributions. APALSA also offers several social events throughout the year including mixers, cultural nights, dinners, and happy hours. Additionally, APALSA provides valuable mentorship and guidance to the incoming 1L students, whom are paired with 2Ls and 3Ls who devote their time and effort to assisting the 1L students with their transition into law school.
  • Contact:  Brian Von Ancken, President
    The BLS Basketball Association is a club devoted to helping BLS students play basketball. The organization will host weekly open basketball games in Brooklyn and register teams for the Law School Division of the Laywers basketball league every spring. The club will also host various fundraisers and social events throughout the year.
  • Contacts: Danielle Evans, President
    The purpose of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is to serve the needs of the black law student, the black attorney, and the black community. It works with local units at other law schools to promote the professional needs of minority communities, and foster and encourage political and community involvement.
  • Contacts: Michael Fabiani and Todd Henderson, Co-president
    The BLS Softball Organization is a club devoted to playing softball. The organization will consist of a number of softball teams who will meet for practices and scrimmage one another. The softball organization will also register teams for various law school softball tournaments including the Fordham Law School tournament, the NYU tournament, and the UVA tournament (The World Series of Law School Softball). In addition to playing softball, the BLS Softball Organization will also host various fundraisers and social events throughout the year in order to fund our entrance into aforesaid tournaments, especially the UVA Law School Softball Tournament.
  • Contacts: Boris Izrayelit, President
    We play chess. All comers of all skills levels welcome.
  • Contacts: Everett Hendler, President
    BESLS educates members on current legal issues in the entertainment industry and provides networking opportunities for members and alumni with an interest in entertainment law.
  • Contacts: Ted Anastasiou, President
    The Brooklyn Law School Democrats are committed to raising awareness of the effects of politics on law-making. It encourages students to become politically involved through participation in campaigns, election-day actvities, and campaign training sessions. The organization invites political speakers and organizes symposia to bring current political issues into legal debate at BLS.
  • Contacts: Allana Rosen and James Gallagher, Co-chairs
    The Brooklyn Law School Film Society (BLSFS) screens films with legal themes to promote discussion and foster community within the student body and provide different frameworks in which to consider and integrate legal topics. The BLSFS also seeks to facilitate the negotation for and obtaining of moving screening licenses for all other BLS student organizations.
  • Contacts: Paul Rozenberg, President.
    The Brooklyn Law School Food & Wine Club (BLS FWC) is dedicated to bringing together students with an interest in fine food and wine and to hosting food-related events for the BLS community. Through these events, the BLS FWC aims to help students cultivate their appreciation of food through education and new food experiences.
  • Contacts: Meredith Symonds and Michael Berman, Co-Chairs
    General email: blspi@brooklaw.edu
    The organization helps raise fellowship funds for students interested in working in public interest positions. The organization also sponsors a speaker series on topical public interest law issues.
  • Contacts: Nicole Schermerhorn, President
    The Business Law Association (BLA) is an umbrella organization that consists of committees focusing on Financial Education, Bankruptcy Law events, Corporate and Securities Law events, and Alumni events. BLA was formed to foster student awareness and understanding of a variety of topics, issues and opportunities in business law. The organization seeks to provide its members and the student body with an opportunity to hear educational and interactive presentations about financial markets, the economy and current events in the business world, as well as to learn from and network with various business law practitioners and guest speakers.
  • Contact: Eric Ma, President
    General Email: cls@brooklaw.edu
    The Christian Legal Society chapter provides fellowship among believers and works to increase understanding of the relationship between faith and law. Members meet weekly for Bible study and periodically with other Christian students for fellowship and community service. All students are welcome to attend.
  • Contacts:  Cassidy Merriam and Jacob Englander, Co-Chairs
    General email: CLARO@brooklaw.edu
    CLARO/SAG is a student organization dedicated to educating the Brooklyn Law School community about the legal issues surrounding the burgeoning field of consumer debt. CLARO/SAG offers the opportunity to learn about consumer debt issues and New York civil practice while helping unrepresented litigants and interacting with practicing attorneys and fellow Law School students.
  • Contacts: Rick Lasher, Dean
    Delta Theta Phi is a professional legal fraternal organization committed to providing a spirit of cooperation by offering an opportunity for lawyers and law students to promote their personal, professional, and intellectual growth through networking, leadership training, scholarship, guidance, and a collective responsibility to the fraternity and the future of the legal profession. Delta Theta Phi is open to all students.

  • Contacts: Ratko Caricic and Mikhail Leznev, Co-presidents
    The Eastern European Law Students Association (EELSA) provides a support and networking system for the community of law students from the former USSR and other Eastern European countries at Brooklyn Law School. EELSA also promotes Eastern European heritage throughout the Law School by sponsoring cultural events on and off campus as well as sponsoring guest speakers throughout the year. EELSA also strives to provide assistance to members of the local Eastern European community through collaboration with local community agencies.
  • Contacts: Catherine Frizell, Chair
    The Education Law and Policy Society is a student-run organization that aims to raise awareness, advance dialogue and encourage advocacy in issues related to education law. We do so by connecting like-minded Brooklyn Law School students, facilitating roundtable discussions with education law professionals and organizing pro bono activities. We intend to harness the energy surrounding school reform and the burgeoning charter school movement and envision creative roles that attorneys can play in furthering the goals of education equity.
  • Contact: Jeet Gulati, Chair
    The Brooklyn Law School Environmental Law Society is comprised of students and faculty members whose interests and experiences include environmental law, international law, the laws of war and bio-terrorism, real estate law, and land use and zoning laws. The ELS strives to create professional opportunities for its members by hosting events where students can meet with leading experts in a variety of fields.
  • Contacts:  Erika Lorshbough and Julia Howard-Gibbon, Co-chairs
    The FHRAP is a student-run organization devoted to developing the clinical legal skills of BLS students through work with public benefits recipients.  Participants will gain valuable hands-on experience in client representation within the administrative law context while providing crucial services to disadvantaged clients.
  • Contacts: Sarah DeStefano, Co-Presidents
    The Federalist Society is a non-partisan conservative and 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.
  • ContactNathan Wilson, President
    The Foreclosure Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) is a partnership between the students of Brooklyn Law School, the BLS Pro-Bono Office, the Brooklyn Volunteer Lawyers Project, South Brooklyn Legal Services and Kings County Supreme Court.  It is the mission of FLAG to assist homeowners in Kings County facing foreclosure by offering them complete and accurate information regarding the foreclosure process.  FLAG offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about foreclosure law and to help residents of Brooklyn understand their legal rights and obligations during this very difficult period.
  • Contacts: Alison Holstein and Matthew Finkel, Co-Presidents
    The Health Law and Policy Association (HLPA) is a student-run organization that seeks to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and increase student involvement in issues related to health law and policy. Goals of the organization include connecting students with health law professionals and volunteering opportunities, facilitating discussion of health care issues through panels, debates, and other events, and uniting students with similar interests in the field of health law.
  • Contacts: Margaret Garrett and Beile Lindner, Co-chairs
    This group's role is to raise awareness about homeless rights issues in New York City, and is affiliated with the Homeless Appellant Rights Project pro bono project (HARP), which is operated in conjunction with Project FAIR and the Legal Aid Society's Homeless Rights Project. HARP volunteers provide critical advice to homeless families appealing the City's denial of their applications for shelter.

  • Contacts: Dorothy DiPascali, Chair
    The Immigration Court Observation Project (ICOP) is committed to providing an objective evaluation of the due process afforded to immigrants during deportation adjudication hearings at New York City immigration courts.  ICOP performs this service through diligent observation of proceedings and accurate reporting, with the specific purpose of identifying any structural problems endemic to the adjudication system.

  • Contacts: Elizabeth McKenzie and David Gerard, Co-presidents
    IPLA was established to increase BLS student body awareness of the cutting edge issues and opportunities that arise in Intellectual Property and Technology Law. IPLA accomplishes this through academic events, alumni interaction, roundtable discussions, and other events that focus specifically on the interests of our members.
  • Contacts: Alex Raileanu, Chair
    Website: http://ils.brooklynsba.org/
    The International Law Society promotes the awareness, study, and understanding of international law and related issues. The society aims to educate students about the significance of international legal issues and publicize internships, educational, and career opportunities in this field. It holds regularly scheduled meetings and host guest speakers and panel discussions on various issues of international law.
  • Contacts: Alexandra Baych and Ryan Merola 
    The Irish Society is dedicated to the furtherance of Irish heritage. Its goal is to increase Irish-American participation in the legal profession and to help promote relationships between its members and practicing Irish lawyers. The group will host various social activities and invite guest speakers throughout the year to help achieve these objectives.
  • Contacts: Krystina Maola and Sarah DeStefano, Co-presidents
    The Italian American Law Students Association sponsors parties in and out of school, sporting events, an annual dinner dance, and a speakers program. Its goal is social service and the encouragement of greater participation by Italian-Americans in the legal profession.
  • Contact: Amanda Strauss, President
    The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) is a cultural, social, educational, and religious organization that reflects the varied interests of the Jewish student community of Brooklyn Law School.  JLSA sponsors a variety of educational and social activities designed to increase students' knowledge of Jewish issues, customs, and holidays. It also hosts various social activities and frequently invites speakers to address current cultural, religious, and political issues.
  • Contacts: Dalila Castillo and Rosa Cohen-Cruz, Co-Chairs
    The Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) seeks to increase the awareness and performance of Latin American students at BLS through our mentoring program, workshops, and presentations on topics of current interest and importance. Members enhance communication with the local Latin American community through our established public service program, and also work to create and foster strong connections with the greater legal community.
  • ContactsVernika Ross and Julienne Verdi, Co-presidents
    Law Students for Reproductive Justice is dedicated to ensuring access to medically accurate, age-appropriate, culturally competent sex and sexuality education, as well as comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including prenatal care, postnatal care, contraception, abortion services, and alternative reproductive technologies for women and men, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.
  • Contact: Daniel Floros and Patrick Mulqueen, Co-chairs
    Law Students for Veterans' Rights is devoted to the representation of veterans throughout the New York City area. We will create awareness and work to solve the problems American veterans face, including access to earned benefits, housing and homelessness problems, and access to information for veterans with issues pending in family court. We work in coalition with the following groups: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT) and a clinic of 10+ New York City law firms.
  • Contact: Meghan Dubatowka and Christine Khaikin, Co-chairs
    LAW is an organization committed to mobilizing law students in action concerning issues that affect women and the law. Some of its programs and projects include: the fight against domestic and international violence against women, access to reproductive choice and family planning, pay and career equity, women-friendly workplaces, and judicial nominations.
  • Contacts: Laura Richenderfer and Kendall Sale, Co-presidents
    General email: blslegaloutreach@brooklaw.edu
    Website: www.legaloutreach.org (website of affiliated organization)
    MYLE is dedicated to helping youth from underserved communities to compete in debates, develop academic and presentation skills, and pursue a legal education. In association with Legal Outreach, a local not-for-profit organization, MYLE members coach local high school students. The high school students compete in four constitutional law debates throughout the year and law students join attorney mentors in judging. Many law firms and attorneys are involved with Legal Outreach for pro bono. There are many networking opportunities available to Legal Outreach coaches.
  • Contact:  Amel Ahmed and Maweza Razzaq, Co-chairs
    General email: mlsa@brooklaw.edu
    MLSA seeks to increase effective Muslim participation and representation in the legal field by providing a supportive atmosphere for incoming and current Muslim students. It aims to provide professional networking opportunities, maintain a growing network via MLSA alumni, and build a bridge between Muslims and non-Muslims through educational and cultural exchange.
  • Contacts: Chloe Liederman and Shannon Karam, Co-Chairs
    The BLS chapter of the NLG is a group of progressive law students that seeks to provide support for the struggles for racial justice, civil rights, and workers' rights. The group hosts events and organizes projects on these issues, including Student Day Against the Death Penalty, Anti-War Week, and Immigration Court Watch. The BLS chapter also coordinates with the National Chapter, New York City Chapter, and other student chapters.
  • Contacts: Kathryn Hensley and Colin Hedrick, Co-chairs
    Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender students hold monthly meetings and periodic social events. OutLaws sponsors panel discussions on issues affecting the LGBT community and coordinates activities with other LGBT organizations.
  • Contacts:  Megan Cuccia , Chair
    The Parents Association is an organization committed to the Brooklyn Law School community. It is dedicated to creating a network for Brooklyn Law School students who are parents, and for offering support in managing family life with successful careers.
  • Contacts: Philip Weiss, President 
    Website
    : http://www.phideltaphi.org (Phi Delta Phi National Organization Website)
    BLSConnect Site: Phi Delta Phi
    Phi Delta Phi is an international legal fraternity that seeks to promote the highest standard of ethics and professionalism in law schools and the legal profession. Each local chapter is required to complete community service projects and organize an annual school-wide Ethics Week.
  • ContactsAlicia Hatfield and Elliott Siebers, Co-presidents
    The Philosophy & Linguistics Society (PLS) is dedicated to providing BLS students with informal yet structured settings for engaging with relevant topics and debates in the disciplines of philosophy and linguistics. PLS welcomes all ideologies and experience levels as it hosts events aimed at exploring these disciplines generally as well as their intersection with the law.
  • Contacts: Anish Patel, President
    General email: salsa@brooklaw.edu
    SALSA's vision is to serve the cultural, religious, community, social, and professional needs of our South Asian Law Students. SALSA will continue working with the South Asian Bar Association of New York and SALSA organizations across the city to foster relationships among our peers and promote community-based projects that address the growing legal needs of underrepresented South Asians in New York.
  • Contacts: James Carlson and Benjamin Kaser, Co-presidents
    The Brooklyn Law School SALDF is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting the lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system, and raising the profile of the field of animal law.
  • Contact: Elliot Siebers, President; Prachi Ajmera, Day Vice-President; Danielle Coleman, Evening Vice-President
    BLSConnect Site: SBA
    The SBA acts as the umbrella organization for all student organizations at the Law School, and serves as the student voice to the Law School faculty and administration.  The SBA also plans, supervises, and sponsors educational and social events throughout the academic year.
  • Contacts: Alison Holstein and David Shapiro, Co-chairs
    The Suspension Representation Project (formerly the Student Education Advocacy Project) is an advocacy group dedicated to ensuring the educational rights of New York City public school students. SRP gives law students the opportunity to represent K-12 students at their Superintendent's Suspension hearing. Students facing a Superintendent's Suspension are often unrepresented at their hearings and lack the information they need to challenge the charges brought against them. Our goal is to work with students and their families to develop a case to keep them in school.
  • Contact: Ali Sultan and Jason Feingertz, President
    The Tax Law Association was formed in order to provide networking opportunities for those interested in tax law, to encourage interest in the field of tax by hosting talks by specialized experts in the field, and to give Law School students a chance to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored by the IRS.
  • Contacts:  Sarah Udashkin and Nuvia Skaden, Co-chairs
    The Thrift Club is focused on helping BLS students navigate New York on a law student's budget.  The group promotes ideas of frugality, economic responsibility, community building, and the preference of investing in people over consumable goods.
  • Contacts: Noor Alam, President
    Website: http://www.uac-ny.org/about_us.php (main organization website)
    The Unemployment Action Center is a non-profit, student-run organization devoted to the representation of unemployment insurance claimants in New York City. Members gain valuable hands-on legal experience by advising and representing clients before administrative judges at the New York Department of Labor.
  • The Yearbook committee is responsible for creating the yearbook, which commemorates the year's events and graduates.

  • Contacts: Stephanie Gal and Allison Arotsky, Co-chairs
    In an effort to promote balance and wellness among Brooklyn Law School students, BLS Yoga Club holds weekly yoga classes which are open to all levels of yoga students.
Photo of SBA President Elliott Siebers

Listen to Student Bar Association President, Elliott Siebers, speak about the Brooklyn Law School experience.

Have questions? We have answers.

Elliott Siebers
President
Student Bar Association
Brooklyn Law School
SBA Office, 250 Joralemon
Brooklyn, NY 11201