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A bid for attention: A student participates in the annual BLSPI (Brooklyn Law Students for the Public Interest) auction. |
 he diversity and civic-mindedness of our student body is evidenced by the number and variety of thriving student-run organizations. Despite the rigorous demands of the study of law, BLS students find the time to participate in these organizations, which offer opportunities for professional advancement, personal enhancement, philanthropic works and networking – or simply a change of pace from course work.
Getting involved in an organization is a great way to meet students of similar cultural backgrounds or philosophical beliefs. It’s also an effective means to connect with alumni and members of the legal community, and to participate in activities that broaden knowledge of specific areas of the law.
Student Bar Association
Contact: : Kamal A. Jobe, President
Email: sba@brooklaw.edu; kamal.jobe@brooklaw.edu
The SBA is the umbrella student organization that controls the budget for
all other student organizations, and appoints students to various
faculty-student committees, including the Clinical and Curriculum
Committees. The SBA plans parties and other social activities, supervises
class functions, and serves as the student voice to the faculty and
administration. All students are members of the SBA, and each class elects
representatives. The Delegate Assembly of the SBA is comprised of all the
class representatives. SBA Homepage;
Student Bar Association Executive Board 2007-2008
The All BLS Tennis and Racquet Sports Club
Contact: Matthew Kessler, President
Email: matthew.kessler@brooklaw.edu
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Contact: Shayna Kessler and Hallie Cohen, Co-Chairs
Email: shayna.kessler@brooklaw.edu; hallie.cohen@brooklaw.edu@brooklaw.edu
The American Civil Liberties Union chapter of Brooklyn Law School was
started in the Fall of 2002. This organization 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. The ACLU
mission has been to defend the fundamental civil liberties, values of
freedom of speech, equal protection and due process of the law. BLSACLU
has initiated various projects and will continue to hold lectures,
debates, community outreach (voter registration drives, etc), as well as
other meaningful events.
BLS ACLU Homepage
American Constitution Society
Contact: Joshua Benfey, President
Email: joshua.benfey@brooklaw.edu
The American Constitution Society for Law and Order was organized as a
student group in 1999 to counter what it believed to be the conservative
and dominant vision of contemporary American law. It has grown to over 50
active chapters nationwide with another 50 in formation. The Society's
mission is to restore to its central place in American law the principles
of respect for human dignity, protection of individual rights and
liberties, equality, and access to justice. The Brooklyn Law School
chapter, under the advisement of Professor Will Hellerstein, seeks to
advance intellectual engagement and legal debate at the law school by
sponsoring events, debates, and noteworthy speakers.
Art Law Association (ALA)
Contact: Kate W. Fitzpatrick and Derek Kelly, M.J. Williams, Co-Chairs
Email: artlaw@brooklaw.edu; kate.fitzpatrick@brooklaw.edu; derek.kelly@brooklaw.edu; mj.williams@brooklaw.edu
The Art Law Association (ALA) provides a forum for students, along with
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. For further information and to join the email list, sign up on Westlaw's
Art Law Association TWEN Page.
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)
Contact: : Tracy Feng, President
Email: apalsa@brooklaw.edu; tracy.feng@brooklaw.edu
APALSA seeks to foster a consciousness of the legal system's impact on
Asian Pacific Americans and to promote education on legal and political
issues that concern Asians and Asian-Pacific Americans. Asian-Pacific American Law Students Association Homepage
Bankruptcy Society
Contact: Chow Xie, President
Email: chow.xie@brooklaw.edu
The Bankruptcy Society was founded for two primary purposes. The first is
to foster understanding of the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Reform
Act between and among student organizations and all segments of the
student body. The second purpose of the Bankruptcy Society is to expose
the student body to the many career opportunities in the bankruptcy area,
through meetings and events with some of BLS' and the nation's top
bankruptcy practitioners.
Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
Contact: Leesa Fenderson, President
Email: leesa.fenderson@brooklaw.edu, blsa@brooklaw.edu
The purpose of the Black Law Students Association 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. Brooklyn BLSA is affiliated with the national
organization and competes in the Frederick Douglas Moot Court Competition
and Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. BLSA Homepage
Brooklyn Chess Society (BCS)
Contact: Aaron Ansel, President
Email: aaron.ansel@brooklaw.edu
We play chess. All comers of all skills levels welcome.
Brooklyn Entertainment & Sports Law Society (BESLS)
Contact: Andrea Phillips, President
Email: andrea.phillips @brooklaw.edu
BESLS is organized and will be operated exclusively for educational and
legal purposes to promote the following: an increased knowledge of and
greater interest in the relative legal fields of entertainment law;
greater interest in entertainment law and its applications; a means of
communication between persons having an interest in entertainment law.
BESLS will serve students at Brooklyn Law School.
BESLS Homepage
Brooklyn Law Business & Finance Society
Contact: Mark Giugliano, President
Email: blsinvest@brooklaw.edu; mark.giugliano@brooklaw.edu
Formerly the Investment Club, The Brooklyn Law School Business and Finance
Society seeks to foster student's understanding of financial markets,
general economic principles, and current events in the business world. For
students interested in pursuing legal careers in a business or
finance-oriented setting, classes alone may not provide the level of
exposure to the concepts, terminology, and thought processes necessary to
acquire and excel in these careers. Ultimately, the goal of the Business
and Finance Society is to provide that groundwork for its members. In
order to achieve these goals we have weekly educational meetings for
members and we also hold a guest speaker series for the entire BLS
community. This year we have also created a blog to create an open forum
for discussion and sharing interesting articles, news events and comments.
The Business and Finance Society encourages active participation and open
discussion in order to build a firm general business and financial markets
understanding.
Brooklyn Law School Democrats
Contact: Caroline Bishop, Melissa Morris, and Michael Glatzer, Co-Chairs
Email: caroline.bishop@brooklaw.edu; melissa.morris@brooklaw.edu; michael.glatzer@brooklaw.edu
The Brooklyn Law School Democrats are committed to raising awareness of
the effects of politics on law making. During times of political apathy,
it is essential that law students become political activists and leaders.
We encourage students to become politically involved through participation
in campaigns, election-day activities, and campaign training sessions. We
also invite political speakers and organize symposia to bring current
political issues into the legal debate on campuses across the country.
Brooklyn Law School Democrats Blog
Brooklyn Law School Food & Wine Club
Contact: Christopher O'Brien
Email: christopher.obrien@brooklaw.edu
The Brooklyn Law School Food & Wine Club 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.
The club welcomes all students, and strives to be informative and open as opposed to presenting an air of exclusivity. Our events include: a series of wine classes taught by a qualified instructor; casual Saturday lunches at quality NYC food destinations; wine tastings; dinners out at well-regarded NYC restaurants; classes on cheese, beer, spirits, and chocolate; potluck dinners; food-themed parties; and speakers on issues dealing with the nexus of food and wine to law and public policy.
Food and Wine Club Homepage
BLS Intramurals
Contact: Jonathan Antone, President
Email: jonathan.antone@brooklaw.edu
Brooklyn Law School Legal Outreach - Constitutional Law Debate Program
Contact: Rachel Levy & Laura Dillon, Co-Presidents
Email: blslegaloutreach@brooklaw.edu; rachel.levy@brooklaw.edu; laura.dillon@brooklaw.edu
Through Brooklyn Law School Legal Outreach, 1L students supplement their
constitutional law and legal writing courses by coaching local high school
students. In the process of helping the students, coaches read and analyze
important cases that are covered in the Constitutional Law course and
become familiar with briefs by editing and revising those of their
students. Many law firms and attorneys are involved with Legal Outreach
for pro bono. There are many networking opportunities available to Legal
Outreach coaches.
Brooklyn Law School Legal Outreach is dedicated to helping youth from
underserved communities to compete in debates, develop academic and
presentation skills, and pursue a legal education. The high school
students compete in four Legal Outreach debates throughout the year and
law students join judges and attorneys in judging the final competition.
For more information about Legal Outreach, visit www.legaloutreach.org.
Brooklyn Law Students for the Public Interest
Contact: Justin Collins & Sundrop Carter, Co-Presidents
Email: blspi@brooklaw.edu; justin.collins@brooklaw.edu; sundrop.carter@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.
BLSPI Homepage
Brooklyn Real Estate Society
Contact: Eli Klein, President
Email: eliezer.klein@brooklaw.edu
The purpose of the Brooklyn Real Estate Society is to promote and
facilitate knowledge about real estate issues in the practice of law.
Brooklyn Real Estate Society also introduces students to careers in real
estate law and serves as a resource for students concerning issues about
real estate, the law and matters related to both. Additionally, Brooklyn
Real Estate Society fosters and encourages the advancement of classes and
programs having to do with real estate law in Brooklyn Law School.
Brooklyn Real Estate Society serves as a medium for the career development
and enhancement of Brooklyn Law School students interested in careers in
real estate law.
Christian Legal Society
Contact: Roger Yu & Liza Sohn, Co-Chairs
Email: roger.yu@brooklaw.edu, liza.sohn@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. Christian Legal Society Homepage
Civil Legal Advice and Resource Office Student Action Group (CLARO/SAG)
Contact: John Buhta and Natalie Peled, Co-Chairs
Email: CLARO@brooklaw.edu, John.Buhta@brooklaw.edu, Natalie.Peled@brooklaw.edu
Legal Advice and Resource Office Student Action Group 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 also provides Brooklyn Law School students with pro bono
opportunities at the CLARO project. CLARO is a weekly clinic at the Kings
County Civil Court where unrepresented litigants who are being sued for
consumer debt can get free legal advice. Last year, volunteer attorneys
and students assisted over 500 unrepresented litigants. 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 BLS students.
President: Lydia Potter
Email: lydia.potter@brooklaw.edu
Vice President: Melissa Wengroff
Email: melissa.wengroff@brooklaw.edu
Treasurer: Renuka Chintapalli
Email: renuka.chintapalli@brooklaw.edu
Secretary: Melissa Palombo
Email: melissa.palombo@brooklaw.edu
Events Coordinator: Elyssa Feins
Email: elyssa.feins@brooklaw.edu
Corporate and Securities Law Association
Contact: Lydia Potter, President
Email: lydia.potter@brooklaw.edu
As a result of their location in the financial capital of the world, New
York City's most well-renowned law firms have dominant corporate and
securities law practices. In response, the Corporate and Securities Law
Association (CSLA) was formed and is devoted to exposing students to this
integral, yet often overlooked, area of the law. Focusing on both
transactional work and litigation, CSLA will give students an opportunity
to learn from industry lawyers and discuss the realities of their
practice. Specific areas to be covered include, but are not limited to:
corporations, M&A, in-house counsel, capital markets, and structured
financing. Overall, CSLA hopes to provide an important introduction to a
pervasive area of legal practice.
Corporate and Securities Law Association Homepage
Environmental Law Society (ELS)
Contact: Andrew Rafter and Emily Goodman, Co-Chairs
Email: els@brooklaw.edu; andrew.rafter@brooklaw.edu; emily.goodman@brooklaw.edu
The Brooklyn Law School Environmental Law Society was established in the
fall of 2001. The organization 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,
land use and zoning laws. Each year the ELS continues to expand its
membership and increase environmental awareness in the BLS community. The
ELS newsletter, published by BLS students and recognized by the Dean, is
designed to promote progressive debate and discussion of current topics.
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. The ELS interacts with a large network of environmental and
other organizations, and enjoys membership in several important societies
such as the NRDC and Greendrinks International. We offer the opportunity
to all Brooklyn Law Students and faculty to participate in a society whose
focus extends beyond the law school experience into all areas of social
and political life.
Environmental Law Society Homepage
Federalist Society
Contact: Matthew Kenney, President
Email: matthew.kenney@brooklaw.edu
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.
Health Law and Policy Association
Contact: Basil Kim and Shannon Moore-Langston, Co-Chairs
Email: basil.kim@brooklaw.edu; shannon.moore-langston@brooklaw.edu
The Health Law and Policy Association (HLPA) is a student-run, legal specialty 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 working to connect students with faculty and health law professionals, organizing and facilitating events what will raise awareness in the community around health care issues, and connecting students with similar interests and passions in the field of health law.
Hellenic Society
Contact: Kalli Kofinas, President
Email: kalli.kofinas@brooklaw.edu
The Hellenic Society is dedicated to the appreciation and furtherance of
Greek-American participation in the legal profession. It also serves as a
support group for incoming first-year students who share Greek heritage.
Members educate the law school community at large about Greek heritage and
customs.
Intellectual Property Law Association
Contact: Erik Dykema, Presidents
Email: erik.dykema@brooklaw.edu
The IPLA promotes awareness of current issues and opportunities that arise in Intellectual Property and Technology Law. We hold speaking events, roundtable discussions, and engage in alumni outreach. IPLA often works with other student organizations which have missions parallel to our own. IPLA Homepage.
International Law Society
Contact: Max Shterngel & JJ Shepherd Co-Chairs
Email: ils-info@brooklaw.edu; max.shterngel@brooklaw.edu; joseph.shepherd@brooklaw.edu
The International Law Society promotes the awareness, study and
understanding of International law and related issues. We encourage
communication and cooperation between law students and legal professionals
active in international organizations and institutions. We aim to educate
students about the significance of international legal issues and
publicize internships, educational, and career opportunities in this
field. We hold regularly scheduled meetings and host guest speakers and
panel discussions on various issues of international law.
ILS Homepage.
Italian-American Law Students Association
Contact: Louis Imbroto & John Rossi, Co-Presidents
Email: louis.Imbroto@brooklaw.edu; john.rossi@brooklaw.edu
The Italian American Law Students Association sponsors parties in and out of school, sporting events and an annual dinner dance, as well as a speakers program. Its goal is social service and the encouragement of greater participation by Italian-Americans in the legal profession.
Jewish Law Students Association
Contact: Jonathan Senker, President
Email: jonathan.senker@brooklaw.edu
The Jewish Law Students Association 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.
Latin-American Law Students Association (LALSA)
Contact: Jaime Alonso & Chloe Caraballo
Email: jaime.alonso@brooklaw.edu; chloe.caraballo@brooklaw.edu
The goal of the Latin American Law Students Association is to increase the
recruitment, admission and retention of Latin American students at
Brooklyn Law School. Members enhance communication with the Latin American
legal community locally and establish meaningful rapport between this
community and the law school.
LALSA Homepage
Law Students for Veterans Rights
Contact: Elizabeth Towell and Susannah Ashton, Co-Chairs
Email: elizabeth.towell@brooklaw.edu; susannah.ashton@brooklaw.edu
Law Students for Veterans Rights is a new organization on campus devoted
to the representation of veterans throughout the New York City area. We
will create awareness and work to solve the problems veterans returning
from combat face, including inadequate medical care, delays in benefits,
treatment, and rehabilitation for disorders and injuries, homelessness,
unemployment, substance abuse, domestic problems and the overall
reintegration into civilian life. We work in coalition with the following
groups: Iraq War Veterans, LGBT Veterans of New York City, Congressional
Advocacy groups and a clinic of 10 New York City law firms.
Legal Association for Women
Contact: Nicole Donaldson and Laurie Keaten, Co-Chairs
Email: nicole.donaldson@brooklaw.edu; laurie.keaten@brooklaw.edu
Legal Association for Women (LAW) is an organization committed to
mobilizing law students in action concerning issues that affect women and
the law. Some of our 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. LAW Homepage
Muslim Law Students Association
Contact: Zaid Mohiuddin, Vice-President
Email: mlsa@brooklaw.edu; zaid.mohiuddin@brooklaw.edu
The Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA) seeks to increase effective
Muslim participation and representation in the legal field by providing a
supportive atmosphere for incoming and current Muslim students. We aim 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. Through these various forums,
the MLSA hopes to educate the BLS community about Islam, Islamic law and
practices, and the social and legal issues Muslims face in the United
States and abroad, while addressing common misconceptions.
MLSA Homepage
National Lawyers Guild
Contacts: Jessica Spector & Jane Fox
Emails: jessica.spector@brooklaw.edu; jane.fox@brooklaw.edu
The National Lawyers Guild has chapters in law schools throughout the United States, including Brooklyn Law School. The goal of the Guild is to support the efforts of workers, minorities and women. The law school chapter sponsors debates and speakers. In addition, it emphasizes projects in such areas as labor, unemployment, affirmative action and law student organizing.
OutLaws
Contact: Benjamin Riskin and Josefina Colomar, Co-Chairs
Email: benjamin.riskin@brooklaw.edu, josefina.colomar@brooklaw.edu
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.
Phi Delta Phi
Contact: Harper Smith, President/Magister
Email: harper.smith@brooklaw.edu
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. Brooklyn Law School's chapter, Evarts Inn, was founded
in 1907 and reactivated in 2004 after a three year absence. Each local
chapter is required to complete community service projects and organize an
annual school-wide Ethics Week to educate students about the importance of
ethical lawyering. Phi Delta Phi initiates a new class of students every
semester.
Phi Delta Phi National Organization Web Site
South Asian Law Students Association (SALSA)
Contact: Krima Shah, President
Email: salsa@brooklaw.edu
The Brooklyn Law School Chapter of the South Asian Law Students
Association (SALSA) is one of the newest organizations on campus. SALSA's
vision is to serve the cultural, religious, community, social and
professional needs of our South Asian Law Students. The South Asian
Diaspora includes all people who identify their roots as those with people
from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SALSA will
be working with AALSA, BLSA, LALSA and MLSA to create a united community
of color which can address broad issues, while also serving needs more
narrowly tailored to South Asians. 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.
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF)
Contact: Jared Goodman, President
Email: jared.goodman@brooklaw.edu
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.
Student Hurricane Network
Contact: Veniamin Rezavker & Peter Hanink, Co-Presidents
Email: veniamin.rezavker@brooklaw.eduu; peter.hanink@brooklaw.edu
The legal questions and problems facing the individuals and communities throughout the Gulf Coast region are monumental in scale, and will remain for months and years to come. In order to address this need, law students from across the country have formed the Student Hurricane Network (SHN), a national association dedicated to providing assistance to communities affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Brooklyn Law School alone has sent over 100 students to the Gulf Coast since December of 2005. Contact us to learn more about our major projects, including winter and spring break trips, long-distance research projects, and opportunities to educate your local communities.
Tax Law Association
Contact: Michael “Lucky” Coravos
Email: tax@brooklaw.edu, michael.coravos@brooklaw.edu
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 Brooklyn Law students a chance to participate in the Volunteer
Income Tax Assitance program sponsered by the IRS.
Tax Law Association Homepage
Urban Assembly School For Law and Justice Mentoring Program
Contact: Moya O’Connor, President
Email: moya.oconnor@brooklaw.edu
Unemployment Action Center
Contact: Boris Zeldin, President
Email: boris.zeldin@brooklaw.edu
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.
Unemployment Action Center Web Site
Yearbook
Contact: Ashley Kelly
Email: ashley.kelly@brooklaw.edu
Yoga Club
Contact: Lauren Numeroff
Email: lauren.numeroff@brooklaw.edu
In an effort to promote balance and wellness among Brooklyn Law School
students, BLS Yoga Club holds weekly yoga classes in Geraldo's Cafe in
Feil Hall. Classes are instructed by our very own Professor Aliza Kaplan
and open to all levels of yoga students. Classes are scheduled to meet on
Wednesdays at 6pm. Check the student events calendar for updates and
schedule changes.
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