Student Organizations

Many students are involved in more than one organization, and even with a rigorous academic schedule, participation becomes a vital avenue of self-expression and socializing.

To participate in any of the organizations listed below, contact any of the individuals listed below.

Planning an Event: The Office of Student Life Office helps student organizations with event planning. The "Event Date and Notification Form" must be submitted prior to scheduling an event. 

• Student Bar Association (SBA)

Alternative dispute resolution is an increasingly popular form of case resolution in the legal community. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Society concentrates mainly on mediation and provides multiple opportunities for students to become involved with and learn about the mediation process. Each year the ADR Society hosts a Representation in Mediation Competition, which allows students to enhance their skills and provides them with an opportunity to participate in mediation.

The Asian Pacific Allied Law Students Association (APALSA) supports students of Asian descent, facilitates Asian law students’ interaction in the Law School community and provides a forum for discussions on legal issues concerning Asians. APALSA hosts regular academic and social events of Asian interest for its members. The organization also hosts events to provide Asian students with a support network of resources to help and provide significant guidance in acing their career path in the legal fraternity.

The Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is a professional, nationally affiliated organization of black law students dedicated to improving opportunities and diversity in legal education. At the University at Buffalo School of Law chapter of BLSA, our goal is to articulate and promote the educational, professional, political and social needs of our black law students while also giving back to our communities.

The Buffalo Environmental Law Journal publishes high-quality articles that analyze legal environmental issues, including those surrounding climate change, energy, natural resources management, land use and pollution. BELJ publishes articles written by practitioners, professors and students, and is entirely edited by School of Law students. Membership provides an excellent opportunity for students to participate in environmental legal discourse and hone their management, organizational, research and editing skills.
[Read more about the BELJ]

The Buffalo Health Law Society seeks to encourage medical and law students to explore the intersection of medicine and law in order to foster interprofessional collaboration and support holistic patient care. The organization provides opportunities for students across the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and the University at Buffalo School of Law to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between these fields. Through educational programming, networking, and collaborative initiatives, the Buffalo Health Law Society highlights how physicians and attorneys can work together and leverage their collective expertise to advance health justice and improve patient outcomes.

The Buffalo Human Rights Law Review (BHRLR) is a leading academic law journal committed to furthering scholarship on the interdisciplinary study of human rights law. Each year, BHRLR publishes contributions from practitioners, professors, and students from across the country and around the globe. Members of BHRLR gain practice-ready experience in research, writing, and substantive and technical editing, and have the opportunity for their work to be published.
[Read more about the BHRLR]

The Buffalo Law Review, published since 1951, publishes 5 issues per year, with each issue containing articles from scholars, practitioners, and judges. The Law Review also publishes member-written pieces on contemporary legal issues.

The Buffalo Law Review prides itself on maintaining the highest level of integrity and objectivity in its selection process. Admission to the Law Review is open to the entire student body. Every year 28 to 32 new members are selected. Half of the students are selected based on first-year grades, Casenote scores, and a Diversity Statement. Admission for the other half is based solely on a combination of Casenote score and the Diversity Statement. Members may also be added from students transferring to the School of Law based on Casenote score and the Diversity Statement.
[Learn more about the Buffalo Law Review]

The Buffalo Moot Court Board is the School of Law’s premier appellate advocacy organization, dedicated to developing students’ brief writing and oral argument skills. Membership is earned through the annual Charles S. Desmond Moot Court Competition, in which students argue a constitutional law case before attorneys, professors, and judges from across Western New York. [Read more about the BMCB]

The Buffalo Public Interest Law Program raises money to support students who work in the public interest each summer during law school. BPILP also hosts networking events for students to meet public-interest employers from neighboring communities. [Learn more about BPILP]

The Buffalo Sports & Entertainment Law Society (BSELS) is a community of law students, alumni, faculty, and professionals with an interest in sports and entertainment law. Through its student organization and online forum, BSELS provides opportunities for members to publish articles, discuss current issues in the field, and connect with others who share their interests. The organization is dedicated to fostering dialogue, professional development, and collaboration within the growing sports and entertainment law community.

The purpose of the DEI Council shall be to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among law students, as well as transparency within the administration and its procedures at the University at Buffalo School of Law. The DEI Council aims to ensure all diverse law students not only have a presence within the law school community, but to ensure that students truly feel a part of the law school community where their voices are valued and where they can receive the support necessary to succeed.

The First Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA) supports students who are the first in their families to attend college or professional school. Through community building, workshops, and peer led events, FGLSA provides resources, support, and connections to help first generation students navigate law school and succeed professionally.

The International Law Society at the University at Buffalo is a student organization that promotes the study of international law; fosters relationships between students, practitioners, and scholars; and facilitates student awareness in areas of global and legal significance. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, international law will be progressively intertwined in countries' laws. ILS exposes law students to the world of international law and its effects.

The Italian-American Law Students Association (IALSA) seeks to enhance student engagement, celebrate the rich heritage of Italian-American contributions to law, arts, and social progress, while zealously promoting continued excellence in legal studies.

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world's largest moot court competition, with participants from over 550 law schools in more than 80 countries. The Competition is a simulation of a fictional dispute between countries before the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations.

The Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA) exists to provide Jewish educational, cultural, social, and spiritual programs and resources for the students and community of the University at Buffalo School of Law with the goal of creating an awareness of and fostering Jewish life at the law school.

The Labor and Employment Law Society (LELS) is a student-operated organization with additional support coming from staff, as well as alumni of the University at Buffalo School of Law. The goal of LELS is to promote knowledge, interest and awareness in labor and employment law and its relevant subfields through student-run events and meetings.

The Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) promotes diversity and supports the advancement of Latino students and other underrepresented groups in the legal profession. Through networking, mentorship, and community building, LALSA fosters academic success, strengthens connections between the legal and Latin communities, and welcomes students of all backgrounds who are committed to diversity and inclusion.

The Middle Eastern and North African Law Students Association (MENALSA) is dedicated to advocating for the needs and goals of Middle Eastern and North African law students while fostering a culture of professional growth and excellence. The organization serves as a resource for current and prospective students, providing information, support, and community. MENALSA also promotes greater understanding of Middle Eastern and North African cultures through educational programs and initiatives that engage the broader law school community.

OUTLaw promotes a positive atmosphere at Buffalo Law School for LGBT students and their allies. Our primary objective is to educate our colleagues about the legal issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. OUTLaw sponsors activities, panels, social events and service projects that build a network for members and supporters of the LGBT legal community.
[Read more about OUTLaw]

Phi Alpha Delta, the largest professional coed law fraternity in the nation, is open to all students. PAD hosts academic, community service, professional and social events each semester, including its own national mock trial competition. Additional benefits include lifetime membership and a nationwide alumni networking system.

The Student Bar Association is the elected body that represents student interests at the University at Buffalo School of Law. SBA provides information for current students, organizations, alumni and general audiences seeking a glimpse into life at the law school.

Visit the SBA website for guidelines, resources, and handy forms for your student organization.

Women in Law and Allies at the University at Buffalo School of Law is a student organization committed to advancing gender equity and inclusion in the legal field. Through mentorship, education, and community-building, WILA empowers students of all genders to engage with issues affecting women and marginalized groups in law. The organization hosts events, facilitates professional connections, and fosters a supportive environment for dialogue and growth.