Students.

Student Organizations

Student organizations are an integral part of the School of Law experience. Our diverse clubs, associations, societies, boards and activities provide students an opportunity to contribute time and talent in ways that are both personally and professionally gratifying.

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 planning. 

Student Government

Alternative Dispute Resolution Society (ADR)

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.

President: Clare Smokowski
Vice President: Maura Graham
Treasurer: Christian Soto
Secretary: Victoria Heist

Advisor: Prof. Steven Sugarman

Contact: law-adr@buffalo.edu

American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS)

The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) promotes the vitality of the U.S. Constitution and the fundamental values it expresses: individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, access to justice, democracy, and the rule of law. ACS chapters offer platforms for debate and discussion about both enduring principles and the issues of the day, as well as provide opportunities for networking, mentoring and organizing around matters of both local and national significance. Every year ACS holds a national convention in DC and provides scholarships to members of the student chapters. Past speakers including Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Senator Wendy Davis, and former Attorney General Eric Holder.

President: Matthew O’Hara
Vice President: Amara Mitchell
Treasurer: Marc Gull
Secretary: Sean Tytka
Community Outreach/Social Media Chair: Ron LaPort

Advisor: Prof. Michael Boucai

Contact: law-acs@buffalo.edu
Find us in: Facebook

Asian Law Students Association (ALSA)

The Asian Law Students Association (ALSA) 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. ALSA 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.

President: Asma Bawla
Vice-President: Theresa Lee
Secretary: Rani Patel
Treasurer: Nazmus Sakeeb
Events Coordinator: Alexandra Rosenlund  

Contact: law-alsa@buffalo.edu
Find us in: Instagram

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

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. [Read more]

President: Jéla Paul
Vice President: Ariyana DeWitz
Treasurer: Blessing Ikwunze
Secretary: Tara Lucombe
Parliamentarian: Deja Graham
DEI Representative: Tia Elliston
Pre-Law Director: Favorlyn Kpaka

Advisor: Natalia Marte ‘20

Contact: law-blsa@buffalo.edu
Find us in: Facebook

Buffalo Environmental Law Journal (BELJ)

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]

Editor-in-Chief: Daniel Pszonak
Executive Editor:
 Brittania Smead
Managing Editor: Kara Ryczek
Articles Editors: Bill Christ, Lizzie Hughes, Isabella Jankowski, Andrew Stewart
Submissions Editors: Taylor Phelps, Marc Celotto, Michaela Reisdorf, Chris Wideman

Advisor: Prof. Tara Melish

Contact Us: law-belj@buffalo.edu

Buffalo Health Law Society (BHLS)

The purpose of the Buffalo Health Law Society is to encourage medical students and law students to explore the intersection of medical and legal issues to facilitate interprofessional collaboration and holistic patient care.  The Buffalo Health Law Society will provide opportunities for the entire JSMBS and UB Law student bodies to cultivate an understanding of the synergistic nature of law and medicine and provide tangible examples of how doctors and lawyers can collaborate and use their collective knowledge to advance health justice.

Law School Co-Directors:
Christian Soto and Beatrice Rule
Med. School Co-Directors:
Anna Szombathy and John Kraus

Contact:  law-bhls@buffalo.edu

Buffalo Human Rights Law Review (BHRLR)

The Buffalo Human Rights Law Review (BHRLR) focuses on the interdisciplinary study of human rights, both on the international and domestic fronts. Founded in 1994 as the Buffalo Journal of International Law, the BHRLR was renamed in 1997 to better reflect the journal's projects and relationship to the International Law Concentration and the Buffalo Human Rights Center.

The BHRLR publishes annually in the Spring. Together with the related Buffalo Human Rights Center, The Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy, and the Jessup International Moot Court competition teams, the BHRLR seeks to unite professionals, students, legal practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and cross-disciplinary scholars, and to encourage thereby the development and practical application of human rights law. [Read more]

Editor-in-Chief: Deja R. Graham
Executive Editor: Christian Jonah Soto
Managing Editor: Alexis DiCarlo
Publication Editors: Madeline S. Becker, Ariyana DeWitz, Jodaliza Gloder and Mohamad Naji
Submissions Editors: Ashley Asanjarani, Jéla Paul, Clare Smokowski and Jenna Wojdan

Advisors: Prof. Tara Melish and Prof. Paul Linden-Retek

Contact Us: law-bhrlr@buffalo.edu
Find us in: LinkedIn

Buffalo Law Review

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. [Read more]

Editor-in-Chief: Mathew J. Biondolillo
Executive Editor: Juliette M. Miranda
Head Note & Comment Editor: Victoria S. Heist
Managing Editor: Rachel M. Golden
Business Editor: Claire Hofmeister
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Editor: Racquel Joan Bozzelli
Executive Publication Editors: Davis B. Anderson, Madeline S. Becker, Ciara Donohue, Jordan C. Eaton, Taylor L. Phelps

Advisor: Prof. Anthony O’Rourke

Contact Us: 605 O'Brian Hall, 716-645-2059, law-blr@buffalo.edu

Buffalo Moot Court Board

The Buffalo Moot Court Board is the School of Law's chief moot court organization. The Moot Court Board is dedicated to fostering excellence in appellate advocacy and encouraging the development of practical legal skills such as brief writing and oral argument. [Read more]

President: Haley Case
Vice-President: Elizabeth Hughes
Treasurer: Matt Mitchell
Public Relations Director: Jenna Wojdan
Desmond Competition Co-Chairs: Alex Blanco and Katharyn (Katie ) Bodie
Weschler Competition Chair: Gianella Marciniak

Faculty Adviser: Prof. Lucinda Finley

Contact: 404 O'Brian Hall, law-bmcb@buffalo.edu

Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP)

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. The organization is affiliated with Lawyers for Learning and participates in the Student Bar Association’s Volunteer Service Days. [Read more]

Co-Presidents: Steve Burke and Ron LaPort
Communications Chair: Bailey P. Hughes
Social Chair: Hannah Baker
Service Chairs: Alexis DiCarlo and Marygrace Piskorowski
Fundraising Chair: Jenna Wojdan

Advisors: Lisa Patterson and Elisa Lackey

Contact: law-bpilp@buffalo.edu

Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Law Society (BSELS)

The Buffalo Sports & Entertainment Law Society (BSELS) is a community of law students, alumni, faculty and friends who are interested in sports and entertainment law in all of its many facets. To that end, they have created a student group as well as an online forum to provide a space for publication of articles addressing sports and entertainment law topics, discussion of current issues and most importantly, facilitation of interaction among our growing community of sports and entertainment law enthusiasts.

President: Matthew Duke
Co-Vice Presidents: Shelley Payne and Ian Wojcik
Treasurer: Tia Elliston
Secretary: Jacob Kantor
Marketing and Events Coordinator: Rachel Nuchereno
Outreach Coordinator: Matt Pickard
Social Media Coordinator: Elysa Ponterio
2L Class Representatives: Grant Haffenden and Alexandra Brockhuizen
Co-Alumni Relations: Chaz DeLuca and Maddie Drechsel
Interdisciplinary Coordinator: David Reinharz

Advisor: Prof. Nellie Drew

Contact: law-bsels@buffalo.edu

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI Council)

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.

Chair: Lensa Abdukadir
Vice Chair: Blessing Ikwunze
Treasurer: Theresa Lee

Contact: law-deic@buffalo.edu

Domestic Violence Task Force (DVTF)

The Domestic Violence Task Force strives to raise awareness and educate students, Law School staff and community members about domestic violence through various activities such as panel nights and information dissemination at events. Our organization holds an annual "Dress for What's Next" spring event for survivors of domestic violence. It is a relaxing day for the women filled with shopping, makeup lessons, resume drafting and practice interviews. This empowering day encourages domestic violence survivors to remember their worth and improve their self-esteem.

President: Shelby Majda
Vice President: Hannah Baker
Treasurer: Jahna Mott
Secretary: Grace Vensel
Events Coordinator: Madeline Hoestermann
Outreach Coordinator: Natalie Quevedo

Advisors: Lisa Patterson and Prof. Judith Olin

Contact Us:  law-dvtf@buffalo.edu

First-Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA)

First-Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA) offers support to students who identify as first-generation law students. This includes law students who are the first in their family to attend college or first to attend professional school. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive community for UB Law students who lack access to generational knowledge of the legal field. We aim to facilitate discussions surrounding common questions first-generation students may have through workshops and events designed and led by our fellow FGLSA peers. More than anything, FGLSA aims to show you, a first-generation law student, that there are others who have felt the same things you are feeling and found success in law school. We are a community dedicated to support each other in life and career.

President: Racquel Bozzelli
Vice President:  Ariyana DeWitz
Secretary:  Jéla Paul
Treasurer:  Alexandra Rosenlund
Social Media Director: Andrew Cegielski

Advisor: Shakierah Smith ‘22

Contact: law-fglsa@buffalo.edu

Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS)

The Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS) offers interested law students a forum in which to discuss issues arising in the field of intellectual property law, to learn more about the practice of IP law, and to engage with faculty and attorneys familiar with this specialized field. In addition to organizing both speaking and networking events for law students on campus, IPLS also strives to connect law students with the intellectual property legal community WNY area by promoting off-campus events related to IP. No science or technical background required! IP law encompasses copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets in addition to patents. IPLS is a great opportunity for law students to pursue their interests beyond the classroom and interact with their like-minded students.

President: Ann Marie Jones
Secretary: Jéla Paul
Treasurer: Tia Elliston

Contactlaw-ipls@buffalo.edu

International Law Society (ILS)

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.

President: Blessing Ikwunze
Vice President/Parliamentarian: Christian Soto
Treasurer/Fundraising Coordinator: Braden Pritchard
Events Coordinator: Hannah Baker

Advisors: Prof. Meredith Lewis and Prof. Tara Melish

Contact: law-ils@buffalo.edu

Jessup International Moot Court Board

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.

President: Alec Herbert
Vice President: Jack Weisbeck
Parliamentarian: Christian Soto
Treasurer: Matthew O’Hara
Secretary: Dylan Feliciano
Events Coordinator: Patrick Higgins

Coaches: Matthew Hoffman ’13 and Jon Dominik ‘13
Advisor: Prof. Lucinda Finley

Contact: Room 404 O’Brian, law-jessup@buffalo.edu

Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA)

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.

President: Aliza Berger
Vice-President: Alexis Buckner-Smerina
Secretary: Daniela Hoegerle
Treasurer: David Reinharz

Contact: law-jlsa@buffalo.edu
Find us in: Instagram

Labor and Employment Law Society (LELS)

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.

Co-Directors: Jodaliza Gloder and Haley Case
Secretary: Madeline Stoklosa
Treasurer: Jane Kent
Events Coordinator: Keith Hurley

Contact: law-lels@buffalo.edu

Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA)

The Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) supports a wide variety of members, including but not limited to Latino/a law students. LALSA is committed to the advancement of minorities in the legal profession, especially Latinos. Minority representation in the legal profession has been a social concern for years and the shortage of Latino lawyers continues to be grave. LALSA seeks to create a local network for students of color, a partnership between the legal community and the Latin community, and the academic success of its members. We welcome students of all backgrounds to help create a more diverse forum and to integrate individuals with different perspectives into the conversation. Most importantly, LALSA is dedicated to creating a support group for those who take interest in uplifting diversity initiatives. [Read more]

President: Jodaliza Gloder
Vice President: Glenaida R. Mercado
Secretary: Dylan Feliciano
Treasurer: Nicia Bottini Morales
DEI Chair: Alyssa Carbone
Social Media Chair: Natalia Quevedo De La Espriella

Contact Us: law-lalsa@buffalo.edu
Find us in: Facebook

Law & Business Student Association (LBA)

The Law & Business Student Association (LBA) will provide a platform for scholarship and professional development for law students interested in working at the intersection of law and business issues, whether in corporate law firms, academia, regulatory agencies, and in-house legal departments of corporations. The LBA will seek to achieve this mission by among others, keying into the extant Law and Business offerings of the Law School, particularly the NYC Finance Program and the JD/MBA offering.

President: Ashley Asanjarani
Vice President: Tia Elliston
Secretary: Morgan Bedford
Treasurer: Dylan Feliciano
Events Director: Juliana Cipolla
Publicity Director: Asma Bawla

Contact:  law-lba@buffalo.edu

Law Students with Disabilities and Neurodivergencies (LSDN)

LSDN is dedicated to the education of neurotypical individuals and supporting those who have visible and invisible disabilities. This organization serves to be a safe place to discuss how to be the best student (and lawyer) you can be while managing your neurodivergencies and disabilities. It can be difficult to know when to disclose a disability, or how to disclose. And so, our organization strives to help law students navigate the workforce and classroom by creating a community of both lawyers and students who have both invisible and visible disabilities.

President: Ron LaPort (They/Them)
Vice President: Isabella Jankowski (She/Her)
Treasurer: Nora Colley (She/Her)
Event Coordinator: Stephanie Burke (She/Her)
Social Media Director: Matt Walker (He/Him)

Contact: law-lsdn@buffalo.edu

Military Law and Veterans Association (MLVA)

The Military Law and Veterans Association (MLVA) is a student-led organization that provides a forum for discussion on important military, veteran affairs, and national security issues. MLVA hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guest lectures, workshops, and networking events. These events bring together students, faculty, and military experts to share their perspectives and insights on a wide range of topics. The organization provides students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, network with professionals, and develop their own knowledge and skills.

President: Jonathan Whyte
Vice President: Riley Laese
Treasurer: Tyler Myszka
Parliamentarian: Rani Patel
Events and Fundraising Co-Coordinators:  Sierra Leitten, Sara Paltrowitz, and Bella Bakshi

Faculty Advisor: Prof. David Coombs

Contactlaw-mlva@buffalo.edu

Native and Indigenous Law Student Association (NILSA)

NILSA seeks to support and provide community to all Indigenous law students across Turtle Island and beyond throughout their law school and legal careers. NILSA's primary goal is to provide academic support, professional opportunities, and social events to all Indigenous and allied students, faculty, and staff interested in issues affecting Indigenous communities. NILSA also works to promote law school discussions and study of Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, and traditional forms of governance. NILSA hopes to recruit Indigenous students to UB Law and provide continuous systems of support to those students. 

This student organization is currently dormant.  Any student interested in reviving it should contact the Office of Student Affairs (law-studentlife@buffalo.edu).

OUTLaw

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]

President: Natalia Quevedo de la Espriella (they/them or she/her)
Vice President: Zachary Raber (he/him)
Treasurer: Lindsey Hornung (she/her/they/them)
Secretary: Daniel Kahl (they/he)
DEI Officer: Nicia Bottini Morales (she/they)
Event Planner: Ron LaPort (they/them)
Community Liaison and Social Media Officer: Teresa Cappiello (she/they)

Contact Us: law-outlaw@buffalo.edu

Parents and Law Students (PALS)

Parents and Law Students (PALS) was created to articulate the needs of and provide assistance to parents attending law school.  PALS hosts regular social events with the intent of creating a support network of resources and to foster an environment centered on mental & physical health and educational growth.

President: Glenaida R. Mercado
Secretary: Sydnee Pearson      
Treasurer: Mathew Biondolilo

Contact: law-pals@buffalo.edu

Phi Alpha Delta (PAD)

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.

Justice: Nathaniel Lent
Vice Justice: Josh Levesque
Treasurer: Chris Wideman
Marshall: Hannah Johnston

Contact:  law-pad@buffalo.edu

Student Animal Legal Defense Fund – UB Law Chapter (SALDF)

As a student chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, SALDF's purpose is to educate the law school and surrounding community about forms of institutionalized animal abuse and engage in projects that combat that abuse. SALDF is equally dedicated to protecting the lives and advancing the interest of animals through the legal system and expanding the field of animal law.

Contact: law-saldf@buffalo.edu

President: Olivia Proia
Vice President: Shelby Majda
Treasurer: Sydney Brason

Student Bar Association (SBA)

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.

President: Hannah Johnston
Vice President: John D’Aquino
Treasurers: Giulia Buscaglia and Tyler Myszka
Parliamentarian: Chloe Charles
Events/Fundraising Chair: Emily Gamello

Contact: 205 O'Brian Hall, 716-645-2748, law-sba@buffalo.edu
Find us in: Facebook

Student Wellness Society (SWS)

The Student Wellness Society (SWS) empowers law students to address and conquer issues related to their mental health and well-being by engaging in collaborative discussions and organized events focused on establishing a sound work-life balance.

Via an online forum, we provide students with a safe place to ask, answer, and share experiences on a purely peer-to-peer basis with respect to student’s mental health. In an endeavor to ensure privacy, all postings on the forum will be anonymous so that students may engage in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

SWS is a unique and innovative movement determined to end the stigma and create hope for those affected by mental illness in the University of Buffalo School of Law community.

President: Mackenzie Vergason
Treasurer: Madeline Becker
Events Coordinator: Chloe Combs

Advisor: Vice Dean Bernadette Gargano

Contact: law-sws@buffalo.edu