Student Groups

Accessibility in the Law Student Society (ALSS) is a law student-led organization dedicated to advancing the interests of law students who identify as neurodivergent and/or have a disability (or disabilities) through educational workshops, activism, and volunteer opportunities. ALSS's goal is to facilitate conversations about the needs of law students and legal clients who share these identities and educate the Roger Williams University School of Law community on how to best support and/or effectively engage with this group. By doing so, we aim to build a safe and inclusive school environment where neurodivergent students and/or students with disabilities will feel included, valued, and supported while they pursue their legal education. ALSS organization also promotes informed education on how to better serve and work with those who identify as neurodivergent and/or with a disability(ies). Please join ALSS through education workshops, activism, and volunteer opportunities to promote access to the legal system. For more information reach out to ALSS@g.rwu.edu.

The LGBTQ+ Alliance is an organization dedicated to promoting the interests of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, et al (LGBTQ+) individuals and allies of the RWU School of law community. Throughout the year, the Alliance supports projects in activism, education and volunteer services, as well as inviting guest speakers who address issues of interest to the LGBTQ+ community. In striving for a greater understanding of sexuality and gender issues at the law school and within the affiliated communities, the Alliance aims to address the legal issues associated with sexual and gender diversity and provide resources and support for social activism. For additional information email us at alliance@g.rwu.edu.

"The American Civil Liberties Union is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to upholding and protecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.” Our ACLU student chapter offers students the opportunity to not only learn about the litigation and legislation surrounding the efforts to protect civil liberties, but to actively participate in such in several ways, such as our permanent seat on the Rhode Island ACLU’s executive board, working directly with an ACLU attorney, and conducting policy analysis.

The ACS is a national network for law students, lawyers and legal professionals who want to ensure that fundamental principles of human dignity, individual rights and liberties, genuine equality, and access to justice enjoy their rightful, central place in American law. In other words, if you want to integrate social justice concerns into your legal career and your networking, you have found your group.

The American Indian Law Students Association (AILSA) was established in the Spring of 2020 and was created to promote unity and cooperation among American Indian and allied law students and to provide a basis within RWU SOL to work for the advancement of American Indian and indigenous people in the legal field, and promote learning and knowledge by encouraging students to develop legal scholarship in American Indian and indigenous peoples legal issues. 
For more information please contact  AILSA@g.rwu.edu.

The Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) works to bring greater awareness and a deeper understanding of the political, cultural, historic, and legal roles of Asian Americans. APALSA strives to offer social, professional, and educational opportunities for its members and the entire Law School community.

APIL is a non-partisan student organization whose goal is to raise awareness of legal issues affecting the broader public, especially those segments of the public that may face barriers to justice. APIL facilitates opportunities for students to become involved with the public interest legal community through events such as the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair in October, the Rebellious Lawyering Conference in February, the NYU Public Interest Legal Career Fair in February, the Cover Public Interest Retreat in March, as well as alternative spring break service opportunities. APIL coordinates with other student groups and the Feinstein Institute for Legal Service to provide and promote public interest related events throughout the year and to raise money for public interest summer internship stipends through the annual Public Interest Auction. APIL strives to bring attention to and actively support student-driven and community-based initiatives, such as the Haiti relief effort and the response to the Rhode Island floods of 2010.

Our organization works with the Feinstein Center for Pro Bono and Experiential Education at Roger Williams and law students to further public interest law in Rhode Island and the New England area. We will continue to work as advocates for those in need of assistance.

The RWU Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association is formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of Black law students and effectuate change in the legal community. An affiliate of the National Black Law Students’ Association, the RWU Chapter focuses on sensitizing the legal establishment to the needs of the Black community, promoting the professional needs of Black law students, and assisting in the recruitment, retention, and placement of students of color. BLSA strives to foster and encourage professional competence within our membership through various academic and career workshops, sponsoring special programs such as our annual Winter Solstice and Black History and Community Service events. This organization is open to all law students regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, who support and promote the career development of all underrepresented students in the field of law. For additional information visit www.nblsa.org or email us at rwu@nblsa.org.

The Christian Legal Society (CLS) aims to provide mentors, fellowship and resources which foster spiritual growth, vocational stewardship and academic integrity/excellence in christian students, as well as loving support for our greater law school and local community. Becoming a legal swiss army knife is many things- stressful is one of them. We believe there’s a soothing, “fundamental unity” between law and faith; we hope to hold space for anyone who wants to explore that unity. Folks of any, or no, faith welcome. Come as you are- we can’t wait to meet you!

(They) who look into the perfect law of liberty and continue in it, and are not forgetful hearers but doers of the work, (they) will be blessed in what (they) do.  - James 1:25

The Criminal Law Society (CLS) strives to foster communication and understanding among students about issues in criminal law. Each member is committed to increasing the presence of criminal law at RWU and creating a forum for students to contribute to criminal law scholarship, practice, and policymaking.

Its goal is to provide direction and support for students who may be interested in any of the vast fields that criminal law entails. It does this through speakers, panels, job and networking opportunities, ride-alongs with the police department, and field trips to prisons and trials throughout Rhode Island.

The CLS also collaborates with the Justice Studies program on events to bring practitioners, academics, judges, and policymakers to campus. Additionally, members of the CLS are dedicated to contributing to the well-being of society by performing service projects for the less fortunate.

The Elder Law Society is a non-partisan, student-run organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and awareness of elder law issues affecting students and their families, law professionals, and the public at large through educational programming and events at Roger Williams University School of Law. The Elder Law Society is committed to building a bridge between law students, the local community, and attorneys in the greater New England area for the purpose of professional development.

The Employment and Labor Law Society (ELLS) is a student organization dedicated to promoting a forum for all students interested in the area of employment and labor law. The goal of ELLS is to educate, inform, inspire and provide opportunities to network and hear from attorneys who have practiced in this area.

The Environmental Law Society (ELS) provides students with the opportunity to learn about and engage in discussion regarding environmental and natural resource law. ELS sponsors speakers, including attorneys, with diverse views and backgrounds on many environmental issues and their career experiences. ELS also proudly sponsors community events such as International Coastal Clean-Up Day. Additionally, ELS provides the opportunity for students to attend the annual National Environmental Law Societies conference.

As our society’s definition of family continues to expand, so does the range of issues faced by attorneys specializing in family law. The objective of FLS is to bring awareness to current and emerging legal issues in the area of family law, to provide information to students on the various career possibilities in the field of family law, and to aid students in creating lasting professional contacts. FLS achieves these objectives by hosting a variety of speakers on emerging legal topics, by providing students access to alumni who have pursued careers in the area of family law, and by creating unique opportunities for students to observe legal practice in action.

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 Health Law Society (HLS) is a non-partisan, student-run organization dedicated to promoting knowledge and awareness of health law issues affecting students and their families, law professionals, and the public at large through educational programming and events at Roger Williams University School of Law. HLS is committed to building a bridge between law students, the local community, and attorneys in the greater New England area for the purpose of professional development.

The Intellectual Property Law Association (IPLA) is designed for students interested in the fruits of mental labor commonly referred to as intellectual property.  Broadly, intellectual property mainly focuses on four areas: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.  Students interested in specializing in intellectual property law are strongly encouraged to join but otherwise, the IPLA is open for all students, regardless of their particular career path.  The IPLA recognizes that the legislature and the courts have a difficult time keeping up with technological innovations; as such, intellectual property law is one of the only ever-expanding areas of legal expertise.  Additionally, we strive to inform the student body that because of this expansion, it will be very likely that you will encounter issues down the road relating to intellectual property law.  Our goal is increase our campus’s interest and passion for intellectual property law to match the field’s growth by offering open meetings, guest speaking events, and updates on career opportunities directly and indirectly related to intellectual property law.

The International Law Society (ILS) is an organization of law students dedicated to promoting interest and education in international law at Roger Williams University School of Law. It is the goal of this organization to create a greater awareness among the Roger Williams University community of topics and issues concerning international law, as well to provide a network for students interested in pursuing education and careers in international law. The organization aims to bring together students of different international experiences and backgrounds together to help foster a greater understanding of different cultures among the Law School community. The organization’s interests concern, but are not limited to, areas within international law regarding the United Nations, European Union, immigration, trade, business, maritime law, and constitutional law. ILS shall be a registered chapter of the International Law Students Association.

The Jewish Law Students Association is a student group created for the purpose of providing both Jewish and interested non-Jewish law students the opportunity to celebrate holidays together throughout year, learn more about the Jewish culture and its ties to contemporary law, as well as to provide the aforementioned students with a forum to meet others and have a good time.

The Justinian (Italian - American) Law Society is a student organization affiliated with the Rhode Island Justinian Law Society, a legal organization comprised of attorneys, judges, and law students of Italian ancestry. This is a social, cultural, and educational organization that welcomes all students interested in Italian heritage regardless of background or level of observance.  It seeks to cultivate a pluralistic community to encourage and inspire interests in jurisprudence. It emphasizes the importance of networking to ensure that all law students of Roger Williams University School of Law receive the necessary support to achieve academic and professional success.

The Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) strives to provide academic and social support for all of its Latino and non-Latino members. It does so through various activities and programs. LLSA is committed to increasing the number of Latino Americans in the Law School and in the legal profession, as well as alerting the entire law school community to issues that concern Latinos and other minority groups. LLSA is a committee of the Multicultural Law Students Association.

The ABA is the leading voice of the legal profession in the nation. With more than 413,000 members  (including 51,000+ law student members), the ABA’s activities include providing law school accreditation, continuing legal education for lawyers, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, guidelines on ethics and rules of professional conducts, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public. The ABA also develops programs and publications specifically targeted to help law students succeed in their studies and in building their legal careers. Membership is easy; simply call the ABA Service Center at 800.285.2221 or sign up online.

The Maritime Law Society offers students opportunities to learn about current issues in admiralty and maritime law. MLS sponsors events (speakers, panels, and discussions) that allow students to learn from and network with maritime industry professionals. MLS invites all students to join us and explore an interesting and unique field of law.

The Mental Health Club (MHC) is a student-led organization committed to heightening awareness and fostering stress relief and anxiety management among law students at Roger Williams University School of Law. This is achieved by organizing engaging activities, inviting mental health advocates to campus, and hosting events that provide a space for students to unwind and address their mental well-being.

A student organization dedicated to providing a community to the south asian middle eastern diaspora. We pride ourselves on being able to not only engage with the Middle Eastern South Asian community but also making sure our voices are heard in the legal world. 

We pride ourselves on connecting law students to legal professionals from our community in addition to the greater new england, national and international legal world for professional and academic advancement.

The Military Law Society (MLS) is a non-partisan, student-run organization dedicated to raising visibility of and promoting knowledge and awareness of military and veteran law issues affecting students, law professionals, veterans and members of America’s Armed Forces through educational programming and events at Roger Williams University School of Law.  MLS is committed to building a bridge between law students, veterans, JAG personnel, the local community, those seeking to pursue careers in the military or, and attorneys in the greater New England area for the purpose of professional development.

MCLSA is a student-run organization open to all students interested in multicultural and diversity issues. MCLSA serves as a formal voice for law students of color, offers a supportive academic and social environment for its members, and provides opportunities for its members to work closely with practicing attorneys and other legal professionals. Through the MCLSA members can gain access to several regional and national minority law student organizations.

The RWU Law Student Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild is an association dedicated to the support and defense of economic and social justice, and to progressive change rather than the acceptance of the status quo. We seek to educate ourselves and the community about issues affecting economic and social justice, provide law students with pro bono opportunities in support of these goals, and increase the awareness of the RWU community on issues surrounding economic and social justice. We seek to unite with the lawyers, law students, legal workers and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization which shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that economic and social justice are basic human rights and must be protected and expanded.

For more information, please visit www.nlg.org or email us at rwunlg@gmail.com.

The Negotiation and Mediation Association (Society for Alternative Dispute Resolution) exists to emphasize alternatives to trial, help you develop a critical lawyering skill, and promote the Competition Team’s endeavors through several fun and educational gatherings. Being a part of the Association will minimally: (1) hone your innate skills during our Negotiation Workout, (2) reveal various aspects of alternative dispute resolution, especially through our Mediation Review, and (3) expose you to the Competition Team. Are you ready to help us rise to new heights?

Are OWLS really “older and wiser?” Come find out! OWLS is open to all law students of all ages and backgrounds and is dedicated to supporting the non-traditional student who is pursuing law as a second career, after a lapse in an academic environment, and/or is juggling the challenges of law school with their spouse, children, and/or other loved ones. OWLS promotes involvement in school and community events and hosts relevant forums as well as wholesome and mature events for law students, their families, and loved ones.

Phi Alpha Delta is a student legal fraternity group dedicated to student support and career advancement. The organization provides unique opportunities for introductions to members of the bench and bar. This legal fraternity is one of the largest active networks of attorneys in the world.

The RWU Quahogs is a co-educational softball team that provides students with a much needed break from the stresses of law school. The Quahogs compete in roughly three tournaments a year including a national tournament at the University of Virginia during the spring semester. Carry on the successful tradition of the Quahogs and join the team for the new season!

Sport and Entertainment Law Society (SPENT) is an organization for students with an interest in Sport or Entertainment Law. Our goals include keeping members up-to-date with current sport and entertainment industry happenings, meeting and learning from industry professionals, and sharing a common interest with other RWUSOL students.

SPENT hosts Student/Faculty Jeopardy as well as an annual Halloween party. In addition, expect SPENT to host speakers and events related to the sport or entertainment industry. For example, SPENT hosted a Yankees-Red Sox rivalry event in April 2009. Learning about the industry and keeping up with industry happenings are all a part of SPENT.

If you have an interest in sports or entertainment and how the law might play into these thriving industries, then SPENT is for you!

The SALDF is a student chapter that is affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund and shares its mission to protect the lives of all animals through the legal system. Founded in 1979 by attorneys active in shaping the emerging field of animal law, ALDF has blazed the trail for stronger enforcement of anti-cruelty laws and more humane treatment of animals.

The primary goals of our student chapter are to raise funds and further support local animal shelters. To accomplish these goals, we host numerous fundraisers throughout the fall and spring semesters that collect both supplies and donations for the animal shelters in the area.

Students for Civil Justice (SCJ) is the student chapter of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and its state chapter, the Rhode Island Association for Justice (RIAJ). The mission of SCJ is to connect students with local trial attorneys and to provide students with opportunities for exposure to real world experiences in the legal community. Through our Mentorship Program, members of SCJ have the opportunity to be connected with a mentor who is a practicing trial attorney each semester, and students who participate are often invited by their mentors to observe trials, hearings, and depositions and to assist in their mentors' offices. SCJ seeks to assist its members in building strong connections with local trial lawyers by hosting multiple professional networking events each year, and connecting students to similar events hosted by RIAJ and AAJ.

The objective of the Tax Law and Business Society is to promote and encourage the study of taxation and business topics, and to develop strong relationships and network opportunities with business leaders and tax law professionals.

In the upcoming year, the organization will have a variety of events to provide networking opportunities to with professionals in the diverse fields of business and tax law.

Additionally, we are working towards securing guest speakers and will be presenting workshops for students. In the fall, we will be having one for students about the basics of financial statements, focusing on income statements and balance sheet, and how to read them which will should help those students particularly in classes like Business Organizations.

Our primary service activity is the annual VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program where students are certified to help at the local VITA centers with income tax preparation. This program is approved by the Feinstein Institute to count towards a student’s required public service requirement. Information typically is sent out in November for sign ups for students interested in participating in this program.

The purpose of the Women's Law Society is to reinforce and expand the representation of women at both Roger Williams University School of Law and in the legal profession through scholarship, events, and networking opportunities.

The WLS strives to improve the experiences of women during law school and through to the legal profession. The society's goals are to form a supportive community which believes in the right of equality for all in scholastics, the legal profession, and beyond.

We host several events throughout the year, including Women in Robes during the Fall Semester and the Women in Law Leadership Lecture during the Spring Semester! 

The WLS also has a strong, mentoring relationship with the Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association (RIWBA). The RIWBA opens up their events to our WLS members and the RIWBA often attends the events that WLS hosts. RIWBA event accepts one of our senior students to serve as a student representative on their Executive Board! WLS is proud of our connection with the RIWBA and we look forward to continuing that relationship!