The range of extracurricular activities and student organizations within the University of Wisconsin Law School reflects the diverse and varying interests across the student body. UW Law students are active in many organizations, from professional groups to intramural sports and more. If there isn't an organization that suits your particular needs and interests, we encourage you to start one!
The Law School may provide funding to support educational events or travel for members of student organizations. In the past, the Law School has funded law journal symposia, travel to moot court and mock trial competitions, student pro bono projects, and wellness events. The process for requesting law school funding for student-hosted events or travel is centralized in the J.D. Grants Committee. That committee reviews applications for funding six times each year.
For information, deadlines, and required forms, see the J.D. Grants Committee webpage.
Student Organizations
Student Journals
Moot Court & Mock Trial
Annual Activities
Student Organizations
Student Bar Association (SBA)
The University of Wisconsin Law School Student Bar Association (SBA) is the representative organization for the law school's student body. We represent students in dealing with the faculty and administration. Our goal is to make the law school the best place it can be by providing a number of services and resources for the law students.
American Constitution Society (ACS)
The American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) is a national organization of law students, law professors, practicing lawyers and members of the community. We want to help revitalize and transform legal debate, from law school classrooms to federal courtrooms. The ACS UW-Madison Chapter holds monthly meetings featuring discussions on emerging constitutional issues and how students can use high-impact legal and political strategies to create change for the social good.
Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF)
The Animal Legal Defense Fund-University of Wisconsin Law School (ALDF-UW Law) is dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals through the legal system and providing a forum to educate the legal community about legal and social issues relating to animals.
Antitrust Law Association (ALA)
The ALA’s purpose is to supplement the legal education of its members in a way that the curriculum of the University of Wisconsin Law School cannot provide alone, as well as to educate and increase the number of opportunities for our members in the field of antitrust law.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Law Students Association (APIDALSA)
The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Law Students Association (APIDALSA) provides academic, career and social support to its members by sponsoring activities, working with the Law School faculty and administration, collaborating in efforts of other student organizations, and acting as a forum for addressing concerns of Asian Americans.
Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
The University of Wisconsin Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is a chartered member of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) which exists to serve the educational, social and professional interests of Black law students across the country.
Business & Tax Law Association (BATLAW)
The University of Wisconsin Business & Tax Law Association (BATLAW) promotes and enhances the study and practice of business and tax law. BATLAW also encourages high standards of academic achievement as well as social interaction with other law students, faculty, and the professional community.
Children's Justice Project (CJP)
The Children's Justice Project (CJP) brings together people interested in promoting justice for children and juveniles, including the rights of children and juveniles in the legal, educational, health care, and social services systems. CJP does this through interdisciplinary advocacy and study.
Christian Legal Society (CLS)
The Christian Legal Society (CLS) is a small, informal, interdenominational group of students who meet on a regular basis for bible study, "roundtable" exchanges on various topics, not necessarily Law School related, and most importantly, fellowship.
Environmental Law Society (ELS)
The Environmental Law Society's mission is to provide students with exposure to issues within law, policy, and science related to the study of environmental law and confronting legal professionals in the field.
Fair Sentencing Project (FSP)
The Fair Sentencing Project seeks to achieve meaningful steps towards reforming Wisconsin's sentencing and re-sentencing guidelines to ensure equitable and fair outcomes for vulnerable community members who have been entangled in our criminal legal system. In collaboration with community partners, legislators, and attorneys who care deeply about this issue, we engage directly with stakeholders, elected officials, and impacted community members to achieve our goals.
Federalist Society (FedSoc)
The Federalist Society is a non-partisan conservative and libertarian organization dedicated to freedom, federalism, and judicial restraint. The University of Wisconsin Law School Chapter supports the Federalist Society mission by hosting speakers to participate in panels and debates in an effort to foster a forum for critical analysis of these legal viewpoints, which students may not otherwise be exposed to in the course of their studies.
First Generation Lawyers (FGL)
First Generation Lawyers is a community for first generation law students that offers academic and personal support, networking within the law school and greater law community, and cultivates resources within the law school to support members.
Government Law Society (GovLaw)
The Government Law Society (GovLaw) is committed to providing a connection between students interested in state, local, federal, and tribal government and mentorship, internships, externships, and networking opportunities. Students will be exposed to careers and opportunities with interest groups, businesses, agencies, municipalities, and law firms with an emphasis on state, local, federal, and tribal government.
Health Law Student Association (HLSA)
The Health Law Student Association (HLSA) provides resources, networking opportunities, and a forum to discuss legal issues for students interested in health and public health law. We seek to prepare our members for careers in these fast-growing fields.
Indigenous Law Students Association (ILSA)
The Indigenous Law Students Association (ILSA) is an organization which provides a forum for discussion and dissemination of current Indian Law topics. Anyone with an interest in Indian Law is invited to become a member. ILSA also provides support to its members by maintaining study groups, and assisting with job searches. Through its annual Coming Together of the Peoples Conference, ILSA provides ongoing outreach to the U.W. community and the legal community at large.
International Students of Law Organization (ISLO)
It shall be the purpose of the International Students of Law Organization (ISLO) to promote diversity and provide assistance to International Student L.LM, J.D, Professional Studies Students at the Law School of University of Wisconsin-Madison. This organization aims to create a supportive and inclusive community for international students studying law.
JD Student Military & Veterans Club (MVC)
The JD Student Military & Veterans Club (MVC) seeks to provide information and support to Wisconsin Law School students who have served in the United States Armed Forces, wish to serve, or are interested in learning more about military opportunities in the law.
Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA)
The Jewish Law Students Association (JLSA) works to maintain a social, cultural and religious Jewish presence at the University of Wisconsin Law School. JLSA membership and activities are open to all law students. Our activities include lectures, community service projects, networking events, holiday observances, fundraisers and social outings.
La Alianza
La Alianza (previously LLSA) provides an atmosphere of cooperation, innovation, creativeness among its members; participates in public service designed to assist Latinos and the community at large; works to increase the number of Latinos at the UW Law School; and encourages the participation of Latino alumni in order to develop and remain responsive to the social, political and academic needs of the Latino community.
Labor & Employment Student Association (LESA)
The Labor & Employment Student Association (LESA) is an organization meant to help those interested in a career in labor and/or employment law. The organization strives to accomplish this through guest speakers and hands on legal work through local law firms and community organizations that deal with labor and employment issues.
Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA)
The Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA) seeks to promote greater understanding of Middle Eastern cultures, politics and legal institutions. The group is designed to serve as a discussion forum for students of Middle Eastern descent as well as those interested in the region to exchange ideas and opinions. MELSA hosts a variety of educational events including, colloquia, political discussions, and documentary and other films highlighting the social and political dynamics of the Middle East. MELSA also hosts a number of social outings including dinners and parties featuring Middle Eastern cuisine and music. The group welcomes anyone with an interest in the Middle East to join.
Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA)
The Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA) is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a supportive community for Muslim law students. MLSA aims to provide professional, spiritual, and other resources to support to its members.
National Lawyers Guild (NLG-UW) & Socialist Law Students of Wisconsin
The National Lawyers Guild (NLG-UW) is an association dedicated to the need for basic change in the structure of our political and economic system. We seek to unite the lawyers, law students, legal workers and jailhouse lawyers of America in an organization that shall function as an effective political and social force in the service of the people, to the end that human rights shall be regarded as more sacred than property interests.
NLG-UW merged with Socialist Law Students of Wisconsin. The Socialist Law Students of Wisconsin (SocLaw) is a student organization dedicated to developing the knowledge, skills, and ethics of future movement lawyers. We advocate for socioeconomic justice in and outside of the law school, encourage socialist thought and practice in the public interest legal community, and provide a platform for open and friendly discussion of leftist politics.
Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF)
The Wisconsin Public Interest Law Foundation, Inc. (PILF) is dedicated to working with students on issues pertaining to public interest law. PILF puts on various events pertaining to public interest issues, such as community panels, guest speakers, and faculty lunches. PILF is also involved within the community through various service events and actively raises money to support law students who are pursuing unpaid summer work in public interest law. PILF raises money by co-hosting the annual Jackie Macaulay Auction with Women's Law Student Association.
QLaw (Queer Law Students Association)
QLaw is a student organization dedicated to serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, ace (LGBTQIA+) community and allies at the University of Wisconsin Law School. We strive to make the Law School a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ students and allies, through collaboration with Law School administration and other student organizations. We facilitate discussion of LGBTQIA+ legal issues and host social events to foster community among our membership. We send QLaw members to national networking events and provide resources to support our members’ academic success.
Real Estate and Securities Investment Law Society (RESI)
The Real Estate and Securities Investment Law Society (RESI) hosts educational and networking events for University of Wisconsin Law School students to promote a better understanding of real estate and securities investment law. Our purpose is to build a bridge between law students and professionals who can offer academic and career advice in the real estate and securities law sectors.
Run Club at Wisconsin Law
Run Club at Wisconsin Law provides a healthy social activity which seeks to improve members' physical and mental health. Members will run together primarily on Lakeshore path, enter local races and compete, and will be provided with a community to foster learning methods and tips on how to effectively run and improve one's running.
Socratic Society
The Socratic Society is a reading group for UW Law School students interested in legal theory and legal history. We meet regularly during the fall and spring semesters to discuss selected provocations from legal academia and other disciplines, literary fiction, theatre, film, and more.
Sports & Entertainment Law Society (SELS)
The Sports & Entertainment Law Society (SELS) is an organization that programs panels, events, and educational and networking opportunities in order to promote a better understanding of sports and entertainment law by students at the University of Wisconsin Law School. This society seeks to build a bridge between University of Wisconsin Law Students and others who can offer academic and career advice in the Sports and Entertainment Law sectors.
Steps & Balances Society
The Steps & Balances Society is a student organization dedicated to building a supportive community for those who enjoy walking. Through regular group walks on scenic campus trails, we provide a consistent opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and prioritize well-being. Our mission is to promote self-care, encourage meaningful study breaks, and foster a balanced student experience through the simple act of walking together.
St. Thomas More Society (STMS)
The St. Thomas More Society (STMS) is a student group focused on incorporating Catholic identity into the legal profession. The purpose of STMS is to promote faith and fellowship among students who desire to learn more about how Catholicism operates in both their personal and professional lives.
Students for Accessibility, Disability, and Accommodation (ADA)
The Students for Accessibility, Disability, and Accommodation (f/k/a Law Students with Disabilities Coalition) is a platform, advocacy group, and community for disabled law students that aims to make the law school a more supportive, inclusive space through providing a safe space for peer discussion, bringing concerns to, and working with administration, as well as raising awareness of issues affecting disabled law students and lawyers.
Learn more about the Students for Accessibility, Disability, and Accommodation »
Technology and Intellectual Property Student Organization (TIPSO)
TIPSO provides a forum for law students to learn about the study and practice of intellectual property and technology law. TIPSO strives to connect students with opportunities to engage in intellectual property or technology-related legal careers, resources, and networking events.
Trusts and Estate Planning Society (TEPS)
Trusts and Estate Planning Society (TEPS) provides a forum for law students to engage in dialogue about the needs of individuals and the industry as it relates to trusts and estate planning and to elder law. TEPS connects law students to attorneys and professional organizations focused on elder law and estate planning.
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)
The Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) is committed to promoting the proper administration of criminal justice, fostering and maintaining integrity, independence and expertise of criminal defense lawyers, and promoting the protection of individual rights and due process. We are affiliated with the professional chapter and provide a a mentorship program with criminal defense attorneys in the Madison community.
Wisconsin International Law Society (WILS)
Wisconsin International Law Society (WILS) promotes awareness of global events, understanding of diverse legal cultures, and the development of international law. WILS connects members with scholars in international law, advocates for academic development in the field, and offers guidance on career paths in the fields of public and private international law.
Women's Law Student Association (WLSA)
The Women’s Law Student Association (WLSA) promotes the advancement of women and non-binary people in the legal profession. WLSA sponsors panel discussions and lunch lectures on Women's issues, social events, and professional development opportunities. WLSA also co-hosts the annual Jackie Macaulay Auction with the Wisconsin Public Interest Law Foundation.
Journals
Three student journals provide invaluable training in legal research and writing.
Wisconsin Law Review
The Wisconsin Law Review is a student-run journal of legal analysis and commentary that is used by professors, judges, practitioners, and others researching contemporary legal topics. The Law Review, which is published six times each year, includes professional and student articles, with content spanning local, state, national, and international topics. In addition to publishing the journal, the Law Review sponsors an annual symposium at which leading scholars debate a significant issue in contemporary law. Students earn membership on the Law Review through a writing competition at the end of their first year.
Wisconsin International Law Journal
Established in 1982, the Wisconsin International Law Journal is written by both professionals in the field and by law students. The student-edited journal offers articles of scholarly and practical interest in various areas of international law. Student members of the journal edit articles of scholarly and practical interest in various areas of international law and draft articles for submission and possible publication. Each spring, the Journal staff coordinates a conference on recent topics of interest in international law.
Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society
Open to all students, the Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society is a student-edited journal, national in scope, which publishes contributions from students, teachers, and practitioners. Established in 1985, this journal publishes contributions from faculty, students, and practitioners on a wide-range of legal topics. Its focus is on scholarship that examines the intersection of law and gender with issues of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.
View all of the Law School Publications »
Moot Court & Mock Trial Programs
Moot court and mock trial competitions at the University of Wisconsin Law School provide outstanding opportunities for students to gain experience with brief writing and oral advocacy. Students learn practical skills and work as a team to present their case.
Moot Court Program
The Moot Court Program is a mock appellate advocacy program. First-year students are selected for moot court through competitive tryouts in the spring of their first year. The Moot Court Board organizes, promotes, and supports the intramural and intercollegiate moot court competitions, and annually sends dozens of UW law students to competitions at law schools across the country.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to try a lawsuit in regional and national competitions against teams from other law schools. The teams are coached by experienced litigators from the Law School and practicing bar.
Wisconsin International Commercial Arbitration (ICA) Moot Team
The Wisconsin International Commercial Arbitration (ICA) fosters the study of international commercial law and arbitration to resolve international business disputes. The group recruits, trains, and prepares participants for two annual competitions, one in Vienna, Austria and another in Hong Kong, China.
Inter American Human Rights (IAMoot) Moot Team
This unique trilingual competition in Washington, DC, draws law students from all over the world to argue a human rights case, based on the American Convention on Human Rights, before a panel of internationally renowned experts playing the part of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The competition offers participants an excellent networking opportunity, scholarships for further human rights study, and the top teams secure internships in the Inter-American human rights system.
Learn more about Inter American Human Rights (IAMoot) Moot Team »
Annual Activities
Cane Toss
Each Homecoming, tens of thousands of Badger football fans watch in mystified amusement as a herd of third year law students rush across the football field wearing bowler hats and carrying canes. The mystery deepens when the group reaches the north goalposts and the canes are thrown into the air. Tradition holds that if they catch their canes, they will win their first cases.
LEO Banquet
Each year our current students, faculty and alums from across the country gather for the LEO Banquet to celebrate its successes and reaffirm the commitment to maintaining one of the most interesting and dynamic learning environments in the country.
QLaw GALA
The Law School community is invited each spring to join QLaw for Gayla: a night of inclusion to celebrate and spotlight the work of LGBTQIA+ legal advocates and present the Queer Lawyer of the Year Award.
The Dean's Cup
The University of Wisconsin Dean's Cup is an annual competition between the students of the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Law School. The purpose of the competition is to foster camaraderie between the two schools and to give back to the community through local charities.
Dean's Cup events span the spectrum of competition, from basketball, golf and ultimate, to euchre, chess and "bar trivia." More importantly, the schools compete in a food drive supporting the Salvation Army, a blood drive through the American Red Cross, and T-shirt sales, proceeds from which are donated to the Dane County Rape Crisis Center, and the Ronald McDonald House of Madison.
The Jackie Macaulay Auction
Each year the Wisconsin Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) and the Women’s Law Student Association (WLSA) host the Jackie Macaulay Auction to raise funds for scholarships for UW-Madison law students committed to women’s issues or public interest work.
See our calendar for upcoming events and activities »
Other Student Activities
American Inns of Court
The James E. Doyle American Inn of Court, which meets in Madison, is comprised of judges, lawyers, law professors, and law students who meet approximately once a month. Inn programs provide creative, practical, interactive instruction in all areas of legal practice, particularly litigation. A dinner following the program provides a collegial atmosphere that encourages networking between all members, mentoring and skills development, and the exchange of concepts, ideas and techniques. If you are interested in becoming a student member of the James E. Doyle American Inn of Court, contact Professor Mitch.
Pro Bono Program
The Pro Bono Program provides students with opportunities to deliver law-related services to community members of limited financial means. In keeping with the law school's law-in-action tradition, students develop legal and professional skills, gain practical, hands-on experience in real work environments and explore their ethical responsibility to provide pro bono service.
