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The Importance of Student Organizations at Penn Law

Student Life & Activities

Penn Law students engage with a diverse and collaborative community at the Law School and across the University. In addition to participating in informal activities, they join and lead more than 90 student groups that cover a wide array of academic, political, athletic, cultural, and social interests, from environmental law to bioethics to bowling.

Below the photo gallery is a list of Penn Law student groups, with new groups forming periodically based on the interests of current students.

Click any photo below to view a slideshow of student activities
Springtime on the courtyard patio Student Activities Fair in the old Goat lounge Studying in Biddle Law Library Clinic students collaborating
Keedy Cup winners Used book sale to support the Equal Justice Foundation Equal Justice Foundation's Live Auction Journal of Constitutional Law Symposium registration outside Levy Conference Center
Penn Law Bowling Club members Students on Silverman Hall's Grand Staircase Annual pumpkin carving contest Joint Degree and Certificate Fair
Public Interest Retreat LLMs at the annual Pro Bono Recognition event Penn Law's Women's Association dinner Dean Fitts with students at the spring barbeque


Student Activities by Areas of Interest

View an A-Z list of activities

University of Pennsylvania Law Journals

Our journals have each been recognized nationally for their high level of scholarship, integrity, and value to the profession. In addition, students who become members on these journals find that it provides an invaluable experience both in substantive law and skills in research, analysis and expression.


Moot Court & Mock Trial Competitions

In recent years, students have formed their own Moot Court teams and participated in various competitions including the Merna B. Marshall Moot Court Competition (Federal Bar Association, Philadelphia Chapter), the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition (National Black Law Student Association), and the Jessup Cup Competition (Columbia Law School).

The University of Pennsylvania Mock Trial Team invites trial professionals to lecture on trial advocacy and evidence presentations and travels for competitions throughout the country. Most notably, students have competed in and won preliminary round decisions at the prestigious Gourley Mock Trial Competition in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.


Affinity Groups

Our ethnic, cultural and identity groups frequently host conferences and social events, and provide mentoring from upper-level students over the course of the year. Each group continuously strives to increase cultural awareness, education and dialogue among the vastly diverse Penn Law student population.


Conference Only Groups

Conference only groups are not conventional student groups. They are composed of students who meet solely to organize conferences and to raise awareness about specific topics. The Sadie Alexander Conference pays tribute to Sadie Alexander, the first African-American woman to graduate from Penn Law School and allowed to practice law in Pennsylvania. Similarly, the Sparer Public Interest Conference commemorates the life of the late Edward V. Sparer, a Penn Law Professor of Law and Social Policy. Both conferences invite legal scholars, private practice professionals, and public interest advocates to participate in what we are certain will be a series of stimulating dialogues for students and lawyers alike.


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Cross-Disciplinary Groups

Students interested in complimenting their legal education join cross-disciplinary groups that host activities and invite speakers to increase their knowledge of a particular study of law.

  • East Asian Legal Studies Association
  • Entertainment and Sports Law Society
  • Environmental Law Project (ELP)
  • Health Law and Policy Project (HELPP)
  • Health Law Group
  • International Law Organization (ILO)
  • Law and Entrepreneurship Organization
  • Law and the Brain Group
  • Leaders in Education Advocacy & Reform Network (L.E.A.R.N)
  • Legal Education Partnership
  • Penn Intellectual Property Group (PIPG)
  • Penn Law Association for Law in the Arts
  • Penn Law Bioethics Society
  • Penn Law Energy Club
  • Penn Law JD/MBA
  • Penn Law Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship Group
  • Penn Law National Security Society
  • Penn Law Real Estate Club
  • Penn Refugee Awareness Group
  • RegBlog
  • Urban Law Forum

Political

Political groups are heavily involved in local, regional and national politics, elections and campaigns.

  • Penn Law Democrats
  • Penn Law Republicans

Religious

Religious student groups foster the professional and spiritual development of law students through education activities and events.


Social Groups

Social groups improve the entire Law School experience by enabling students to display hidden talents in theatrical performances or educate the University community with cross-cultural activities.

  • Beyond a Reasonable Stout
  • Iron Chef Club
  • Law Revue
  • Law School Light Opera Company
  • Penn Law Wine and Food Club
  • Y'allSA

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Sports

Sports groups improve the entire Law School experience by enabling students to network and play friendly games with their classmates.

  • Civ Throw – Penn Law Ultimate Frisbee
  • Penn Law Basketball League
  • Penn Law Bowling Club
  • Penn Law Boxing Club
  • Penn Law Cycling Club
  • Penn Law Flag Football
  • Penn Law Foosball
  • Penn Law Golf Club
  • Penn Law Ice Hockey
  • Penn Law Soccer Club
  • Penn Law Softball
  • Penn Law Squash Club
  • Penn Law Tennis Club
  • With All Deliberate Speed (The Penn Law Running Club)
  • Yoga Practice at Penn

Special Interest Groups

Special interest groups play a crucial role in educating the Penn Law community on an array of issues. These groups generally focus on advocacy, education, and awareness of specific topics confronting today’s society.


Student Organization and Government

Our student government maintains an active presence in the Penn Law community, representing students' points of view to the faculty and administration.


Student-Run Pro-Bono Projects

In addition to administering the pro bono requirement, the Public Service Program plans special events and acts as a clearinghouse for public interest law at the law school, university, and in the broader community.

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