STUDENT ACTIVITIESStudent activities at Penn Law cover a wide spectrum of academic interest areas, identity groups, political affiliations, sports, journals, moot court activities, and service organizations. Penn Law student groups provide opportunities for students to work, socialize and play together in groups founded and managed by students. Faculty and administrative support is available upon request, but our emphasis is on students managing student activities. Student groups bring in prominent attorneys speaking on various practice areas and politics. They arrange sports competitions. They provide legal service to the community in areas ranging from unemployment compensation to child custody and support. They field moot court teams at a number of national competitions. Students from various ethnic and racial backgrounds host conferences and social events, and provide mentoring from upper-level students over the course of the year. Our student government maintains an active presence, representing students' points of view to the faculty and administration. In any community as well rounded as ours, a host of interests and activities are represented. The attached list shows the current array of groups here at Penn, with new groups forming periodically, depending on the interest of current students. Below is a list of student activities grouped by areas of interest. To view an A-Z list of activities, click here. Student Activities by Areas of InterestUniversity of Pennsylvania Law JournalsOur 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 CompetitionsIn 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 GroupsOur 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 GroupsConference 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.
Cross-Disciplinary GroupsStudents 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.
PoliticalPolitical groups are heavily involved in local, regional and national politics, elections and campaigns.
ReligiousReligious student groups foster the professional and spiritual development of law students through education activities and events.
Social GroupsSocial 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.
SportsSports groups improve the entire Law School experience by enabling students to network and play friendly games with their classmates.
Special Interest GroupsSpecial 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 GovernmentOur 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 ProjectsIn 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.
Currently Inactive Groups
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