Student organizations are a great way for students to serve the law school and the Cleveland community, grow personally and professionally, and network with attorneys and other persons who provide legal services. Every year our student organizations change depending upon the interest level of our students; some grow, some become inactive, and new organizations develop. The faculty and staff are here to help organizations thrive and achieve their missions.
For more information about our student organizations current students can review VikesConnect. You may also contact one of our Student Services team members: Allison Bolt (a.boltnull@csuohio.nulledu), Jill Natran (j.m.natrannull@csuohio.nulledu) or Konrad Hodgman (k.hodgmannull@csuohio.nulledu).
American Constitution Society
ACS is the nation’s foremost progressive legal organization, with a diverse nationwide network including 200 chapters, and progressive lawyers, students, judges, scholars, elected officials, and advocates.
Mission: To advocate for laws and legal systems that redress the founding failures of our Constitution, strengthen our democratic legitimacy, uphold the rule of law, and realize the promise of equality for all, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other historically excluded communities.
Vision: A multi-racial, representative democracy that includes: A judiciary that reflects the diversity of the public it serves, vindicates fundamental freedoms, protects democratic guardrails, upholds the rule of law, and interprets the Constitution through history and lived experience; Democratic institutions that advance equity and justice, uphold the law, and guard against abuse of power; A robust and diverse legal civil society that promotes progressive legal transformation and redresses the failures of our Constitution.
co-President - maeve walsh, m.walsh11null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
co-President - lila robinson, l.robinson48null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - mark bank, m.bank70null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - victoria szep, v.szepnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Arab Law Student Association
The Arab Law Student Association is an organization based in CSU College of Law to foster the growth and development of Arab law students by providing a community, network, and resources that help them to succeed.
President - zana rida, z.ridanull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - lana kanawati, l.kanawatinull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - samuel attea, s.atteanull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - olivia ibrahim, s.o.ibrahimnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Black Law Student Association (BLSA)
The Cleveland State University College of Law Black Law Students Association (BLSA) is a dynamic, student-led organization committed to supporting and empowering Black law students academically, professionally, and socially. As a chapter of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), CSU BLSA fosters a strong community through mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational programming aimed at promoting diversity and equity within the legal profession. BLSA advocates for the needs of Black students, hosts events highlighting racial and social justice, and collaborates with local firms, judges, and alumni to provide career development resources. Through its commitment to service and excellence, BLSA also engages in outreach initiatives that uplift underserved communities in Cleveland and beyond. Whether through bar exam prep sessions, mock interviews, or speaker panels with prominent legal professionals, BLSA is dedicated to shaping future leaders who are not only skilled advocates but also champions for justice and change in the legal system.
President - Jad Oglesby, j.oglesbynull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - zynell Perkins, z.perkinsnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - ivan conard, i.conardnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
corresponding Secretary - Leo Morgan, l.l.morgannull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
recording secretary - ayo olusanya, a.olusanyanull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
parliamentarian - joshua brown, j.a.brown32null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Historian - Taylor Bush, t.l.bush46null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Catholic lawyers guild
We are a community of Catholic law students who partner with the professional Cleveland Catholic Lawyers Guild. Our goal is connect students with each other and with the larger Cleveland Catholic legal community.
President - hannah nussle, 2909243null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - kevin cook, 2912785null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - logan kijweski, 2910262null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - cael shaw, 2788467null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Cleveland State Law Review
The Cleveland State Law Review, originally founded in 1952 as the Cleveland-Marshall Law Review, is a student-run organization whose primary purposes are to publish a high-quality journal of legal scholarship and to promote academic excellence in the law school community. The Law Review publishes four issues annually, containing the scholarly works of legal academics, judges, practitioners, and students. Email this organization.
Editor-in-chief - Dina usanovic, d.usanovicnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Development Editor - Lucy Greaney, l.greaneynull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Team
The Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Team builds and enhances the skills of students by developing a strong courtroom presence and knowledge of the trial process as they prepare for participation in the regional competition. The team participates in a course that begins in the fall semester. We engage in simulated trial preparation and experiences where we engage in factual and legal research, practice writing motions, develop their analytical skills, apply the rules of evidence as well as rules of civil or criminal procedure, learn about the teamwork necessary for success at trial, and how to form and execute trial strategies. In the spring semester, students finish preparing and go off to compete! In the 2023 competition, we placed THIRD in the nation! Reach out and check us out!
Cyberlaw Society
This is a scholarly organization within Cleveland State University's College of Law, dealing with all things in the world of Cybersecurity. This organization's purpose is to promote the protection of data privacy rights and cybersecurity, explore the regulation of emerging technologies, and educate the public on best practices for protecting personal information and maintaining secure systems and networks.
Entertainment & Sports Law Association (ESLA)
ESLA provides law students with behind-the-scenes knowledge, networking opportunities, and avenues for competition in the fields of entertainment and sports law. We host CM Law's annual Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium, bringing prominent sports and entertainment attorneys from across the country to campus to discuss the most pressing issues. We also host CM Law's golf outing, participate in International Arbitration and Negotiation Competitions, host a free speaker series with local industry leaders, and more.
President - audrey mcConihe, a.mcconihenull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - gordon myer, g.myernull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - john brancel, j.brancelnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - joseph dempsey, j.dempsey66null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Entrepreneurial Law Organization (ELO)
The Entrepreneurial Law Organization (ELO) supports students interested in startups and business law by providing valuable networking opportunities and hosting speaker events with successful entrepreneurs and attorneys who specialize in startup and entrepreneurial ventures. ELO connects students with professionals in the field, features guest speakers who share insights on launching and growing ventures, and shares resources to help students navigate and support entrepreneurial endeavors. Members gain real-world insight and develop a client-focused, practical, and business-minded approach to legal practice.
President - scott brown, s.e.brownnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - brock c. jones, b.jones48null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - John ohliger, j.t.ohligernull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - nathaniel ponsart, n.ponsartnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Environmental Law Society
The Environmental Law Society is a student-run organization which seeks to educate law students on environmental law and policy issues, help students explore the many diverse career opportunities available in the field of environmental law, and take action to help improve environmental quality in our community. We are broadly interested in all things environmental law, including traditional environmental and natural resources management in the legal sphere, as well as land use, agriculture, energy, and more.
Federal Bar Association Student Chapter
The organization is dedicated to introducing law students to the Federal Practice and supporting the Federal Bar Association mission of strengthening the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of law students, federal practitioners, both public and private, the federal judiciary, and the public. It will do this by promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of future attorneys who desire to practice in the federal system or have an interest in federal law. The organization further provides opportunities to interact with the local chapter of the national Federal Bar Association including mentorship opportunities, learning experiences, and community service opportunities.
federalist society
The Cleveland State University Federalist Society is a group of conservative and libertarian law students. This organization is for all people to come together and participate in an open discussion about the issues facing the world and this country today. The Society stands for three main principles: The state exists to preserve freedom; the separation of powers is central to our Constitution; and it is the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. We host speakers and debates around these principles, discussing individual freedoms, limited government, and judicial restraint. We provide a wide range of programs open to our members and the Cleveland State University community, including speakers, debates, social events, and trip opportunities around the country to learn and network with other individuals preparing to enter the legal field and those already practicing. Membership is open to all and we hope that you come and share your voice.
Email this organization at fedsoc.csuohionull@gmail.nullcom
President - maxwell wittman
Vice President - zackory langin
Treasurer - Ian Duncan
Secretary - Jonathan albright
First Generation Lawyers Organization (FGLO)
First-Generation law students face a unique set of challenges transitioning to law school and finding academic and professional success. FGLO is an organization dedicated to providing mentorship, networking, support for mental health and wellness, and other resources to First-Generation law students to promote success while in law school and after graduation. A First-Generation law student is a student who is the first in their immediate family to attend law school and/or college. Email this organization.
The Gavel
CSU|LAW’s student newspaper The Gavel has been in publication since 1953 and has twice won the American Bar Association's Newspaper Award for best law school newspaper in the country—most recently in 2023. The Gavel is committed to voicing all members of the CSU|LAW community and printing compelling stories. Email this organization.
co-editor - luis tobar, l.tobarnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
co-editor - eric fogle, e.fogle14null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
co-editor - Joshua Brown
Global Business Law Review
The Global Business Law Review provides an innovative platform for scholars and practitioners to explore novel and transformational issues in the field of international business law. At the end of their first year, students may be invited to join the GBLR by either ranking in the top fifteen percent of their class or by successfully competing in the annual Summer Writing Competition.
The GBLR publishes volumes in the Fall and the Spring, and each year, the GBLR sponsors a Symposium that addresses the most significant legal issues in international business. Email this organization here.
Health Law Society
Affiliated with the American Health Lawyer's Association, the Health Law Society aims to connect students to the broader legal world of health law. It is dedicated to raising the visibility of health law issues at CSU College of Law. The organization seeks to expose students to different legal career options within the healthcare industry and to provide a community service and social outlet for its membership. The Society pursues this goal by bringing academics and practitioners to CSU|LAW to discuss these issues with students through panel discussions, symposia, or more informal events.
Housing Impact Project
Housing should be an unalienable right for all human beings, not a privilege; yet, affordable, safe housing is only available to those who can pay the price - which is consistently on the rise. HIP is dedicated to the destigmatization and decriminalization of systemic homelessness by mobilizing CSU students to advocate for members of the Cleveland community that are currently unhoused or that are at-risk of becoming unhoused. We seek to listen to and learn from our members in the community who are/have been unhoused and all that they have endured in order to best understand the support needed to push the needle forward in ending the housing crisis.
Co-President - dawlat alexander, d.alexander39null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
co-President - katherine ingleright, k.inglerightnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - andrew phan, a.phan18null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - clayton bohnet, j.c.bohnetnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
If/When/How is a national nonprofit network of law students, professors, and legal professionals committed to fostering the next wave of legal experts for the reproductive justice movement. We strive to transform the law and policy landscape through advocacy, support, and organizing so all people have the power to determine if, when, and how to define, create, and sustain families with dignity and to actualize sexual and reproductive wellbeing on their own terms. We envision a transformation of the legal systems and institutions that perpetuate oppression into structures that realize justice, and a future when all people can self-determine their reproductive lives free from discrimination, coercion, or violence. Email this organization.
Intellectual Property and Technology Association ("IPTA")
The Intellectual Property and Technology Association's (“IPTA”) purpose is to provide the law school community with opportunities to learn about and pursue interests in Intellectual Property. IPTA’s general meetings touch on Patent Law, Copyright Law, Trademark Law, and Cybersecurity & Privacy Law through both academic and social events. Connecting students to renowned Intellectual Property practitioners is a primary focus of the organization through networking events and hosting guest speakers. Members also have the opportunity to part-take in national and regional level competitions.
Jewish law student association
JLSA aims to foster a sense of community among Jewish students and those interested in Jewish culture and traditions. The JSLA seeks to provide a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development, through guest speakers and by organizing events that focus on topics at the intersection of Judaism and the legal profession. Additionally, it serves as a resource for educational and cultural programs, promoting understanding and discussion of Jewish legal perspectives and ethical issues.
journal of law and health
The Journal of Law and Health is a student-run publication. Students are selected for membership on the basis of academic achievement and writing skills. Students solicit articles, judge article quality, and select manuscripts for publication. Selected manuscripts are edited by students. Students accept responsibility for the originality, accuracy, and quality of the published articles. Email this organization.
editor-in-chief - holly lloyd
latino Law Student Association
The purpose of the organization shall be The Latino Law Students Association is dedicated to the
advancement of Latinos within the legal profession. The organization provides a support network for
all Latino law students. It seeks to establish and maintain mutual cooperation with the larger Latino
legal community. Email this organization.
Law Student Accessibility Alliance
Our goal is to promote the representation of individuals with disabilities in the legal field while bringing awareness of disability law related issues to our peers. This group is meant to be a constructive support/safe space for any student with a disability or those who consider themselves an ally.
Mock Trial Team
Mock Trial is designed to promote professionalism in the litigation arena in both the preparation and trying of cases. The course consists of preparing for and participating in mock trial competitions, held in November and March. Open to second, third, and fourth year students. Email this organization.
Captain - Victoria r. Szep, v.szepnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Moot Court Team
The Cleveland State University College of Law Moot Court Team is a co-curricular activity which simulates appellate-level proceedings. Our members participate in competitions around the country, competing against teams from various other law schools. Moot Court competitions involve the drafting and presenting of complex legal arguments in the form of a written brief and an oral argument. Briefs are typically drafted over a multi-week period prior to the start of a competition while the competition itself usually focuses on the presentation of oral arguments. Our teams compete for titles such as Best Brief and Best Oralist, and frequently finish amongst the top teams in competitions.
Chairperson - serena sammarone, s.sammaronenull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice Chair - anna egensperger, a.egenspergernull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice Chair - annaliese nunes, a.nunes19null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
National Association for Public Defense
Public Defenders face a completely different set of challenges than private criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors. The case loads are often much higher, and offices often lack resources which are available to other attorneys. This can cause many attorneys to “burn out” and leave the profession, exacerbating the crisis in indigent defense by depriving the field of much needed enthusiasm and numbers. Many students enter law school wanting to explore a career in indigent defense but are perhaps unaware or have little exposure to these challenges and are often taken by surprise when they enter the workplace. By providing a space for students interested in indigent defense to organize and learn, we hope to grow the number of students interested in public defense and connect them with meaningful opportunities to learn and hone skills necessary to be successful in a clerkship, externship, internship, and eventually a job.
National lawyers guild
The National Lawyers Guild is a progressive public interest association of lawyers, law students, paralegals, jailhouse lawyers, law collective members, and other activist legal workers, in the United States. The group was founded in 1937 as an alternative to the American Bar Association (ABA) in protest of that organization's then exclusionary membership practices and conservative political orientation. They were the first predominantly white US bar association to allow the admission of minorities to their ranks. The group sought to bring more lawyers closer to the labor movement and progressive political activities, to support and encourage lawyers otherwise "isolated and discouraged", and to help create a "united front" against fascism. Email this organization.
President - sam santavicca, s.santaviccanull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - emma prusha, e.prushanull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - sean yeats, s.yeatsnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - bri king, b.l.kingnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Non-Traditional law student association
Non-traditional students, a group that includes part-time students working through school, "second-career" students, older students, parenting students and first-generation law students, face all the same obligations of traditional law students as well as additional sets of burdens and challenges that come with the responsibilities of life outside of law school. We at NTLSA want to provide support, networking opportunities, and a forum to address the unique concerns of this section of the student population.
OUTLaw
OUTLaw is a social and political student organization dedicated to serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community at the Cleveland State University School of Law. We sponsor speakers, events, and panel discussions on legal issues that affect the LGBTQ+ communities. In addition, OUTLaw provides a forum for social and professional interaction by hosting social events for CSU Law students. OUTLaw's mission is to provide a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ law students and faculty, and a voice for issues that are specific to the LGBTQ+ community both within the law school and the greater legal community. We welcome all LGBTQ+ students and straight allies to join our email list, and to become a part of OUTLaw. Email this organization.
Phi Alpha Delta
Phi Alpha Delta is the world’s preeminent law fraternity because of our dedication to service: service to the student, the school, the profession, and the community.
It is through devotion to the ideals of compassion, courage, diversity, innovation, integrity, professionalism, and service that we better both our profession and our community. Through accepting our differences we become not just a law fraternity, but a family.
SPace law society
The Cleveland State University College of Law Space Law Society is a student organization that supports the Global Space Law Center and aims to offer events and programs for students interested in space law, and/or who are planning to pursue a career in space law or policy. Through these programs and events, the organization provides an educational foundation of space law that will prepare students to explore their interest in the field and take their first steps toward the study of space law. Email this organization here.
Student animal legal defense fund
The Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter is a law student organization affiliated with the Animal Legal Defense Fund that share its mission to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Student ALDF chapters are a vital part of the growing animal law movement as forums for education and scholarship exploring the impact the law has on animals. Student chapters are in a unique position to be influential advocates for changing the law to better protect animals. CSU|Law's chapter functions under the David H. Braff Animal Law Center.
Student Bar Association (SBA)
The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the governing body responsible for representing the interests of the Student Body of CSU College of Law. The SBA is in charge of allocating funds to recognized students organizations and promotes and hosts programs, activities and opportunities for the Student Body. Additionally, SBA acts as a conduit between the CSULaw and CSU administrations and the CSULaw Student Body. Email this organization.
President - charles volz, c.volznull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - dhara patel, d.patel129null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - joseph dempsey, j.dempsey66null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - morgan malone, m.a.malone33null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Director of Development - emma prusha, e.prushanull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Student parent alliance
Law student parents face enormous difficulties--from time constraints, to financial hardships, to the unpredictability of raising a child that can make it difficult to plan ahead. The Student Parent Alliance is devoted to supporting student parents by 1) building community among student parents and non-parents, offering each other helpful resources as well as moral support, and 2) advocating for better support from our faculty and administration to make sure that law school is accessible to all. Parents and non-parents welcome!
Student Public Interest Law Organization (SPILO)
The Student Public Interest Law Organization (SPILO) is a student-professional organization designed to serve and connect students pursuing public interest-spirited careers. SPILO is committed to holding events where its members can improve their understanding of public interest law and develop their career goals. Serving as a resource center for students seeking public service employment or volunteer prospects, SPILO provides opportunities for networking, career counseling, and community-building all tailored to the public interest student. Email this organization.
President - abigail cragin, a.craginnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Vice President - stacey steggert, s.steggertnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Treasurer - arwa elmashae, a.a.elmashae22null@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
Secretary - maggie cornelison, m.cornelisonnull@vikes.csuohio.nulledu
tax law society
The Cleveland State University College of Law Tax Law Society is dedicated to fostering student interest in the field of taxation by providing a platform for learning and professional development. We aim to connect students with career opportunities in tax law and related fields, offering insights into both legal and non-legal roles in the profession. Through events, workshops, and networking opportunities, we help students explore diverse paths within the ever-evolving world of taxation.
PRESIDENT - brock jones, b.jones48null@VIKES.CSUOHIO.nullEDU
VICE PRESIDENT - scott brown, s.e.brown@@VIKES.CSUOHIO.EDU
TREASURER - edward efraim, e.efraimnull@VIKES.CSUOHIO.nullEDU
SECRETARY -
Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Team
The Thurgood Marshall Moot Court Team focuses on development of exemplary brief writing and oral advocacy skills in second, third, and fourth year students within the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) at Cleveland State Law School, in preparation for regional and national interscholastic competitions.
Women's Law Student Association (WLSA)
WLSA is a supportive, student-led community working to uplift women in a field that’s still largely male-dominated and deeply binary. Our goal as an organization is to come together to empower each other through mentorship, connection, and access to the resources we all need to succeed—both in law school and beyond in our future careers. We believe that lifting up women in law benefits everyone, so all genders are welcome to join us in building a more inclusive, inspired legal profession.