Student Groups at VLGS

Alliance

The mission of Alliance is to communicate and promote the goals and needs of LGBTQ+ students, to educate the greater South Royalton community about LGBTQ+ identities, to assist in the fight to achieve equality before the law, as well as to sponsor conferences, speakers, and events that promote diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality at VLGS.  

Animal Law Society (ALS)

Animal Law Society (ALS), a student chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarship aimed at protecting animal lives and advancing the interests of animals through the legal system. During the school year, ALS holds monthly meetings, hosts speakers and a spring symposium on current issues in animal rights and welfare law, attends the annual Animal Law Conference in Portland, Oregon, sponsors campus events, and advocates on behalf of vegan and vegetarian students within our law school.

American Constitution Society (ACS) 

The American Constitution Society (ACS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. We believe the Constitution is “of the people, by the people, and for the people” and interpret the document based on its text and against the backdrop of history and lived experience. Through a diverse nationwide network of progressive lawyers, law students, judges, scholars, and many others, we work to uphold the Constitution in the 21st Century by ensuring that law is a force for protecting our democracy and the public interest and for improving people’s lives.

Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA)

The mission of APALSA is to (1) facilitate awareness, education, and discussion of issues and events that affect Asian Pacific Americans and other minority groups within the legal world and society at large; and (2) to cultivate a supportive community within Vermont Law and Graduate School.

Association of Law Students for Accessibility (ALSA)

ALSA is a coalition of members of the law school community who may or may not identify as having a dis/ability. The purpose of ALSA is to communicate and promote the access goals and needs of students, to educate the greater South Royalton community about accessibility needs, to assist in the fight to achieve equality before the law, as well as to sponsor conferences, speakers, and events that promote both diversity and inclusion at VLGS. 

VLGS Basketball Team

With a shared passion for sport, the VLGS Basketball Team aims to build lasting connections within a community of players, supporting one another not only academically but also in their personal pursuits. 

Black Law Students Association (BLSA)

The purpose of BLSA is to articulate and promote the professional goals and needs of minority law students, to encourage and foster professional competence, to focus on the relationship between minority law students and the law structure, as well as to instill in minority law students a greater awareness of and commitment to the needs of the minority community. BLSA aims to influence American law schools and legal associations to use their expertise and prestige to bring about change within the legal system, in order to make it responsive to the needs of the minority community and to do any and all things necessary and lawful for the accomplishment of these purposes. Furthermore, it is the focus of the Vermont chapter of the NBLSA to collaborate with other fund-eligible student organizations to promote diversity, enhance cultural awareness, and to impact the institution, community, and region in accordance with the mission of both BLSA and NBLSA.

Business Law Society (BLS)

The Business Law Society at Vermont Law and Graduate School was organized to help graduate students pursue academic, professional, and social opportunities arising from the nexus of law and business. BLS exposes its members to interdisciplinary issues affecting both law and business, fostering interaction among students, faculty, and professionals within these fields. Some of the ways in which the BLS accomplishes its goals include networking events for students and alumni, a speaker series on topics in business and law, and social opportunities that bring together law and business students.

Christian Law Fellowship (CLF)

The mission of [CLF] is to maintain a group of Christian law students who are dedicated to living a life that adheres to Christian principles as outlined in the Bible, seek to reflect the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in their lives, and desire to show the love and light of Jesus Christ within the Vermont Law and Graduate School Community.

Energy Law Society (EGLS)

The mission of the Energy Law Society (EGLS) is to provide a forum for individuals to increase and spread awareness of our current energy situation and of our collective energy future by affecting activism and change at the community, state, national, and global levels while strengthening the link between VLGS students and VLGS Alumni in Energy.

Environmental Justice Law Society (EJLS)

One of the guiding principles of the Environmental Justice movement is that all people have equal rights, free of discrimination, to be protected from environmental pollution, and to live healthy lives. As the Environmental Justice Law Society at VLGS, it is our goal to break the cycle of disproportionate impacts in communities of color and low-income communities. We work to help build capacity for action within the communities of VLGS and South Royalton, as well as nationally and internationally in order to further the Environmental Justice movement. Through our initiatives, we strive to foster community growth and make sure people are heard.

Environmental Law Society (ELS)

The ELS is a VLGS student organization whose purpose is to promote environmental awareness and provide a forum for student participation in projects and action concerning current environmental issues. The ELS strives to affect global, national, statewide, and local issues by pursuing specific goals and cooperating with other environmental groups.

First Generation Law Student Association (FGLS)

The First Generation Law Student Association at VLGS aims to provide academic support and professional skill development resources to all first-generation students.

Food and Agricultural Law Society (FALS)

It is the opinion of FALS that issues relating to food production and agricultural systems are directly tied to anthropogenic climate change on the global scale as well as extensive environmental degradation, animal rights, food supply, and human health domestically. These issues are—and will continue to be—among the most important facing the U.S. and the world, now and generations into the future. It is also the belief of FALS that many of these issues are carelessly overlooked. With respect to these challenges, this organization seeks to educate, raise awareness, and affect policy, thereby providing benefit to the community and beyond. FALS will endeavor to engage minds on all sides of the issue of sustainable food systems. 

Ice Hockey Club

The Ice Hockey Club at VLGS is an inclusive organization with the ultimate goal of giving students the opportunity to take a break from school, create relationships, and enjoy community activity through the game of hockey. All VLGS students are welcome to engage with the hockey team regardless of experience. The Fighting Swans Hockey Team plays at Union Ice Rink in Woodstock.

International and Comparative Law Society (ICLS)

The International and Comparative Law Society’s mission is to promote intersectionality, a greater understanding of international and comparative law, and to broaden the legal mindsets of its members. The ICLS uses education, discussion, and events to foster the development of international and comparative law among the VLGS community and to create an appreciation for diversity in the law.

Jewish Law Student Association (JLSA)

The purpose of this organization is to provide a platform through which the VLGS community may celebrate Judaism in an affirmative supportive environment. Additionally, the JLSA seeks to strengthen bonds with the greater community through embracing our Jewish identity.

Justice Advocacy Initiative (JAI)

Educating and empowering ourselves, other students, and members of the community to participate in meaningful discussions about deconstructing disparities within the criminal legal system through restorative practices.

Latinx American Law Students Association (LALSA)

The Latinx American and Caribbean Law Student Association (LALSA) is an affinity group composed of Latinx, Caribbean, and allied students, as well as VLGS faculty, and community members. LALSA seeks to advocate on behalf of Latinx, Caribbean, BIPOC, and LBTQIA+ students by raising awareness of issues facing our communities––legal and otherwise––and acting to manifest change. LALSA strives to represent the rich diversity of Latinx and Caribbean cultures here at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

The central mission of LALSA is to support Latinx and Caribbean law students and is accomplished through the following goals:

1.    Providing a safe space for Latinx, Caribbean, and other BIPOC students to share their cultures and experiences.

2.    Diversifying the legal field by increasing Latinx and Caribbean representation.

3.    Advocating for Latinx, Caribbean, and other BIPOC students at VLGS.

4.    Advocating for hiring and retaining Latinx and Caribbean faculty.

Mental Health Committee

Our mission is to serve the students of VLGS by ensuring that mental health continues to be a prioritized aspect of their journey through a legal or graduate education. This is accomplished by providing spaces and events where students can learn more about mental health resources, talk to others—including professionals on occasion—about mental health, and connect with other students to work towards the cultivation and preservation of a culture of good mental health. We look to do this with special regard for restorative justice philosophy, with a non-hierarchical leadership and open-inclusion organizational structure that will hopefully help us create the safe and open spaces and dialogues necessary to destigmatize seeking mental health services as well as those with mental health conditions or illnesses.

Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA)

The Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA) seeks to connect Muslim students and allies through community events, advocating for the needs of the Muslim community at VLGS, and providing relevant diversified educational programming. We welcome all Muslims, from every sect and across varying degrees of practice, as well as allies to the Muslim community. We hope to foster a community of understanding, love, support, and compassion at VLGS. Our goal is to set our fellow Muslims up for success in a field we are largely underrepresented in. 

National Lawyers Guild (NLG) 

Established in 1937, the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) is the nation’s oldest and largest progressive bar association. The NLG’s mission is to use law for the people, uniting lawyers, law students, legal workers, and jailhouse lawyers in support of policies and practices that value human rights and the rights of ecosystems over property interests. The NLG is dedicated to the need for change in the structure of our political and economic system. Our aim is to bring together all those who recognize the importance of safeguarding and extending the rights of workers, women, LGBTQ people, farmers, people with disabilities and people of color, upon whom the welfare of the entire nation depends; who seek actively to eliminate racism; who work to maintain and protect our civil rights and liberties in the face of persistent attacks upon them; and who look upon the law as an instrument for the protection of the people, rather than for their repression.

Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)

The Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) at Vermont Law and Graduate School is dedicated to fostering a supportive community where Native and non-Native students collaborate in the pursuit of justice. Our mission is to inspire and empower allies to engage deeply with Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, traditional governance, and environmental protection. By championing the rights of Indigenous and other underrepresented communities, we underscore the belief that justice in one sphere strengthens justice for all. We are committed to promoting allyship and advocacy for Native students and peoples, integrating Indigenous perspectives into the core of our legal education, and supporting the growth and success of Native law students. Our commitment extends to increasing Native American representation in the legal profession, upholding Tribal sovereignty, and preserving the environment for future generations.

Outdoors Club

The Outdoors Club is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation equipment to the VLGS community, promoting outdoor education and outreach, and diversifying the legal and ethical debate concerning outdoor recreation. 

Student Bar Association (SBA)

The purpose of the SBA is to support and encourage academic excellence and professional growth among students, ensure the attainment and preservation of the rights of the individual student to acquire a quality legal education in a just and reasonable manner while serving as the vehicle for interaction and communication between VLGS students, faculty, administration, alumni, and the community.

Swan Society 

Swan Society aims to facilitate birding excursions, host educational events, and encourage other similar activities to encourage non-consumptive appreciation for avifauna and the habitats upon which avifauna depend.  (See, e.g., 15 U.S.C. § 3724(c)(1)(D).)

Vermont Law School Federalist Society (VLSFS)

The Vermont Law School Federalist Society exists to educate students about Federalist principles (individual liberty, traditional values, and the rule of law), facilitate conscientious discussion about applying them in our personal and professional lives, and encourage students to become valuable contributors to the VLGS community.

Veteran Law Students Association

The goals of the Veteran Law Students Association will be in accord with the mission of the Student Bar Association at Vermont Law and Graduate School. To that end, the Veteran Law Students Association will provide 1) a support network for service members, veterans, dependents, families, and community members; 2) a social experience that builds on the bonds forged during national service; and 3) a voice that advocates for the unique needs of the military community. 

Women’s Law Society (WLS)

Women’s Law Society strives to establish a support network for students in law school, promote equal and equitable participation of women in the legal profession, and advance equal application of the law to all women. WLS is a student organization aiming to provide a diverse and inclusive forum for all students to address all issues facing women today. WLS also seeks to create a community of students who support, empower, and uplift one another, ultimately helping women flourish both inside and outside of the legal profession.