From Our Students: Getting Involved

There are so many benefits to joining a student organization! Student organizations are vital for the betterment of the School of Law and to support student success. They help shape policies, foster community, and provide a welcome break from the rigors of law school, promoting a balanced experience for students. These organizations facilitate social connections, allowing students to build friendships and create valuable relationships with faculty and legal professionals for future internships and mentorship. Additionally, many organizations offer skill development and hands-on experience that complement classroom learning and strengthen résumés. 

To get involved in organizations here at the law school, it is helpful to begin by exploring the diverse range of options available: there are over 30 organizations to choose from! At the start of each semester, organizations gather in O’Brian Hall to table. Attending tabling events allows new students to gather insights about the organizations and learn when their general interest meetings are scheduled. Signing up for their email lists is an excellent way to stay informed about upcoming meetings and events. Additionally, many organizations will participate in the Accepted Students Visit in April, offering another opportunity for students to connect before starting in the Fall.  

As a first-year law student, there are numerous ways to get involved and support an organization, with the most accessible option being a general member. While first-year students are not eligible to sit on an executive board, joining as a general member allows students to learn more about the organization in preparation for potential leadership roles in the second and third years. General members are crucial as they assist the executive board with events, marketing initiatives, and other tasks, which all contribute to the organization's success.

Many organizations actively welcome first-year students as general members, though some may have specific restrictions. For example, students are selected to be on the Buffalo Moot Court after they participate in the Charles S. Desmond Moot Court Competition. Additionally, students wishing to be on Buffalo Law Review apply at the end of the first year for selection. 

I was involved in one way or another with various organizations, whether it was attending an event, purchasing a baked good, or sharing a flyer. Three organizations I was heavily involved with were the Student Bar Association, the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program, and the peer-to-peer mentor program. 

I decided to run for a position with the Student Bar Association (SBA) because I was passionate about making a meaningful impact within the school to ensure that students' voices are heard. I wanted to advocate for my peers and contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

SBA serves as the elected student government for the law school, representing student interests and hosting meetings throughout the semester to discuss various topics. SBA organizes five key events annually: the Scarrister’s Halloween Party and Fall Merchandise Sale in the fall, followed by the Barrister’s Ball (think law school prom), Decompression (to celebrate the graduates), and Spring Merchandise Sale in the spring. The association continually expands its events based on student feedback.

The SBA offers two levels of involvement. Each class, including LL.M. students, elects class directors to represent peers and assist the board with event planning and budget allocation. In their second or third year, students can run for one of five executive board positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Fundraising and Event Planner, or Parliamentarian.

In my first year, I was not involved with the SBA, but in my second year, I was appointed Parliamentarian, followed by Vice President in my third year. These roles allowed me to embrace my creative side when I designed flyers for SBA events, made posts for the SBA Instagram, and created merchandise. My involvement with the SBA helped me connect with students across different years, as well as faculty and staff. Establishing these relationships made me feel at home in law school. Although taking on an e-board position required much of my time, it taught me how to better organize my schedule and balance school with my involvement. 

The Buffalo Public Interest Law Program (BPILP) is a unique organization that assists students by raising funds and awarding fellowships to those eligible due to their participation in non-paid summer internships. I joined BPILP because my career goals included entering the public sector, and I knew that to achieve these goals, I needed to participate in pro bono work.

As a 1L, you can join BPILP and assist with the annual BPILP Auction, hosted every spring. In my first year, I helped by soliciting donations, setting up, assisting during the event, and cleaning up afterward. The auction is a great networking opportunity, attracting alumni and local attorneys who come together to support the cause. I enjoyed engaging with attorneys in a casual setting while bidding on fun items like bowling with a professor. I ended up winning a basket filled with Chipotle gift cards and dog items for my Labrador, Indi! This event not only allowed me to support BPILP but also provided a fun treat for my dog and me. The funds raised at the auction are crucial for providing fellowships to deserving students, making this an event I eagerly anticipate each year. 

The Peer-to-Peer Advocate Program pairs every first-year student with an upper-level student mentor for guidance to aid their transition into law school. This program is organized by the Office of Student Affairs. Not only does this program enhance a first-year student’s experience, it allows them to connect with classmates outside of their class year and build a sense of community. As a peer mentor, I meet with my mentees two to three times a semester to check in and offer advice.

I became a peer mentor because this program did not exist during my first year of law school. Although my experience was positive, having a mentor to recommend upper-level classes, supplemental books, or good coffee spots on campus would have made my transition easier. Some insights are best learned from peers and I wanted to share what I learned to help students navigate their first-year challenges! 

Getting involved in student organizations is your opportunity to shape your law school experience and create lasting connections that can open doors for your future. It’s a chance to engage with peers, develop valuable skills, and build a network that could benefit you throughout your career. It is also the last time many students will be in an academic setting, so do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!