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Student Organizations: The Black Law Students Association

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The Black Law Students Association of the Appalachian School of Law I am using this week to profile organizations I would describe as affinity groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs and values.  I'll focus today on the Black Law Students Association of the Appalachian School of Law. Students at ASL founded the chapter early in the history of the law school. National Affiliate As background, the national affiliate of this local chapter -- the National Black Law Students Association  arose in 1968.  It has over 200 chapters and nearly 6,000 members, and so, is the largest student organization in the U.S. It sponsors two competitions in honor of distinguished African-Americans: The Frederick Douglass Moot Court  Competition  and the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition. It also sponsors the Nelson Mandela International Negotiations Competition. The NBLSA offers regional career fairs and hosts interviews for students with

Student Organizations: Christian Legal Society

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I will next cover students organizations I would describe as affinity groups based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs and values.  I will first profile the Christian Legal Society.  The Appalachian School of Law Christian Legal Society Students founded this organization in 2003.   Membership Requirements All members and officers must agree to and affirm a Statement of Faith and Sexual Morality Standards that provides: Trusting in Jesus my Savior, I believe in: One God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. The Deity of our Lord, Jesus Christ, God's only Son conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary; His vicarious death for our sins through which we receive eternal life; His bodily resurrection and personal return. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the work of regeneration. The Bible as the Inspired Word of God. 

Legal Fraternities: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International

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Appalachian School of Law's Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International Students have founded two legal fraternities at the law school.  This posting profiles the first legal fraternity on campus.  I profiled the second legal fraternity, Phi Delta Phi, here Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity has lofty aspirational goals. It serves law students, the law school, the profession, and the community. Declaration of Purpose The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to advance the ideals of liberty and equal justice under the law; to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage the moral, intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of honorable professional and public service. A national o

Student Organizations: The Education Law Association

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The Appalachian School of Law Education Law Association Students created this organization in December 2009. Mission Statement The ELA promotes awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding the law of education, both in the public and private sector.  It promotes interest in and understanding of the legal framework of education and the rights of students, parents, school boards, and school employees.  Student members are committed to the strong support of local education programs and work with interested parties to attain common goals through active participation in community service activities.  Any ASL student or alumnus may join the ELA.  

Student Organizations: The International Law Society

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The Appalachian School of Law International Law Society The International Law Society promotes awareness of global events as well as understanding diverse legal cultures in order to assess their influence on both public and private International Law.  It also explores the impact of those laws and treaties on the people and culture of the southern Appalachian highlands. It educates its members and fellow students in the principles of International Law, international organizations and institutions, and comparative legal systems.  It enhances communication among law students, school faculty, and the international community to promote peace, diversity, justice, and mutual interdependence through understanding and cooperation. 

Student Organizations: The Sutin Public Interest Association

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The Appalachian School of Law Sutin Public Interest Association (SPIA) The Sutin Public Interest Association recognizes the deep-seated commitment our former Dean, L. Anthony (Tony) Sutin, held for serving the public. Dean Sutin had a distinguished  career  as a Harvard Law graduate holding a top job in the U.S. Department of Justice before moving to Grundy in 1999.  He hoped the school would enhance economic development in the area and train pubic service-minded lawyers.  The law school continues that focus on service to the community and to the public through its curricular  and co- curricular   programs and student organizations.  I blogged about ASL's award-winning community service program  here . Mission Statement The Sutin Public Interest Association promotes awareness, educates, and empowers public-service-minded law students to uphold Dean Sutin's strong beliefs in serving the public. Any member of the student body may join this dues-required organiz

Student Organizations: The Sports & Entertainment Law Society

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The Appalachian School of Law Sports & Entertainment Law Society Students founded the ASL Sports & Entertainment Law Society in 2006. Mission Statement SELS intends to educate, inform, and connect students with the sports and entertainment industry by increasing networking opportunities, hosting seminars and workshops, and building relationships with affiliated organizations.  It aims to raise awareness among students and supplement student knowledge gained in school, courses, and life experiences.   Membership is open to all students at the school.   Its affiliated organizations are: the Sports Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association Committee for Sports and Entertainment Law.  Sponsored Events SELS co-sponsors the Green Bowl and Spring Fling with the Environmental Law Society . SELS also began sponsoring a wine tasting event on campus in 2013.  It also broke in the new student