Get Involved

Involvement at the School of Law

The School of Law offers multiple opportunities to be involved and connected on campus. Explore public service opportunities, clubs and organizations, competitions and more!

Public Service Opportunities

At St. Thomas Law, we recognize that lawyers are in a strong position to effect positive institutional and social change. As such, we expect and encourage all law students to explore a variety of ways their interests, skills and talents can best serve the public‎‎.

As a requirement for graduation, all J.D. students must complete 50 hours of public service during law school.

Serving others during your time in law school will ensure that you remain a member of the broader community and foster your commitment to pro bono work throughout your legal career.

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Clubs and Organizations

With more than three dozen active student organizations at the School of Law, our students have ample opportunity to put their commitment to service, leadership and social justice to work. Many organizations sponsor speaker programs, while others coordinate community service opportunities. Still others provide for personal growth and introspection, or a chance to have fun with friends. The list of groups varies from year to year along with student interests.

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Advocacy and Writing Competitions

The University of St. Thomas School of Law annually participates in several national moot court, trial advocacy and negotiations competitions. Administered by the Board of Advocates, these programs provide 2L and 3L students a unique opportunity to hone their written and oral advocacy skills—skills integral to the real-world practice of law.

Law Journals

The University of St. Thomas Law Journal, as a publication of a Catholic law school, is committed to encouraging ethical legal thinking through the publication of compelling legal scholarship dedicated to the discussion of morality and social justice, developing students’ legal research and writing skills in an endeavor to produce accomplished servant leaders in the practice of law, and broadening the legal imagination to cultivate creative solutions to real world problems with a goal toward social change.

See St. Thomas Law Journal

The Journal of Law and Public Policy (JLPP) is a student-run organization that promotes modern legal thought through analysis of contemporary public policy. It hopes to raise awareness and provide expert thought on timely public policy issues by utilizing several forums, including academically-rigorous symposia, publication of articles, community events, and the like. It welcomes all viewpoints in order to sharpen and improve the public policies of the state and federal governments of the United States of America. By strengthening professional relationships, utilizing practical skills for the workplace, and stimulating scholarly discussion, JLPP seeks to provide students with an opportunity to develop their critical skills and to make a meaningful contribution to legal professionals and American society.

See Law & Public Policy Journal

Religion and Faith

Within our walls, all are welcome. We are a distinctly Catholic law school with a strong ecumenical component, inviting students of all faith traditions to integrate their personal and professional values into their search for justice. Our community includes Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and non-believers.

Our faculty members challenge students to consider how their deepest commitments can and should shape their professional identities. Student clubs and organizations offer additional opportunities for faith sharing.