STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Villanova Law hosts over 40 student-run organizations, serving to enrich the community.
These organizations are an integral part to providing academic resources, professional networking and other beneficial opportunities and events to law school students. The Student Bar Association (SBA) Board provides funding, authorization and guidance for all student organizations.
Email American Constitution Society
Mission:
The Villanova Law American Consititution Society works to build an inclusive community of progressive law students and connect them with the greater American Constitution Society network of progressive lawyers and judges. We strive to provide a thoughtful interpretation of the Consitution as it impacts the lives of 21st Century Americans, and to direct the law as a force to protect our democracy and the rights of our citizens.
2021–22 Officers:
John Spadaro '23, President
Alicia Broderick '23, Vice President
Dr. Evan Butts '23, Secretary
Patrick Farris '23, Treasurer
Caitlin Barry, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
Villanova Art Law Society strives to bring the VLS community together through events that celebrate and investigate the interplay of law and the arts. Each year we host several speakers, foster community with our Pollock Painting event during Wellness Week each semester and host an annual end-of-year Art Expo to showcase the talents of VLS students, faculty and staff.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Diane Edelman, Faculty Adviser
Email APALSA or contact person: Samuel Son '22
Mission:
Our mission is to advocate on behalf of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, both within the law school commnunity and beyond. We further strive to provide academic resources and support to law students and to create a social and professional network to connect students with alumni and other professionals.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Tuan Samahon, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
BLSA is a student-led organization with the mission to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. BLSA provides the home away from home for many minority law students.
2021–22 Officers:
Favour Linton '23, President
Taylor Williams '22, Vice President
Brionna Wakefield '22, Treasurer
Destynee Speaks '23, Secretary
Verishia Coaxum '22 & Jeremy Griggs '23, Historians
Kim Baxter '23, 1L Liaison
Ashia Steele '23, External Affairs Officer
Naomi Minhas '23, Social Chair
Teressa Ravenell, Faculty Adviser
For more information about the VLS BLSA Chapter, please feel free to visit our website.
Mission:
The Villanova Brehon Law Society seeks to connect its members with the larger Brehon Law Society chapter of Philadelphia and the national organization in order to celebrate Irish-American achievement in the law and to advance the Brehon Law Society's mission of pursuing justice and advaancing human rights. Students of all ethnic backgrounds are welcome.
2021–22 Officers:
Ryan Brady '22, President
Brendan Mullen '23, Vice President
Zoe Schloss '23, Scretary
Jarrett Donaghy '23, Treasurer
Michael Moreland, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Christian Legal Society aiims to create fellowship opportunities within the law school community. We aim to be a place of refuge in an otherwise high-stress environment. Additionally, we hope to build a bridge between Villanova and Christian pro-bono activities, such as the Christian Legal Services Clinic.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Mission:
Create a space for students who are passionate about criminal law to come togrther, along with spreading awareness about all of the different types of opportunities available within criminal law.
2021–22 Officers:
Caroline Rini '22, President
Noelle Gambale '23, Vice President
Taylor Henderson '23, Secretary
Audrey Link '22, Treasurer
Rachel Sweeney '23, 2L Representative
Steven L. Chanenson & Michelle Madden Dempsey, Faculty Advisers
Mission:
The Corporate Law Society’s mission is to support and promote the education, scholarship, and professional development of its members at the intersection of law and business. The Society organizes lectures by prominent business and legal professionals, conducts student workshops, and sponsors networking events.
2021–22 Officers:
Allie Santulli '22, President
Olivia Arasim '22, Vice President of Administration
Michael Seaman '22, Vice President of Events
Josh Harris '23, Treasurer/Secretary
Teddy Kotler '23, Event Chairperson
Max Lamcken '22, Alumni Chairperson
Amanda Daoud '23, Social Media Chair
Jack McGuire '23, Case Competition Chair
Margaret MacDonald '23, Corporate Blog
Ryan Brady '22, 3L Representative
Scott Kingsbury '23, Brittany Mann '23 & Allison Gotthold '23, 2L Representatives
Andrew Lund, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
To support the education and professional development of its members, through legal informational sessions and workshops, guest lectures, and sponsored networking events, in the growing legal field of data privacy and cybersecurity.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Mission:
The purpose of the Education Law Society is to create awareness of a part of law that often gets little to no attention. We strive to provide information to the VLS community regarding Education Law, what it is and how we can get involved.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Email Environmental and Energy Law Society
Mission:
The purpose of the Environmental and Energy Law Society is to inform students of the job opportunities available and insight into the Environmental Law field. In addition, EELS provides students with a network of contacts in the field and courses available for interested to take.
2021–22 Officers:
Harlon "Gerry" Dobson '23, President
Caroline Keefe '23, Vice President
Morgan Harrison '22, Treasurer
Kyle Stephenson '23, Secretary
Todd Aagaard, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The EMLS's mission is to expose Villanova Law students to the elements of and entertainment and media law while also providing a network within the industry.
2021–22 Officers:
Sophia Machado '22, President
Kaely Lawler '23, Vice President
Max Lamcken '22, Treasurer
Jackson Parese '23, Secretary
Natalie Poirier '23, Alumni & Outreach Coordinator
Samantha Speiss '23, Social Media Coordinator
Samantha Newman '23, 2L Representative
Bernard Resnick, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Face to Face birth certificate clinic provides legal and monetary support to enable clients to obtain birth certificates. The birth certificate clinic is integral to meeting the needs of Philadelphia's Germantown community because birth certificates are required to obtain identification. Legal identification cards enable clients access to housing and work opportunities. The clinic offers an opportunity for VLS students to deeply connect with the Philadelphia community by directly interacting with the clients and providing tangible service.
2021–22 Officers:
Meredith Bates '22 & Annalise Hodges '22, Co-chairs
MaryAnn Robinson, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
This organization's mission is to provide insight on the family law area. We encourage conversation and inquisition into what it means to practice family law and what resources Villanova has available to those interested in pursuing this career path.
2021–22 Officers:
Sydney Legagneur '22, President
Sarah Martinho '22, Vice President
Faith Simms '22, Treasurer
Brianna Wakefield '22, Social Media Coordinator
Joni Berner '78, Adviser
Mission:
Our mission to bring together people interested in the different facets of fashion law through lunch and learns, speakers and symposiums.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Ann Juliano, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Federal Bar Association is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to serve the interest of Villanova students who are interested in working for the federal government or representing other parties in federal matters. FBA seeks to connect these students to federal practitioners and judges through networking events, speaking engagements and panels.
2021–22 Officers:
Evan Butts '23, President
Jean-Claire Perini '23, Vice President
Taylor Henderson '23, Secretary
Ryan Thomas '23, Treasurer
Tuan Samahon, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Federalist Society main purpose is to sponsor fair, serious, and open debate about the need to enhance individual freedom and the role of the courts in saying what the law is rather than what they wish it to be. We believe debate is the best way to ensure that legal principles that have not been the subjuect of sufficient attention for the past several decades receive a fair hearing.
2021–22 Officers:
Matt Marchini '22, President
Nicolas Burnosky '22, Vice President
Alex Gusikoff '22, Secretary
Josh Harris '23, Treasurer
Kaitlyn Cannon '23, Membership and Social Activities
Naomi Minhas '23, Lawyers Chapter Liaison
Michael Moreland, Faculty Adviser
For more information, please visit the Federalist Society website.
Mission:
The mission of this organization is to help close the knowledge and resource gap - particularly when it comes to networking, for law students whose parents did not attend college or pursue a law degree.
2021–22 Officers:
Jacqualyn Gillen '22, President
Antionna Fuller '22, Vice President
Doris Brogan, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The purpose of the Health Law Society is to provide students interested in Helath Law information, connections, and opportunities in Health Law. We strive to provide interesting conversations, panels, and events with practicing attorneys, medical professionals, and policy makers. Furthermore, we encourage students of all eduational backgrounds to discover an interest in Health Law.
2021–22 Executive Board:
Sarah Augustine '22, President
Lauren Fisher '23, Vice President
Amanda Daoud '23, Treasurer
Emma Shi '23, Secretary
Kate Capizzi '23, Publicity Chair
Sofia Basich '22, Programming Chair
Stephanie Oppenheim '22, Membership Chair
Samantha Ollmann '23, Fundraising Chair
Delann Fraschetti Finch '22, Blog Managing Editor
Michael J. Campbell, Faculty Adviser
For more information, please visit the Villanova Law Honor Board website.
Mission:
Our mission is to provide educational and networking opportunities in Immigration Law for the Villanova Law community. We plan to host moderated panels of local immigration lawyers,give presentations on relevant immigration law news, and notify interested students about volunteer opportunities in immigration law.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Caitlin Barry & Frances Kreimer, Faculty Advisers
Mission:
It is the mission of the Villanova University School of Law Intellectual Property Society to:
- Educate its members about the IP legal profession and work/externship opportunities available at and outside of the law school;
- Raise awareness of current issues, both legal and otherwise, in IP;
- Connect current students with alumni working in the IP sector;
- Foster an inclusive environment where interested students of all educational backgrounds can learn more about IP; and
- Further the reputation of VLS as an institution at which successful IP attorneys begin their careers.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Michael Risch, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
International Law Society's goal is to build our organization, engage new members, and overall to show the VLS community how beneficial international law is.
2021–22 Officers:
Erin Pine '22, President
Amin Tmimi '23, Vice President
Taylor Malatesta '23, Secretary
Lily Haddad '23, Events Coordinator
Alex Hubschmidt '23, Treasurer
Diane Edelman, Faculty Adviser
Email Jewish Law Students Association
Mission:
The mission of JLSA is to provide a community and outlet for Jewish students at Villanova Law. Being Jewish at a Catholic university presents a unique set of challenges and experiences, and JLSA provides an outlet to discuss those issues as well as bonding opportunities for people with similar backgrounds.
2021–22 Officers:
Mark Derner '22, Co-President
Gabriella Lipschitz '22, Co-President
Samantha Pulley '22, Treasurer
Eve Balistra '22, Secretary
Chaim Saiman, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
An educational organization of law students celebrating Italian ancestry, history, and culture. Activities are directed towards fostering a spirit of good fellowship and mutual cooperation among its members, maintaining the honor and dignity required of the legal profession, maintaining a high standard of ethical conduct among its members and with other members of the bar, and promoting and encouraging the more profound study of the law.
2021–22 Officers:
Gaetano DiPersia '22, Co-President
Luciana Brienza '22, Co-President
Matthew Carluzzo, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
Our aim is to bring light to issues faced by incarcerated youths in our country. We work towards bringing awareness to these issues, as well as working with outside organizations who work toward these same goals.
2021–22 Officers:
Antionna Fuller '22 & Sarah Martinho '22, Presidents
Noelle Gambale '23, Vice President
Keira Leventhal '23, Treasurer
Riley Cook '23, Secretary
Mission:
The mission of Villanova's Labor & Employment Law Society is to provide guidance and community for students interested in the field of labor and employment law. Through this community, members will be better informed labor and employment students and professionals.
2021–22 Officers:
Tama Tellado '22, President
Faith Simms '22, President
Kacey McCann '23, Treasurer
Destynee Speaks '23, Secretary
Max Lamcken '22, 3L Representative
Domenica Tomasetti '23, 2L Representative
Ann Juliano, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
An association for law students to cultivate awareness of legal issues facing the Latin American communities, as well as to provide an opportunity to celebrate and share Latin American culture.
2021–22 Officers:
Delann Fraschetti Finch '22, President
Murzia Siddiqui '22, Vice President
Michael P. Moreland, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA) aims to educate and raise awareness of the traditions, culture, history, and current events of the Middle East and North Africa. It is through this platform that MELSA seeks to create an open dialogue that promotes cross-cultural understanding.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Matt Saleh, Adviser
Mission:
Our mission is to engge with and provide a perspective within the Villanova community on contemporary legal issues affecting the United States Armed Forces, military veterans, and military family members. We will also strive to provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for student veterans, or any other interested person, to allow for volunteer opportunities, professional development, and community engagement regarding veterans initiatives in the greater Philadelphia region.
2021–22 Officers:
Andrew Simmons '22, Director
Mission:
National Lawyers Guild is the oldest, largest, and first racially-integrated progressive bar association in the United States. NLG is dedicated to human rights over property interests and fights to eliminate bigotry and safeguard the rights of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and workers everywhere.
NLG has been involved in almost every major social movement since its inception, including the union and collective bargaining movement, the Civil Rights movement, Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, antiwar and antinuclear movements, prison abolition, and immigrant and refugee advocacy.
NLG at Villanova works to ensure the presence of a progressive voice at the law school by organizing panels, conversations, and volunteer opportunities in line with the historic activism of the NLG. We also advocate and organize to ensure that minority students feel safe, supported, and celebrated at Villanova Law.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
Caitlin Barry, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
OUTLaw strives to promote LGbTQ+ visibility both on campus and in the broader legal field. OUTLaw is dedicated to creating safe space for all LGBTQ+ persons, and provide a forumfor issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community. OUTLaw seeks to build unity at Villanova Law by offering social, educational and professional development opportunities.
2021–22 Officers:
Joseph Thomas '22, President
Taylor Malatesta '23, Vice President
Jean-Claire Perini '23, Treasurer
Cooper Townsend '23, Secretary
Caitlin Barry, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
Phi Alpha Delta is the legal fraternity for Villanova Law School. This organization strives to provide social and academic opportunities for the student-members. This fraternity has the only mock trial team that allows for 1L participation, and Phi Alpha Delta travels to a mock trial competition to compete against law schools across the country. Through mock trial, this organization helps students learn about the rules of evidence and court room procedure.
2021–22 Officers:
Robert Dedona '22, Justice
Rebecca Velez '22, Vice Justice
Christian Mayer '22, Treasurer
Sarah Martinho '22, Marshal
Keira Leventhal '23, Clerk
Tyler Kaestner '23, Mock Trial Coordinator
Amit Mysore '23, Social Media Coordinator
Mission:
The Villanova Press Law Society is a student-run organization based at Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law that aims to educate interested students on the legal challenges faced by news organizations, media outlets, journalists, and citizens exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech and freedom of the press, and highlight the essential need for an open government and society. Through the Press Law Society’s programming initiatives, students will have the opportunity to connect with First Amendment rights attorneys, hear from various organizations, institutions and legal think tanks, contribute writing samples to the Press Law Society blog, and collaborate with other law students interested in First Amendment rights as a legal discipline and practice area.
2021–22 Officers:
Alexandra Santulla '22, Founder & President
Mission:
The Pro Bono Society is dedicated to facilitating student opportunities for pro bono legal service in the greater Philadelphia community. Pro Bono legal service, as considered by the administration of Villanova Charles Widger School of Law, is direct legal service provided to indigent or otherdeserving clients. The Pro Bono Society partners with legal services organizations, non-profit, and governmental entities to provide these crucial and necessary services.
2021–22 Officers:
Caroline Rini '22, President
Lisa Maeyer '22, Vice President
Alicia Broderick '23, Treasurer
Elizabeth Kletzel '23, Secretary
Brittany Mann '23, Fundraising Coordinator
Riley Cook '23, Homeless Advocacy Project Site Chair
Melissa Durante '23, Christian Legal Clinics Site Chair
Meredith Bates '22 & Annalise Hodges '22, Face to Face Site Chairs
Angela Boyer '23 & Madelyn Phinney '23, Expungement Clinic Site Chair
Gabriella Lipschitz '22, Senior Law Site Chair
Katherine Smith '22, Tax Clinic Site Chair
Catherine Hillin '22, Veterans Clinic Site Chair
Caitlin Barry & MaryAnn Robinson, Faculty Advisers
For more information, please visit the PIFP website.
Mission:
The goal of the Villanova Real Estate Law Society is to provide students who are interested in Real Estate law with opportunities to connect with practicing lawyers in the field, foster connections, and learn about real estate law in practice. The society plans to create these opportunities through panels with local practitioners and alumni in the field as well as creating a sharable database of new internships and symposiums for thoses interested in learning more about the field.
2021–22 Officers:
TBD
David Caudill, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Villanova Sports Law Society (SLS) seeks to further the mission of the Jeffrey S. Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law, hoping to pave the way for future industry leaders in athletics. The Sports Law Society will bring in seasonal professionals to speak with and mentor students, host fundraisers and competitions to promote school unity, maintain the Sports Law Society Blog and various social media platforms, and work in conjunction with the Sports Law Negotiation Team to host negotiation competitions at Villanova University and complete at case competitions across North America.
2021–22 Officers:
Austin Meo '22, President
Kristin Dolan '22, Vice President
Danielle Clifford '23, Treasurer
Emily Rollo '23, Secretary
Joseph Frio '22, Alumni Relations Chair
Luke Pacifici '23, Events Chair
Ian Daniels '22 & Liliana Flores '22, Networking Co-Chairs
Jacqueline Borrelli '23, Social Media Chair
Andrew Brandt, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Saint Thomas More Society dedicates itself to promoting the Catholic faith at Villanova Law School. We endeavor to build a sense of community among our members, fostering personal and group spirituality. Through Masses, lectures, retreats and informal social gatherings, we aim to help students incorporate their Catholic faith into their law school experience. Under the patronage of Saint Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers, we strive to support each other in the effort to live lives based on the Gospel and to work for harmony and goodwill throughout the legal community.
2021–22 Officers:
Nick Dowdle '22, President
Caitlin McGrail '22, Vice President
Joseph Thomas '22, Treasurer
Ryan Kowalski '23 & Maura White '23, 1L Liasons
Patrick Brennan, Faculty Advisor
Mission:
To advance justice through classroom education that empower young Philadelphians with legal and civic knowledge, skills and confidence to bring about postive change for themselves and others.
2021–22 Officers:
Antionna Fuller '22, President
Taylor Tyson '22, Vice President
Alicia Roderick '23, Secretary
Taylor Williams '22, Internal Affairs Chair
Hadassah Francis '22, Lesson Plan Chair
Lily Haddad '23, Outreach Coordinator
Nicole Papp, Adviser
For more information, please see the Student Bar Association website.
Email Student Mental Health Society
Mission:
The goal of this organization is to provide a space for students to discuss mental health issues, as well as end the stigma about mental health in the law school setting. Through programming and awareness campaigns, the organization will work to promote the mental health resources offered by Villanova University. To address the expressed need for mental health support, this organization will act as a liason between students and the adminstration, aiming to receive and voice concerns they may have. This group will focus solely on mental health and wellness programming. Unlike other organizations, our goal will be to help students disconnect from law school and focus, the organization will encourage student wellnessand larger conversations on these issues. As a student-led organization, we will promote Unitas, Veritas, Caritas br encouraging students to create a community of individuals who care deeply about the well-being of their fellow students.
2021–22 Officers:
Jean-claire Perini '23, President
Sam Newman '23, Vice President
Sarah Zang '23, Student Body Outreach Coordinator
Lisa McConnell '23, Event Coordinator
Angela Boyer '23, Treasurer
Jessica Whalen '23, Secretary
Nancy Whalen, Adviser
Mission:
The mission of the Tax Law Society is to expose interested law students to the various opportunities available in tax. Our events will include inviting to campus tax practitioners from law firms, accounting firms, the government, and in-house groups in order to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about these different career paths and connect with professionals in the field. Further, we will hold events promoting the JD/LLM program available to law students. Lastly, we will provide opportunities for students to volunteer in the local community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in the spring.
2021–22 Officers:
Joseph Thomas '22, President
Zachary Lawlor '23, Vice President
Matthew Boiling '22, Treasurer
Katherine Smith '22, VITA Coordinator
Joy Mullane, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The VLS Dems work to connect law and politics in an inclusive, welcoming environment. The VLS Dems strive to bring engaging democratic speakers, including elected officials and attorneys.
2021–22 Officers:
Ryan Thomas '23, President
John Spadaro '23, Vice President
Dr. Evan Butts '23, Secretary
Riley Cook '23, Treasurer
Leigh Ann Rossetti '23, Social Media Chair
Ann Juliano, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The purpose of theVillanova Law Republicans is to prepare for political involvement and to shape the future of the Grand Old Party. We provide students the opportunity to meet one another and learn from politicians and others interested in the theories that have animated the GOP since its inception. We see advocates for the Republican Party.
2021–22 Officers:
Sean Skedzielewski '23, President
Jessica Kaczinski '23, Vice President
Naomi Minhas '23, Secretary
Braeden McKee '23, Treasurer
Michael P. Moreland, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
Our organization seeks to promote personal injury practice to prospective students; including organizing panel discussions and professional networking events, so students have an opportunity to learn about personal injury and actively engage with employers in the field
2021–22 Officers:
Taylor Tyson '22, President
Tyler Price '22, Vice President
Luciana Brienza '22, Secretary
Michelle Dempsey, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
Villanova Law Students Against Sexual Violence strive to advocate for Title IX issues and educate our colleagues about current events relating to these issues. In this, we want to have an open, collaborative dialogue between this organization and fellow law students. We hope to prepare law students for their professional transition through programming focused on how Title IX issues translate into our future legal careers.
2021–22 Officers:
Jerry Shaen '22, President
Sarah Wing '22, Vice President
Katie Stiffler '23, Treasurer
Jacqueline Borrelli '23, Secretary & Communications
Nancy Whalen, Adviser
Mission:
The VLS Parents and Non-Traditional Students Group (VPNG) exists to and accommodate and support the needs of students who are not your typical students because they either took time awaybefore attending law school, are parents, are married, or simply have other responsibilities and life circumstances that will make the law school journey different than most. VPNG accomplishes this mission by providing academic and social programming, mentor opportunities, and being the liaison between its community and the law school.
2021–22 Officers:
Brionna Wakefield '22, President
Amy Phelps '22, Vice President
Naomi Minhas '23, Treasurer
Kate Smith '22, Secretary
Eve Balistra '22 & Angela Reading '23, Outreach Coordinators
Favour Linton '23, Destynee Speaks '23 & Kate Stiffer '23, 2L Representatives
Diane Edelman, Faculty Adviser
Mission:
The Women's Law Caucus foster community and mentorship among Villanova women and supports the inititatives of other underrepresented groups in the legal field. We strive for greater divisity and inclusion in law and host both networking and educational events to further this mission.
2021–22 Officers:
Erin Blechschmidt '22, President
Stephanie Oppenheim '22, Vice President
Hadassah Francis '22, Secretary
Madeline Holler '22, Treasurer
Sarah Augustine '22, Special Events Coordinator
Allison Gotthold '23, Publicity Coordinator
Brianna Sullivan '23, Creative Graphics Coordinator
Jerry Shaen '22, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator
Kyra Bradley '22, 3L Representative
Luciana Brienza '22, 3L Representative
Sarah Gimbel '23, 2L Representative
Anjali Tipirneni '23, 2L Representative
Ann Juliano, Faculty Adviser