Below are the current student organizations at Washburn Law. Each organization is managed by its student members, who bring their own unique perspectives. Guided by dedicated faculty advisors, these groups ensure that their activities and events reflect the values and aspirations of their members.
Organizations identified with an asterisk ( * ) are currently inactive.
This organization seeks to create opportunities to educate the next generation of leaders about the necessities of an agriculture friendly society. It encourages healthy conversation about current agricultural law issues to promote the understanding of agriculture practices and laws.
The Society works to uphold the Constitution in the 21st Century by ensuring that law is a force for protecting democracy and the public interest and for improving people’s lives. ACS realizes the promise of the U.S. Constitution by building and leading a diverse legal community that dedicates itself to advancing and defending democracy, justice, equality, and liberty; securing a government that serves the public interest; and guarding against the abuse of law and the concentration of powers.
AALSA enhances the legal education, community participation, employment opportunities, and academic achievement of Asian law students and other minorities by hosting speakers, coordinating community projects, promoting social activities, and providing study aids to members and other interested parties.
The Black Law Students Association is an organization formed to articulate and promote the needs and goals of black law students and effectuates change in the legal community.
This organization seeks to educate individuals interested in the criminal law sector through scholarly discussions with legal experts, public and private defendants, and prosecutors. We discuss various topics within the dynamic field of criminal law.
The Federal Bar Association represents the Federal legal profession as a premier bar association consisting of more than 18,000 federal lawyers, including 1,500 federal judges, who work together to promote the sound administration of justice, integrity, quality, and independence of the judiciary for the public they serve. The FBA operates nationwide through 6 career divisions, 24 substantive law sections, and hundreds of local chapters throughout the United States. Our local chapter, the Washburn University School of Law Chapter, cordially invites you to consider membership in the Federal Bar Association as part of your academic training and preparation for the practice of law in state or federal courts.
This organization of conservatives and libertarians is interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on three principles: the state exists to preserve freedom; the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution; and it is emphatically the province and duty of the Judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. The Society seeks both to promote an awareness of these principles and to further their application through its activities.
This organization offers a forum of activities that promote professionalism and sound ethics in the law school environment. The Society also seeks to instill in its members the importance of family, religion, and morals within the future practice of law.
The Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition stands as the world's most esteemed moot court event, drawing participation from over 2,000 students across more than 500 schools in over 80 countries. Held annually, the competition begins with regional rounds in the U.S. each February, culminating in an international showdown in Washington D.C. each April. This week-long event coincides with the American Society of International Law annual meeting, providing a unique opportunity for students to interact with leading figures in international law. Distinguished judges, including members from the International Court of Justice, preside over the finals, making Jessup an unparalleled platform for developing advocacy skills in the realm of international law.
At Washburn Law, the Jessup team consists of five upper-year students, four of whom will write the Memorials (briefs in international law) and present oral arguments, and one "of-counsel" who supports the team's preparation and strategy. Each year, a first-year student (1L) is also chosen to travel with the team to gain insight and prepare for future participation. Tryouts begin early in the fall semester and include a five-minute oral argument based on a previous year's case. While there are no formal prerequisites, knowledge from courses like Public International Law can be beneficial. Preparation is intensive, with research and writing in the fall, brief submission by early January, and oral advocacy practices leading up to the February regional rounds. Participants can earn academic credit, with detailed information about the selection process available at the semester's start.
This organization fosters unity, growth, and togetherness among Washburn Law's LL.M. students.
This organization promotes the study of the law governing development of oil, gas, and other minerals, energy regulation, water rights, environmental law associated with the development of mineral and energy resources, and the regulation of the use of public lands.
Parents-at-Law provides support, resources, and advocacy for parents and non-traditional students in the Washburn Law community.
This organization focuses on all aspects of public interest law. Its goal is to provide access to the legal system, as well as representation, for those normally without the funds to do so. As an organization we have sponsored forums on controversial topics such as gun control and the death penalty. We have sponsored a coat and winter clothing drive for the Topeka Rescue mission. Along with our national organization, we have participated in local and national internships, fellowships, and even help seek out job opportunities.
The Tax and Estate Planning Association (TEPA) is a student-run organization which aims to enhance the education of students by providing opportunities to learn about tax and estate planning law and gain practical experience. One of TEPA's major functions is to coordinate the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program each year. TEPA also provides opportunities for students to interact with and learn from professionals and practitioners within the tax and estate planning industries by inviting such professionals to speak at events open to the entire student body.
The society provides a forum for students interested in patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secret law and seeks to expand awareness of intellectual property (IP) and its importance in the global marketplace and legal world.
This organization pursues liberty, justice, and freedom for all, regardless of race, religion, or sex, through support of the Democratic Party and its ideas, ideals and candidates.
The Washburn Law Journal (WLJ) publishes one volume, consisting of three issues, per academic year. It also manages an online presence and blog.
This organization give students at Washburn Law a break from legal studies to enjoy time with their peers by partaking in the sport of pickleball.
This organization advocates for the mental health of law students, encourages students to put mental health first, and promotes healthy stress coping mechanisms.
The Washburn Student Bar Association (WSBA) serve as your voice at Washburn Law. Always feel welcome to reach out to your WSBA leaders at wsba@washburnlaw.edu. Send items for the weekly newsletter to: wsbanewsletter@washburnlaw.edu.
Council Members: Office | Member | Assigned CommitteeThe annual Barristers' Ball and Charity Auction, sponsored by the Washburn Student Bar Association, is a charity event that raises money for donation to local non-profit organizations. The committee solicits donations for auction from area businesses, faculty, and other donors; members also plan ball festivities such as the theme, location, caterer, and music. The ball and auction provide an evening for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to socialize over dinner and dancing.
Past recipients of proceeds include Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) (Topeka), Kansas Legal Services (Topeka), the School of Equestrian Arts (Lecompton, Kansas), the Capper Foundation, the Topeka Community Cycle Project (TCCP), YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, Topeka Literacy Council, Kids Voting Kansas, and Boys & Girls Club of Topeka.
This organization promotes awareness of women's issues in the law, provides law students with access to professionals in the area, endorses community outreach, and encourages women to become involved and stay involved in the law.