Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society?
- To affirm the strength brought to the law by a lawyer’s religious conviction. To strive through public service and professional excellence to promote fairness and virtue founded upon the rule of law.
What are the benefits of being a member of the Law Society?
- Membership in the J. Reuben Clark Law Society will provide you with unique opportunities to learn and serve through your association with others who are motivated by their religious conviction to promote the rule of law and use their legal skills to serve others.
- Privileges of general membership in the Society include professional association, networking and mentoring; leadership opportunities; access to our online membership database; and invitations to inspirational and educational events including lunches, dinners, firesides, symposiums, continuing legal education presentations, webinars, and conferences.
What is the cost of membership?
- Membership is open to students and graduates from any law school and requires affirmative choice. Membership is free.
What events are hosted by the J. Reuben Clark Law Society?
- The majority of events are held at the local level, and the nature of these is determined by local chapters. The JRCLS hosts three yearly international events: the Annual Fireside (broadcast from Utah); the Annual Conference (held in a different location every year); and the Leadership Conference (held in Utah).
What service opportunities are available to me as a member?
- Facilitating individual service is part of the mission of the Law Society. Public service is primarily promoted and provided at the local chapter level, and chapters provide many opportunities for service by helping others with their legal needs. Examples include pro bono service and mentoring law students and new attorneys.
How do I join the Law Society?
- To join the Law Society, go to "jrcls.org" and click on the "Sign Up" button, then complete the required information and certification form.
To join the Law Society, do I have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? a BYU Law student? a BYU Law graduate?
- No. The Law Society welcomes any law school student, law school graduate, or lawyer of from any faith tradition who supports the the Society's mission.
What is the relationship between BYU Law and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society?
- The Law Society is supported financially by the BYU Law School and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It operates under the 501(c)(3) established and maintained by Brigham Young University. BYU Law provides many of its resources and staff to support Law Society operations, and some BYU Law employees serve in Law Society leadership.
What is the difference between the BYU Law Alumni Chapter and the J. Reuben Clark Law Society?
- The BYU Law School Alumni Chapter is a professional chapter within the BYU Alumni Association and only graduates from BYU Law School are eligible to join.
- The J. Reuben Clark Law Society (JRCLS) is a global organization of faith-based attorneys and law students, organized by geographic chapters made up of lawyers and law students from various law schools and faith traditions.
Will membership in the Law Society require me to financially support BYU Law?
- No. There is no expectation that JRCLS members financially support BYU Law.
How do I learn more about the Law Society?
- In addition to our website (jrcls.org), which includes articles, newsletters, and information about past and upcoming events, the Law Society communicates via Facebook, YouTube, and other social media accounts.
