How to Organize a New JRCLS Student Chapter

If you are interested in organizing a new Student Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, here are the steps to get started:

1. Gather Interested Students
Identify at least five law students who are interested in participating in the student chapter.

2. Select Chapter Officers 
Identify students who will serve as officers for the new chapter.

• The student leading the effort would most likely be recommended to serve as the first Chapter Chair and select a Chair-Elect to succeed them.

• Additional positions may include officers over Communications, Religious Freedom, Service and Women in Law.

• Student Chapter Chairs typically serve a one-year term; Student Board members can serve 1–3 years depending on circumstances.

• For chapters in the United States: 
  • The Student Bar Association (SBA) typically requires that a new student organization have at least a President (Chair), Vice President (Chair-Elect), and Treasurer for official recognition. Please start by filling these three roles.
  • Once you have identified officers, contact the administrator who oversees student organizations at your law school. Ask about the process for forming a chapter of the JRCLS and complete any required applications or paperwork to officially establish the chapter.

3. Complete the Registration Form to Create a New Chapter 
Complete the Student Chapter Registration Form and send it to the Area Chair in your area for review and approval.  The Area Chair will work with the JRCLS Management Team on final approval.

4. Request a New Chapter Webpage
Once your chapter is approved, complete the Request a Chapter Webpage Form. This will notify our website managerto create a Student Chapter page and notify you once it has been set up. You can then begin adding your team, recruiting members, and planning activities.

 Additional Tips for Success:

• Student Chapters report directly to the JRCLS Student Board. The Student Board Chair can assist you with recruiting law student members, providing training materials, and more.

• If possible, the Student Chapter Chair should participate in local attorney chapter board meetings as an ex officio member. This helps increase communication between law student and attorney members, builds connections, and opens opportunities for joint events. Attorney members also make great guest lecturers at law student events.

If you have questions or need help at any step, contact the JRCLS Student Board Chair or your Area Chair. They are happy to support you in creating and growing your chapter.