Law school is more than lectures and late nights. It is also about connecting with new friends, engaging your interests, and building a unique three-year experience. As a student in the Faculty of Law, you will have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that achieve these ends. Several student clubs host networking events and offer programs that will connect you to legal industry. Others provide a chance to learn about a particular area of the law, like environmental law, for example. Some, like rugby or hockey, offer a chance to stay active in a social setting. Each provides a chance to tailor your experience.

Learn about the various clubs at the Faculty of Law below, and don’t be afraid to reach out for more information.

Club Descriptions

The Black law students’ association

The Black Law Students’ Association at the University of Calgary (UCalgary BLSA) was founded in 2018 and is an affiliate of the national student-run non-profit organization, Black Law Students’ Association of Canada. The club was established to identify and work towards the removal of institutional and other barriers facing Black/African individuals in relation to law school and the legal profession. UCalgary BLSA is committed to supporting and enhancing academic and professional opportunities for Black law and pre-law students. The club promotes various initiatives to increase the representation of Black students in law schools. The club seeks to create a sense of community and belonging to law students while supporting members towards a successful legal career. UCalgary BLSA assists members by linking prospective, incoming, and current students with resources and opportunities including mentorship, scholarships and networking. The club facilitates relationships between the University of Calgary and the wider community through special events with legal practitioners and community organizations. UCalgary BLSA focuses on challenges faced by the Black community as they relate to the legal system by creating a space for discourse around many subjects including legal policy issues, effective career strategies, evolutions in substantive law and access to justice for marginalized groups.

UCalgary BLSA reflects the diversity of the Black/African experience and welcomes allies from all backgrounds who also seek to make a meaningful contribution to the furtherance of justice.

Past Events: Black History Month Events (in recent years this has included educational panels with members of the legal profession, Violent Kind Portrait Unveiling); BLSA Canada National Conference; UCalgary BLSA 1L Welcome Event; 3L Graduation Dinner; CIWA Toy Drive; Lunch and Learn Events with law firms.

The Business Law Association

The Business Law Association (BLA) is a student organization that was established in 2011 at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law. The BLA is dedicated to providing educational, networking and social events that provide students with practical business skills. The BLA will provide students with opportunities to develop practical skills that will serve to enhance their understanding of the business environment and their ability to excel in a business context, as well as opportunities to network with business law practitioners and academics. Look for the “The Art of Networking” event early in your first year.

The christian law students’ association

CLSA is a club for Christian law students to grow in their faith, foster fellowship, and apply their faith to the practice of law. While this is a Christian club, all students are welcome!

The energy law club

Welcome to the Energy Law Club (ELC), where passion meets policy in the dynamic world of energy law and regulation. Join us in illuminating the legal path to a sustainable energy future! The ELC is a dedicated community of individuals who share a keen interest in the legal aspects of energy production, distribution, and sustainability. Whether you are a law student, an energy enthusiast, or someone looking to explore the intersection of law and the energy sector, this club is your gateway to a deeper understanding of the legal challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving energy landscape.

The environmental law society

The Environmental Law Society (ELS) is dedicated to promoting education and engagement in environmental legal issues. Our club facilitates both structured and informal interactions between students, professionals, and legal experts to increase informed participation. We provide a neutral forum to discuss responsible environmental law and policy decisions and we encourage individual club members to explore environmental legal issues that interest them with the support of the club executive.

The federation of asian-canadian lawyers

The Federation of Asian-Canadian Lawyers - University of Calgary Chapter is dedicated to promoting, equity, justice and opportunity for Asian-Canadian legal professionals. We work with FACL Western to organize and promote networking events and mentorship opportunities connecting the pan-Asian legal community.

Health law association

The purpose of the Health Law Association is to generate, foster and develop student interest in the field of health law. Our goal is to create a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas to discuss current issues regarding health policy, bioethics, medical malpractice and mental health. We seek to explore related careers through a variety of educational and social events aimed at expanding student’s awareness of health law opportunities. We also aim to serve as an academic and professional resource for Association members and for the greater community. Events in the past include a lunch and learn series, as well as a wine and cheese mixer with practising health law lawyers located in Calgary.

the indigenous law students’ association

Advocating and bringing awareness of Indigenous issues to the University of Calgary and broader community.

The intellectual property law club (IP LAW CLUB)

Intellectual Property has created a unique and diverse landscape that the field of law grapples with. The UCalgary Law Intellectual Property Club seeks to connect students with the growing area of Intellectual Property Law in Canada and expose them to the practice of Intellectual Property in the Calgary legal market. The Intellectual Property Club's purpose is to provide an engaging platform for students to learn about this practice area and network with current practitioners. The Intellectual Property Club hosts at least one panel per school year featuring lawyers practicing in Intellectual Property and Tech Law and typically co-hosts at least one networking event. Additionally, the Intellectual Property Club maintains a blog on intellectual property topics, with contributions from club executives.

The muslim law students’ association

Fostering a community for Muslim law students and allies at UCalgary Law.

OUTLAW

OUTLaw is the 2SLGBT+ student club at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. OUTLaw provides a social, educational, and political forum for 2SLGBT+ individuals and their allies to engage in discussion and networking, and to promote awareness within the legal and wider communities. OUTLaw works to create a safe forum for the 2SLGBT+ community to interact, provide mutual support and foster inclusive and positive attitudes towards a diversity of sexual and gender minority populations. Further, OUTLaw offers opportunities for law students to meet lawyers who advocate for the 2SLGBT+ population and assist and educate 2SLGBT+ individuals on legal matters.

Runnymede society - university of calgary chapter

Welcome to the University of Calgary Runnymede Society! Are you passionate about constitutionalism, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law? Do you enjoy spirited debates and intellectual diversity? Then you're in the right place! Our chapter is a vibrant hub for law students eager to delve into the principles that shape our legal landscape. We host engaging events, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to network with scholars and jurists from across Canada. Whether you're a first-year law student or nearing graduation, we welcome you to join us and be part of meaningful conversations.

Why Join Us? Stimulating Debates: Engage in rigorous debates on key legal issues. Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and like-minded peers. Intellectual Growth: Gain insights from renowned speakers and legal experts. Join us at our next event and be part of a community that values the rule of law and constitutional dialogue. Let's make law school not just a journey, but an adventure in learning and discovery!

The south asian law students’ association (UCALGARY SALSA)

The South Asian Law Students Association at the University of Calgary (UCalgary SALSA) is dedicated to developing a strong and supportive community for South Asian law students and allies. Our mission is to promote both personal and professional development through mentorship, networking opportunities, and collaborative learning experiences. Our goal is to offer opportunities for members to connect with peers and legal professionals, gain valuable insight into the experiences of South Asian lawyers, and see representation of individuals like themselves succeeding in the legal field. We are committed to advancing South Asian representation and success in the legal profession. Through these efforts, we strive to empower our members through law school while strengthening their ties to the broader legal community.

The Sports and entertainment law society (SELC)

The SELC is a group of law students who are interested in the field of Sports and Entertainment Law. The SELC brings together students who are passionate about sports, entertainment, and the legal and business issues that shape these industries. The SELC aims to educate interested students on topics such as sports law, contracts, sponsorships and media rights by providing opportunities to connect with industry professionals at various sports and entertainment related events. The SELC also hosts casual events, such as watch parties and social events, to build community.

Spread the love club

Spread the Love Club is a newly established student run organization at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law. Our mission is to combat homelessness through direct action and raising awareness. We host events such as making and distributing sandwiches to local homeless shelters, sock drives, distribution of lunches at various shelters and educating our peers on the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. We are committed to making a real impact in our community.

Stay updated on upcoming volunteer opportunities by following us on Instagram: @spreadtheloveclub_uofc

Student legal assistance (SLA)

SLA is a charitable non-profit pro bono legal clinic at the UCalgary Faculty of Law. Legal services are delivered by UCalgary Faculty of Law student caseworkers who provide access to justice for low-income Calgary area residents and UCalgary undergraduate students. SLA has provided legal services in Calgary and region since 1979.

pro bono students of canada (PBSC)

Pro Bono Students Canada is a national program with 22 chapters in Canada. PBSC has three goals: to provide vulnerable communities with legal services free of charge; to provide law students with out-of-classroom legal experience; to instill the pro bono ethic in future lawyers from their first day of law school. The Calgary Chapter currently has over a dozen different projects - there is a project to suit everyone's interests! There are court-based projects, legal research and advocacy projects, public legal education projects and projects that involve direct legal assistance.

Other Clubs

There are other clubs that have been a part of the U of C Faculty of Law, including:

Tech Law Club
The Law Negotiation Club
The Moot Times
Parents Attending Law School Club

Currently Inactive but Looking for Members

These clubs are currently inactive due to a need for an executive or foundational membership.

The Wellness Club
Law and Psychology
Privacy and Cybersecurity
UCalgary Financial Markets Club
Gender Equity in Law Association
Labour and Employment Law Association
Diversity and Law Society
Small and Regional Firms Society
The Baking Club