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 Alberta Law Review
The Alberta Law Review (ALR) is a student-run publication whose primary purpose is to enhance discourse on Canadian legal issues. Founded in 1955, the ALR is published by the Alberta Law Review Society, an organization consisting of second- and third-year law students at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. Built upon the hard work of student editors at both law faculties, the ALR is published every quarter and has roughly 1,000 pages per volume. Student editors assist in the editing of legal notes and comments submitted by legal scholars and practitioners. ALR accepts applications from incoming 2L and 3L students each summer.
Association of Women Lawyers (AWL)
AWL is committed to promoting the achievement, interests, equality and well-being of all women in the legal profession. Our members come from varied personal backgrounds as well as from diverse professional milieus including practitioners of all ages and in all areas of the law. Our members include sole practitioners, associates or partners in small, medium or large firms, in-house counsel, Crown prosecutors, businesswomen, faculty, law students, articling students, retired lawyers, politicians and the judiciary. Benefits of joining AWL include networking with other members and the exposure to the wide variety of talent, experience, and mentoring capabilities of the mentorship at large.
baking group club
The Baking Group is a group of law students who love to bake, or are excited to learn. Our group meets once every two weeks to bake on campus. During this time members of the group are encouraged to share and lead fellow bakers through recipes they know and love. Our aim is to not only connect people with one another, and foster the growth of baking skills, but to provide the rewarding experience of giving baked goods to fellow students in hopes of making their day! All levels of bakers are welcome and encouraged to join.
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 institutionalized 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 for 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 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 (Black Legal History in Alberta, Seminar: An Enslaved Black Family at the Crossroads of Slavery and Freedom in New Brunswick); BLSA National Conference; UCalgary BLSA Annual BBQ; Black Shirt Day.
Contact us : Email: calgaryblsa@gmail.com. Website: https://www.ucalgaryblsa.ca Facebook: calgaryblsa. Instagram: ucalgaryblsa
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 proving 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. Follow us on Instagram @ucalgarybla.
The Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) is a professional and voluntary bar association which was formed in 1896 and represents over 37,000 lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers and law students from across Canada.CBA members has many benefits: you can save up to 40% off regular GoodLife gym memberships, 30% off Lenovo purchases, 30% off at Purolator, and many more. As a 1L, the most beneficial offers CBA gives are probably its section meetings and the Mentorship Program. CBA has 41 sections that represent common interest groups or focus on substantive areas of law and the legal profession (e.g. aboriginal law, civil litigation, insurance law, intellectual property). These section meetings give great updates about issues within a particular area of law. Currently, due to the pandemic, the section meetings are online. Student Leaders of the UCalgary CBA Law Students Section help organize the Mentorship Program that connects law students with practitioners in different areas, wine and cheese receptions, speaker meetings featuring a variety of legal topics and the Small Firms: Big Connections Breakfast. We will be sending updates on how the mentorship program will work this year.
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!
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. Follow us on Instagram @energylawclub.
The Environmental Law Society (ELS)
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. Follow us on Instagram @ucalgarylaw.els.
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. Follow us on Instagram @healthlaw.ucalgary.
Indigenous Law Students Association
Are you interested in Indigenous Law? Then become a founding member of the Indigenous Law Club! The club has two purposes: to promote awareness among law students in light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action (#27 and #28) and to be a hub for law students interested in Indigenous law, as well as Indigenous students interested in attending law school. Possible events for the year include social functions, guest speakers, a documentary viewing, and hosting an informal Q & A session for Indigenous U of C undergrads interested in attending law school. The club is open to everyone and there will be an opening for a 1L representative. Follow us on Instagram @ilsa.ucalgary.
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. Follow us on Instagram @ucalgarylaw_iplawclub.
Muslim law students association
Fostering a community for Muslim law students and allies at @ucalgarylaw.
In these – wait for it – “unprecedented times” (yes, we said it), the Moot Times has migrated to our online platform (https://www.themoottimes.com) as our primary mode of disseminating stories to the masses. We continue to publish a few print copies of our publication for the benefit of our sponsors, faculty, and contributing writers, and these are available upon request to members of the student body.If you are interested in joining our happy bunch or contributing a piece as a featured guest writer, please feel free to contact our head honcho: Heidi J. T. Exner, at adelheide.exner@ucalgary.ca.
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. Follow us on Instagram @outlaw.ucalgary.
Runnymede
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!
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 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. Follow us on Instagram @slacalgary.
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. Follow us Instagram @pbsc_ucalgary.
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
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
Sports and Entertainment Law Society
UCalgary Financial Markets Club
Gender Equity in Law Association
Labour and Employment Law Association
Diversity and Law Society
Small and Regional Firms Society