The Columns Spotlight: The Federalist Society Washington and Lee University – The Columns

By Law Communications March 19, 2024

Tell us a little bit about the Organization: mission, goals, etc.

The Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies (FedSoc) is a group of conservatives and libertarians interested in the current state of the legal order. It is founded on the principles that the state exists to preserve freedom, that the separation of governmental powers is central to our Constitution, and that 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. As an organization on campus, we strive to promote open debate and conversation around legal issues that impact our nation by hosting events featuring judges, lawyers, and scholars.

Do you have any events scheduled for this spring semester?

This spring we have hosted a Welcome Back BBQ, an event on Red Flag Laws featuring the Heritage Foundations Amy Swearer, and a debate on Patent Trolls featuring Judge Ryan Holte from the Court of Federal Claims and W&L Law Professor Christopher Seaman. Coming up we will have an event titled Inside the DOJ featuring Judge Chad Readler from the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, March 26th.

Can alumni get involved?

Absolutely! In addition to hosting a Fall Alumni Career panel, we regularly connect students to alumni and love when more alumni reach out and wish to get involved. If interested, alumni should get in contact with the Society by reaching out to WLU.FederalistSociety@gmail.com or filling out the FedSoc alumni survey: https://forms.gle/PsPmRUesJWrBfFxy5

Are there mentorship opportunities?

Yes! FedSoc has a mentorship program that connects students with upper classmen with similar interests.

How many law students are currently involved?

We have around 50 active members on campus and many more on our list serve.

How has the law school community supported students in this organization?

We have a lot of support from both W&L and W&L Law alumni. A number of our speaking events include contributions from various alumni across the country. One of our most impactful events is our Alumni Career Panel co-hosted by the Office of Career Strategy. For this event, FedSoc alumni working in different sectors within the legal field provide law students with insights into what its like working in the current roles as well as general legal advice. Its a great learning and networking opportunity for FedSoc members.

Is there anything else to share about the organization?

From Chelsea Kowalchuk 24L (Treasurer): Being a member of FedSoc and attending our various speaking events has exposed me to a lot of different legal topics that I would not have engaged in independently or through my legal studies. It has provided me with a greater appreciation for the complexities within todays legal environment and helped me reflect and develop my own opinion on various legal issues.

From Haley Carter 24L (President): FedSoc has been one of the highlights of my law school career, mainly because it extends beyond law school. The lawyers division has more than 100,000 active attorneys throughout the country and regularly host socials and speaker events that students can attend. It has opened the door to mentorship, friendships, and clerkship opportunities. Ive gone to the National Student Symposium every year since 1L, and it is incredible the number of people Ive become friends with at other schools. Plus, our chapter brings in incredible speakers and gives students the opportunity to meet and make connections with attorneys at the peak of their career.

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The Columns Spotlight: The Federalist Society Washington and Lee University - The Columns