The Red Velvet Lawyer

The Beltway Bar Association of the Appalachian School of Law This student organization provides information about bar exam rules and application processes for D.C., Virginia, and Maryland on its dedicated TWEN site. Formed in 2011, it also provides information about bar passage rates in those jurisdictions and posts jobs offered in those communities.   The TWEN site needs updating.  

The North Carolina/South Carolina [Student] Bar Association of the Appalachian School of Law ASL has two student organizations focused on geographic locations:  The North Carolina/South Carolina Bar Association and the Beltway Bar Association.   Students formed the NC/SC Bar Association in 2008.  It represents students who intend to return to those states to practice law.  ASL draws a number of students from both states as part of its mission to serve the Appalachian region. The Purpose Statement This organization exists to "promote awareness, educate, and empower law students interested in obtaining information about the bar exams in North Carolina and South Carolina."   Membership is open to any interested ASL students.     

ASL C.A.R.E.S.  of the  Appalachian School of Law ASL C.A.R.E.S. functions, in part, as the Buchanan County Humane Society.   Its members:  host several pet adoption events through the year,  provide food to sheltered animals,  help keep local animals vaccinated,  offer services at the shelter,  foster animals that might otherwise be euthanized,  transport animals to breed-devoted adoption services, and work diligently to make the local animal shelter a no-kill shelter. Purpose Statement This student group intends: [T]o bring greater awareness to the ASL community about animal rights and welfare in current events. While spreading awareness, we also hope to benefit the well-being of animals in both the local and national level though fundraising events and public speeches, as well as other various events. Membership is open to all ASL students, and the Constitution of ASL C.A.R.E.S. contains a non-discrimination c

The Community Thread Society  of the Appalachian School of Law The Community Thread Society meets most weeks on Wednesday afternoons. Its members spread their projects out on the loveseats, chairs, and carpet of the Lions' Lounge.  Some members are busy knitting blanket squares.  Other members crochet the squares together to form child-sized blankets.  Still other members add the edging to bring the project to completion. This group knits beautiful blankets for the abused and neglected children served by CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates that I profiled here .  I can imagine how precious a lovingly hand-made blanket would be to a young child. Members include both men and women who enjoy a break from study, appreciate the chance to socialize, and feel a deep sense of commitment to the Grundy community. Students can use their hands for something other than typing, while ex

The Appalachian School of Law Republican Law Society The Appalachian School of Law campus hosts two student organizations reflecting party politics: The Democratic Law Society and the Republican Law Society. The Mission Statement The Constitution of the Republican Law Society provides: The mission of this association is to give voice to Republican ideals on and off campus.  The goal of this organization shall be to support Republican candidates on the local and national level as well as encouraging debate and thoughtful awareness of the issues of the day on campus.   It holds membership open to any and all ASL students and alumni.  It also expressly provides a non-discriminatory clause in the Constitution.  An "active" member must attend two meetings of the group. Sponsored Events and Activities   The RLS is perhaps best known for its annual fall event called the All American Ball.  Proceeds from tickets sales benefit various cha

The Gay/Straight Legal Association at the Appalachian School of Law Students organized this association in 2003 to stimulate an active discussion on issues pertinent to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.  It's unofficial motto:  "We love everyone!" Mission Statement The Gay/Straight Legal Association (aka Outlaws) strives to provide a social network for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied students with the law school and the legal community.  It also works to provide education about legal issues which impact the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.  It also strives to help build a safe and tolerant society that respects diversity and offers gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons equal protection of the law. Membership Requirements Membership in the association is open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni and shall not be denied to any person based on age, race, sex, religion, handicap, n

The Appalachian School of Law Democratic Law Society The Appalachian School of Law campus hosts two student organizations reflecting party politics: The Democratic Law Society and the Republican Law Society. The Democratic Law Society, founded in 2003, dedicates its members to the principles that have historically sustained the Democratic Party. The Mission Statement The Preamble to the Constitution of the Democratic Law Society provides: We wish to stimulate in people active participation in governmental affairs and promote their involvement in the political process. We believe all people should have individual freedom in the framework of a just society, political freedom in the framework of a meaningful participation by all citizens. We are aware that a party must be responsive to be worthy of responsibility. We pledge to promote student activity within the boundary of  the Appalachian School of Law as well as within the local community.  We wish to broaden