Law-Related Student Organizations
From the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio University to the Ohio Innocence Project-u and Phi Alpha Delta, you have many opportunities to get involved at OHIO.
ACLU of Ohio University Campus Action Team
The ACLU Campus Action Team at Ohio University works in partnership with the ACLU of Ohio to promote civil liberties, constitutional rights, and civic engagement across campus. The team organizes educational programming, advocacy projects, and awareness campaigns on issues such as free speech, privacy, voting rights, criminal justice reform, and equal protection. Students involved in the organization gain experience in grassroots organizing, policy analysis, and public education. By connecting local efforts with statewide and national initiatives, the Campus Action Team offers students an avenue to meaningfully contribute to civil rights and civil liberties work during their undergraduate careers. All students are welcome to join.
Connect with the ACLU Campus Action Team on Bobcat Connect
OIP‑u (Ohio Innocence Project – Undergraduate Chapter)
OIP‑u at Ohio University is the undergraduate chapter supporting the work of the Ohio Innocence Project, one of the nation’s leading wrongful conviction advocacy and research organizations. The student organization raises awareness about wrongful convictions, hosts educational events, and engages the campus community in conversations about criminal justice reform, forensic reliability, and the systemic issues that contribute to innocent people being incarcerated. Members can participate in advocacy campaigns, collaborate with legal experts and exonerees, and help drive public education efforts around innocence work and reform. OIP‑u provides an impactful way for students to engage with justice‑focused work long before entering law school. All students are welcome to join.
Connect with OIP-u in Bobcat Connect
Ohio University Mock Trial
Ohio University Mock Trial provides students with an immersive introduction to courtroom advocacy, legal analysis, and public speaking. Competing in the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) circuit, team members assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses, prepare case theories, craft opening statements and closing arguments, and learn to think strategically under pressure. The organization cultivates skills that are invaluable for law school and beyond, including critical thinking, teamwork, persuasive communication, and professionalism. With dedicated coaching and a collaborative team culture, Ohio University’s award winning Mock Trial Team welcomes students from all majors who have an interest in the law, performance, or debate.
Phi Alpha Delta, Pre‑Law Fraternity
Phi Alpha Delta (PAD) is Ohio University’s long-established pre‑law fraternity and a supportive, professional community for students exploring careers in law. As part of the largest co‑ed professional law fraternity in the United States, PAD at OHIO provides students with opportunities to build leadership skills, engage in service, and connect with peers who share similar academic and career goals. Members participate in workshops, networking sessions, LSAT preparation events, and discussions with attorneys and law school admissions representatives. The organization fosters a collaborative environment that helps students strengthen their law school applications and develop confidence as future legal professionals. All students are welcome to join.
Connect with Phi Alpha Delta in Bobcat Connect
Students Defending Students (SDS)
Students Defending Students is a long‑standing organization at Ohio University that provides peer‑to‑peer advocacy and support for students navigating the university’s disciplinary process. Trained undergraduate advocates assist fellow students by clarifying their rights, preparing them for conduct hearings, and helping them understand university policies. SDS offers students real‑world experience in client service, confidentiality, professional ethics, and procedural fairness. For many participants, SDS is their first exposure to advocacy work and a powerful stepping stone toward careers in law, public service, and conflict resolution. The organization embodies OHIO’s commitment to student support, fairness, and educational justice.
Connect with Students Defending Students on Bobcat Connect
Undergraduate Black Law Students Association (UBLSA)
The Undergraduate Black Law Students Association at Ohio University supports pre‑law students through community‑building, mentorship, academic preparation, and leadership development. UBLSA provides a space where students can explore legal careers, learn from attorneys and alumni, and discuss issues affecting communities in the legal system. Through speaker events, LSAT resources, professional development workshops, and peer mentoring, the organization empowers students to navigate the path to law school with confidence. UBLSA also plays an important role in fostering belonging, representation, and advocacy within OHIO’s broader pre‑law and social justice communities. All students are welcome to join.
Connect with Black Law Students Association on Bobcat Connect