Law School Democrats of America

The Law School Democrats of America (Law School Dems), or the National Democratic Law Students Council (NDLSC), is the law student arm of the Democratic National Committee. Membership consists of over 1500 law students at more than 85 law schools located throughout the United States.

History[]

Law School Democrats of America was founded in 2006 at Harvard Law School by David Burd. The organization's first event was a national convention, keynoted by DNC Chairman Howard Dean, at Harvard Law School.^[1] Originally consisting of a small number of the Ivy League law schools, the organization has grown substantially since its founding, and now has chapters at law schools in every region of the United States. The NDLSC works with the Democratic National Committee and other organizations on issues such as election reform and voter protection. NDLSC continues to found new chapters and expand membership, and coordinate the placement of law students to work on Democratic campaigns, including the upcoming 2012 presidential re-election.

Activities[]

Since 2006, hundreds of law students have taken an active role in Democratic politics, and local and national elections as members of the Law School Democrats.^[2] Student activities have included canvassing, legal research, phone banking, voter protection, and other activities.

The Law School Democrats seek to ensure that every eligible voter is allowed to cast a vote and that every vote is counted, support Democratic campaigns and candidates, connect law students and attorneys interested in Democratic politics, and cultivate the next generation of Democratic leaders.

National Convention[]

Every year the Law School Democrats holds a national convention. The convention generally takes place in February or March over a weekend, and consists of discussion panels, keynote speakers, receptions, and an election for a new board of directors (President, Vice-President of Communications, Vice-President of Finance, Vice-President of Membership, Vice-President of Programming).^[3] During election years, regional directors are often appointed by the board of directors to help coordinate law student involvement in Democratic campaigns and voter protection efforts.

Past conventions were held in Boston, New York City, Columbus, Ohio, Chicago,^[4] and Washington, D.C.^[5] Notable convention speakers include former DNC Chairman and Vermont Governor Howard Dean, New York Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Democratic political consultant Bob Shrum, Illinois Treasurer and former U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler, and Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

The 2011 Law School Democrats National Convention took place April 1–3 at the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C.

Chapters[]

See also[]

• College Democrats
• College Democrats of America
• Young Democrats of America
• High School Democrats of America

References[]