ABA Law Student Division
Leadership Opportunities
National Officers of the ABA Law Student Division
Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary-Treasurer
Election Method
Elected each year by the Law Student Division Board of Governors during their Spring Meeting, March 18-21, 2010 in New Orleans, LA. All certified candidates are required to attend the Law Student Division Board of Governors Spring Meeting, March 18-21, 2010 in New Orleans, LA, where the election will take place.
Term
Successful candidates for each of these positions serve as Officers-Elect from March to August before assuming office. Official term is one year (August to August) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following ABA Annual Meeting.
Position Description
National Officers: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary-Treasurer
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student who has not received his/her first degree in law;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010;
- A law student who has received the support of his/her law school dean to run for office. All nomination forms must be approved and signed by each candidate's dean; and
- A law student who is in compliance with the submission deadlines and requirements.
Nomination Deadline
The nomination form, candidate's statement and resume must be postmarked by February 1 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Nominations sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
Additional Information
You must read the position description for the position you are applying for before continuing to the Nomination Form. In order to access the Nomination Form, you also will be required to read the Election and Campaign Procedures followed by your review and acceptance of the Code of Election Regulations.
I wish to begin the nomination process. Please link me to the position description so I can get started:
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary-Treasurer
You must read all documents mentioned above before being linked to the Nomination Form
Division Representative to the ABA Board of Governors
Election Method
All applications for this position will be fully considered and interviewed by the Division's Nominations Committee. Certified and approved candidates for consideration/election by the Division's Nominations Committee will be notified in mid-February. All certified candidates are required to attend the Law Student Division Board of Governors Spring Meeting, March 18-21, 2010 in New Orleans, LA, where the election will take place. The representative will be elected by the Law Student Division Board of Governors which consists of four officers, three delegates to the ABA House of Delegates and fifteen regional circuit governors.
Term
The successful candidate for this position, who will also serve as a voting member of the Law Student Division Board of Governors, will serve as the Division's Representative-Elect from March 2010 until August 2010 before assuming office. The one-year term of office will begin at the conclusion of the August 2010 ABA Annual Meeting.
Position Description
Representative
to the ABA Board of Governors: Position
Description
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student who has not received his/her first degree in law;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010;
- A law student who has received the support of his/her law school dean to run for office. All nomination forms must be approved and signed by each candidate's dean; and
- A law student who is in compliance with the submission deadlines and requirements.
Nomination Deadline
The nomination form, candidate's statement and resume must be postmarked by January 15 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Nominations sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
Additional Information
You will be required to review the position description for this position, read the Election Procedures and accept the Code of Election Regulations in order to access the Nomination Form.
I wish to begin the nomination process:
Please link me to the position description so I can get started
You must read all documents mentioned above before being linked to the Nomination Form
Vice Chair-Student Bar Associations
Election Method
Elected by the SBA Conference (SBA Presidents from each ABA-approved law school) and confirmed by the Law Student Division Board of Governors. Election takes place in conjunction with the ABA Annual Meeting in August.
Term
Official office term is one year (August to August) beginning at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following Annual Meeting.
National Officer: Vice Chair - Student Bar Associations
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student who has not received his/her first degree in law;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010;
- A law student who has received the support of his/her law school dean to run for office. All nomination forms must be approved and signed by each candidate's dean;
- A law student who is in compliance with the submission deadlines and requirements; and
- A law student who has previously participated in a student bar association.
Nomination Deadline
The nomination form, candidate's statement and resume must be postmarked by June 1, 2010 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Nominations sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
The 2010-2011 Nomination Form for this position will be released in April
(Nomination deadline: June 1, 2010)
I wish to preview the position description and accompanying election materials for this position:
Division Delegates to the ABA House of Delegates
Election Method
Three Division Delegates to the ABA House of Delegates are elected by the Law Student Division Assembly (ABA Representatives and Student Bar Association Presidents from each ABA-approved law school). Assembly delegates who wish to participate in the election must be members in good standing of the ABA Law Student Division. Election takes place in conjunction with the ABA Annual Meeting in August.
Term
One year (August to August) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following ABA Annual Meeting.
National Officer: Division Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student who has not received his/her first degree in law;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010;
- A law student who has received the support of his/her law school dean to run for office. All nomination forms must be approved and signed by each candidate's dean; and
- A law student who is in compliance with the submission deadlines and requirements.
Nomination Deadline
The nomination form, candidate's statement and resume must be postmarked by June 1, 2010 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Nominations sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
The 2010-2011 Nomination Form for this position will be released in April
(Nomination deadline: June 1, 2010)
I wish to preview the position description and accompanying election materials for this position:
Circuit Governors
There are 15 Circuit Governors who serve on the Law Student Division's Board of Governors.
Election Method
Elected by the SBA Presidents and the primary ABA Representatives from each of the ABA-approved law schools in the circuit where the candidate has been nominated for Governor. SBA Presidents and ABA Representatives who wish to participate in the election must be members in good standing of the ABA Law Student Division.
Term
One year (March to March) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Law Student Division Board of Governors Spring Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following Spring Meeting. Successful candidates for Circuit Governor are required to attend the Governor Training Session held in conjunction with the Law Student Division Board of Governors Spring Meeting, March 18-21, 2010 in New Orleans, LA.
Position Description
Circuit Governors
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student who has not received his/her first degree in law;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010;
- A law student who has received the support of his/her law school dean to run for office. All nomination forms must be approved and signed by each candidate's dean; and
- A law student who is in compliance with the submission deadlines and requirements.
Nomination Deadline
The nomination form, candidate's statement and resume must be postmarked by February, 1 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Nominations sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
Additional Information
You will be required to review the position description for this position, read the Election Procedures and accept the Code of Election Regulations in order to access the Nomination Form.
I wish to begin the nomination process:
Please link me to the position description so I can get started
You must read all documents mentioned above before being linked to the Nomination Form
Student Editor - Student Lawyer Magazine
Election Method
Appointed each year by the Law Student Division Chair
Term
One year (March to March) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Law Student Division Board of Governors Spring Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following Spring Meeting. The law student appointed to the Student Editor position is required to attend the Law Student Division Spring Board of Governors Meeting and Governor Training Session, March 18-21, 2010 in New Orleans, LA.
Position Description
Student Editor-Student Lawyer Magazine
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A student who has not received his/her first degree in law;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010;
- A law student who is in compliance with submission deadlines and requirements; and
- A law student experienced in journalism or public affairs with strong news writing, editing, and reporting skills
Nomination Deadline
To apply, send a cover letter with your resume and three published news writing clips or news releases to American Bar Association, Law Student Division, Attn: Student Editor Applicants, 321 North Clark Street, 19th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654. To be considered, all applications must be postmarked by February 1 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Applications sent via regular mail are not eligible for consideration. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
You will be required to review the position description for this position in order to access the Application Form.
I wish to begin the application process.
Please link me to the position description so I can get started
You must read the position description before being linked to the Nomination Form
Liaisons to ABA Entities
Appointment Method
Appointed each year by the Chair of the ABA Law Student Division.
Term
One year (August to August) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following Annual Meeting.
Position Description
Law Student Division Liaison to Other ABA Entities
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010; and
- A law student who is in compliance with submission deadlines and requirements.
Application Deadline
The liaison application form, your statement and resume must be postmarked by February, 15 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Applications sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No exceptions will be granted.
Additional Information
- Position Description
- 2010-2011 Positions
- 2009-2010 Liaison Handbook
- Applicants will be interviewed by telephone in April and appointed around May 15.
- Questions should be directed to: abalsd@abanet.org
You will be required to review the position description for this position in order to access the Application Form.
I wish to begin the application process:
Please link me to the position description so I can get started
You must read the position description before being linked to the Application Form
National Student Directors
There are five National Student Directors (NSD):
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Arbitration Competition
- Client Counseling Competition
- Negotiation Competition
- National Appellate Advocacy Competition
Application Method
Appointed each year by the Chair of the ABA Law Student Division
Term
One year (August to August) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following Annual Meeting.
Position Description
Law Student Division National Student Directors
Application Deadline
The National Student Director/Project Director application form, your statement and resume must be postmarked by February, 15 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Applications sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No extensions will be granted.
Eligibility
To qualify as a candidate, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010; and
- A law student who is in compliance with submission deadlines and requirements.
Additional Information
- Applicants are interviewed by telephone in April and appointed around May 15.
- Questions should be directed to: abalsd@abanet.org
You will be required to review the position description for this position in order to access the Application Form.
I wish to begin the application process:
Please link me to the position description so I can get started
You must read the position description before being linked to the Application Form
Project Director
Project Directors are responsible for coordinating and administering their respective Law Student Division programs.
Position Descriptions
- Project Director - Law Student Mental Health Initiative
- Project Director - Veterans Advocacy Initiative
Application Method
Appointed each year by the Chair of the ABA Law Student Division
Term
One year (August to August) beginning at the conclusion of the ABA Annual Meeting and concluding upon adjournment of the following Annual Meeting.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a candidate for a Project Director position, an individual must be:
- A law student attending an ABA-approved law school;
- An ABA Law Student Division member in good standing (dues must be paid in full for the current bar year by the filing deadline);
- A law student in good standing at law school (not on academic probation or suspension) during the 2009-10 academic year;
- A law student attending law school during the academic year subsequent to June 1, 2010; and
- A law student who is in compliance with submission deadlines and requirements.
Application Deadline
The National Student Director/Project Director application form, your statement and resume must be postmarked by February, 15 using an overnight mail service (i.e., Federal Express) to furnish clear proof of sending and receipt. Applications sent via regular mail are not eligible for certification. This is a "strict liability" deadline and requirement. No extensions will be granted.
Application Requirements
Your application must include the following attachments
- Copy of your resume
- Brief summary (no more than 2 typewritten pages, which may be single-spaced) describing your qualifications, your background, and your interest in the position(s) that correspond(s) to this application.
- Optional: You may attach a maximum of 2 letters of recommendation. They must be attached to this application.
For electronic applications, you will have the ability to attach only one document. Your attachment should include each of the required documents outlined above in the order listed. Electronic attachments must consist of a single document, limited to files 2.5 MB in size using one of the following file types: excel, msword, or adobe pdf.
Additional Information
- Applicants are interviewed by telephone in April and appointed around May 15.
- Questions should be directed to: abalsd@abanet.org
You will be required to review the position description for this position in order to access the Application Form.
I wish to begin the application process:
Please link me to the position description so I can get started
You must read the position description before being linked to the Application Form
Lt. Governors
Information for applying for Lt. Governor positions is sent out by the respective Circuit Governors immediately following their appointment in March. For a list of current Lt. Governor positions, refer to your circuit webpage.
ABA Representatives
Those interested in serving as the ABA Representatives should contact their SBA Presidents or current ABA Representative or consult with their law school Dean for more information and eligibility requirements.
See the ABA Representatives Homepage for a brief overview of the position's responsibilities and duties.
SBA Presidents
Those interested in serving as their school’s SBA President should contact their current SBA Presidents or current ABA Representative or consult with the law school Dean for more information and eligibility requirements. Slate of Candidates
Application and Nomination Deadline Dates
January 15
February 1
February 15
June 1
May/June
Please note that all positions (except Lt. Governors) have "strict liability" deadlines and delivery requirements with no extensions granted. Please refer to the guidelines for more information. ABA Law Student Division membership is a prerequisite to leadership in the Division. A nominee/applicant must be a member in good standing at the time their application is filed. A member in good standing constitutes an individual who has paid their dues in full for the current Association year.
National Level Positions
Circuit Level Positions
School Level Positions
Other Important Links
- Leadership Poster
- Law Student Division Bylaws
- ABA and Division Organizational Chart
- Guide and Code of Election Regulations
- How to Proxy a Vote in the Election for Circuit Governor
- *How to Proxy a Vote in the Election for Vice Chair-SBA
- *How to Proxy a Vote in the Election for Division Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates
*2009 proxy guidelines -- 2010 proxy guidelines will be posted in May.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding any of these positions, please feel free to contact your Circuit Governor, your school's ABA Representative or SBA President.
