Student Bar Association

Representing Gonzaga's Law Student Community

The Gonzaga Student Bar Association (SBA) is the student body representative organization. It is a non-profit corporation formed under the laws of the state of Washington.

Its purpose is to encourage and enhance the academic and social environment of the school on behalf of students.

All law students are members of the SBA and members of the corporation, which receives its funds from a mandatory Student Body Association fee of $30 per semester per full-time student, and $15 per part-time student.

These fees are collected by the law school and immediately remitted to the Student Bar Association.

No other dues or fees are charged.

Activities

The SBA sponsors a variety of activities in which all law students are entitled and encouraged to participate.

• The SBA and constituent student organizations promote and host lectures, community outreach events, and socials.
• The SBA co-sponsors the William O. Douglas Lecture Series, which brings nationally recognized speakers to campus to speak on subjects related to the First Amendment.
• SBA officers organize and conduct Heidelberg, the annual social evening that is the law students' spring celebration.

Education

Each year, the SBA provides a tutorial for first-year students in which 1Ls may receive assistance from fellow students in a relaxed environment.

Second- and third-year students are given a chance to instruct, and may receive compensation.

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Community

• The SBA reaches out to the Spokane community through providing assistance to bring various speakers and workshops, which the public can attend.
• The ABA-LSD representative of the SBA sponsors a work-a-day program to give back to the community by providing services.
• The SBA also donates money to local charities.

Financial Provider

• The SBA provides financial support to the various organizations that fall under its supervision.
• The SBA and ABA-LSD provide funds for new groups to cover start-up costs.
• The SBA has also provided charitable donations to the University Legal Assistance Program.

On-campus Role

The SBA acts as a liaison between:

• Law students and the law-school administration.
• The law school and the American Bar Association.

Social Events

The SBA sponsors:

• An annual shareholders meeting called Heidelberg. This semi-formal event includes cognition awards of the winners of the yearly competitions sponsored by Moot Court, as well as awards for the faculty.
• "Pit Parties" and family social events.

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