The University of Texas at Austin and Texas Law are devoted to providing an academic and professional community that values and reflects its diverse population. Resources, avenues for discussion, and student organizations are just a few ways to further that goal. Use the information below to find out more about:
Texas Law is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming community that values diversity, multiculturalism, inclusion, and equity. Use the webpage linked below to find resources geared toward those values. Additionally, you can find information about law school events, student organizations, discussion groups, notable archives, and trainings.
The University of Texas at Austin's Division of Diversity and Community Engagement works with members of the UT community to connect its educational resources to communities in Texas facing challenges of access. Additionally, this division maintains resources to promote a more inclusive campus. Visit their webpage to find more information.
The MEC is part of the Division and Diversity and Community Engagement, and it supports six student-run agencies including: Afrikan American Affairs, Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective, Latinx Community Affairs, Native American and Indigenous Collective, Queen & Trans People of Color Agency, and Students for Equity and Diversity. The center provides educational opportunities, trainings, students panels, campus tours, and community outreach.
The Thurgood Marshall Legal Society (TMLS) is the law school affiliate of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA). Its goal is to support and uplift Black law school students and improve the academic and social atmosphere in Austin for Black law students, to inform the Black community of the need for more Black lawyers, and to work with organizations committed to diversifying the legal profession.
Through advocacy, community-building, public education, and policy reform, Law Students for Black Lives (“LS4BL”) seeks to eradicate racial disparities endemic to America’s legal system, amplify Black voices, and empower all communities in the fight to eliminate institutional and systemic racism in American society.
The Chicano/Hispanic Law Students Association (CHLSA) is dedicated to addressing the needs of Hispanic law students. The organization is open to all members of the law school community. CHLSA provides various social and academic services, including an extensive outline library, academic sessions to discuss test-taking and studying strategies, resume and career planning sessions, bar review scholarships, and a mentoring program with second- and third-year law students and the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin. CHLSA is committed to providing a support network.
The Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) is dedicated to addressing the interests and concerns of the Asian American community at the Law School, and to promoting awareness of the Asian culture throughout the Law School. Open to all members of the law school community, APALSA sponsors a variety of activities to meet students’ social and academic needs, and participates in the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (NAPALSA).
For a full list of the UT Law Student Organizations, please visit the link below.
The National Black Law Student Association is a national organization with a mission to promote the needs and goals of Black law students. The organization provides advocacy resources and a network of valuable alumni.
The Southwest Black Law Students Association (SWBLSA) is affiliated with the National Black Law Students Association. The region is made up of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Austin Black Lawyers Association (ABLA) supports African American attorneys in their professional development. Members include every facet of the legal community. They serve the community through educational projects and scholarship opportunities.
The Austin Black Lawyers Foundation supports charitable and educational scholarships to African American students at the undergraduate and graduate level entering the legal profession. The two main scholarships are the Heman Sweatt Scholarship and the Virgil C. Lott Scholarship. For information about how to apply, follow the link below.
The National Bar Association is open all working in the legal profession. Its mission is "to advance the science of jurisprudence; improve the administration of justice; preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession; to promote professional and social intercourse among the members of the American and the international bars; to promote legislation that will improve the economic condition of all American citizens, regardless of race, sex or creed in their efforts to secure a free and untrammeled use of the franchise guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States; and to protect the civil and political rights of the citizens and residents of the United States."