Community Affairs
Cassandra Best (Vice-President of Community Affairs & Committee Head)
Allie Donenberg (3L Representative)
Amanda Jadin (3L Representative)
Laura McCabe (3L Representative)
Erica Zurawski (2L Representative)
Ashley Ryan (1L Representative)
Paris Scott (1L Representative)
Mengyuan Li (Sawyer) (Graduate Student Representative)
Paul Kilgas (Fall 2L Representative)
Projects
Bar Review (Weekly): Bar review is a long-standing tradition enjoyed by law students around the country. Not quite the Bar exam study group it may sound like, the SBA selects a different Madison establishment to host to a weekly decompression-session of sorts on Thursday nights. It’s an opportunity to take a break from the stresses of law school and relax with your fellow students. Drinking is not required, only having a good time. Attendance is optional, but all students are welcome and doesn’t cost a thing, so why not reward yourself and have a little fun?
The first Bar Review of the school year is always held at the Essen Haus, and typically the most highly attended one of the year. Details about later Bar Review dates will be released via email and announced on the SBA website several days before the date of the event. Student organizations are welcome to co-sponsor Bar Reviews with SBA over the course of the semester, with some exceptions; interested groups should contact the Committee Head. The Community Affairs committee also plans joint Bar Review events with other graduate schools, including the Pharmacy, Veterinary, and Business Schools, which occur at least once a semester.
3L Homecoming & Cane Toss (October/November): Homecoming is a very important day for the 3Ls, LLM students and other graduating law students, marking the beginning of the end of their law school careers and the culmination of all their hard work over the previous few years. Further, in keeping with UWLS tradition, those students are invited to participate in the annual Homecoming Cane Toss, which dates all the way back to the 1930′s. Before the University’s Homecoming football game, in front of thousands of fans, the graduating students take to the field, and run from end zone to end zone wearing derby hats and toss their canes over the goalpost. According to legend, any graduating student who manages to catch their cane is destined to win their first case.
The Community Affairs committee is responsible for day’s festivities. The day typically begins in the Law School Atrium for an optional morning breakfast/reception for the graduating students and any guests that want to attend. Around an hour before game time, all participating students gather and depart from the Atrium, head down University Avenue to Camp Randall Stadium, and are lead out onto the field for the cane toss. After the cane toss, the students can return to their seats to enjoy the game, and once it’s over, the SBA and Alumni Association host an afternoon BBQ/celebration back at the law school. All in all, it’s a wonderful day of events, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and a terrific way to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
Dean’s Cup Bash (In the Fall After Dean’s Cup): After weeks of hard-fought battle and the crowning of a new Dean’s Cup champion, it comes time to “make nice” with the med school. What better way to reconcile differences than by dressing to impress and celebrating in style with fellow law students and other future-lawsuit prone people in the majestic Great Hall at Memorial Union. One of the most memorable nights of the year, the Dean’s Cup Bash is a semi-formal event planned by the SBA and the Medical Students Association, referred to by some as “Grad School Homecoming.” It’s a chance for future doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians and attorneys to come together in one room and dance the night away. With delicious hors d’oeuvres, beverages, a DJ, and 500 other grad students looking their best, it’s no surprise that the Dean’s Cup Bash sells out quickly, and all profits from ticket sales are donated to charity.
Barrister’s Ball (April): The end of the academic year marks distinct accomplishments for each class of law students. With so much to celebrate and time running out, the Barrister’s Ball provides one final opportunity for the entire school to come together to celebrate with the 3L class and send them out in style. This spring semi-formal event is the University of Wisconsin Law School’s most celebrated and eagerly awaited annual event. Loosely described as Law School Prom, it is an unforgettable evening of dancing, laughing, and reminiscing about the year with friends.
