Law school is more than just academics, and getting involved in extracurricular activities will give your life some balance and provide a welcome break from the monotony of studying. There are a variety of ways in which you can become more involved both at Hastings and in the local San Francisco community. There are over sixty student organizations on campus, so you can join groups that fit your cultural, athletic, or legal interests. Some journals and centers even allow 1Ls to volunteer. Taking a leadership position in organizations can also be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and become more familiar with your school. For a current list of campus student organizations, please check here. Hastings is also ideally located for you to explore San Francisco and give back to the community.

Of course, getting involved in A/PALSA is a great way to get started! As one of the most active student organizations on campus, A/PALSA offers many social, academic, and community-oriented events throughout the school year. In addition to attending our events, you can also join our board as a 1L Section Representative or join committees to help organize events, such as our annual Charity Poker Tournament and Culture Week. For more information about getting involved, feel free to contact me or anyone else on the A/PALSA board!

Cheers,

Lisa Mak, Membership Chair
Lmak84@gmail.com

A word about the Asian American Bar Association...

AABA provides Asian American attorneys in the San Francisco Bay Area with a vehicle for the unified expression of opinions and positions on matters of concern to all Asian American attorneys. AABA also encourages and promotes the professional growth of its members, serves the Asian American and minority community, and fosters the exchange of ideas and information among its members and the legal community at large. It is the largest local Asian American bar association in the country and is one of the largest minority bar associations in California, with members who are lawyers, judges, law students and others, representing the entire spectrum of political, social and legal concerns. It is active in six Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Marin and Santa Clara.

AABA provides support to law students in a number of ways including a mentorship program, scholarships and summer grants, a career workshop, and a summer associate reception. AABA events provide an excellent opportunity for law students to network, develop professional skills, and participate in community service.

AABA holds a number of exciting events for law students every year and is always adding new ones. Those events can only succeed with the help of student volunteers and staff members. Please check out AABA's website to join AABA and participate. Hastings AABA liaisons, Ashley Kim and Ana Lai, will keep us posted on any upcoming events.

Ana Lai and Ashley Kim, AABA Liaisons