"Did the Founding Fathers Intend to Separate Church from State?"
(Speaker Series Event, Monday, Feb. 15, 2010)

Speaker Series
The Federalist Society's annual speaker series, financially sponsored by the national organization, is the cornerstone of all student chapters of the Society. Several speaker events are hosted at Virginia Law each academic year. These events often feature a guest speaker followed by a response by a professor or other legal expert presenting an opposing view. Other events will be structured as panels or debates. The main presentation is always followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. Lectures are always open to the public. Typical speakers include professors from across the country, private practitioners, public interest and government lawyers, and federal judges. See the calendar for upcoming lectures.

Social Events
Federalist Society members and students interested in membership have several opportunities to socialize each academic year. Regular events include a kick-off meeting and barbecue at the law school, events at professor's homes, happy hours at local bars, and a year-end banquet. Our officers are always open to suggestions for additional social and recreational events. Certain social events may be limited to dues-paying members in order to ensure that expenses are covered. See the calendar for upcoming social events.

Annual Supreme Court Trip
Each year, members of the Federalist Society have a unique opportunity to experience the Supreme Court. The day begins with reserved seats to hear an hour of oral arguments. Each year, a different Justice has agreed to host these seats and then meet privately with the group. Justices Scalia, Kennedy, O'Connor and Alito have all hosted recent visits to the Court. Tours of the Supreme Court building are also offered. Those who have attended the Supreme Court trip rank it as one of the best privileges of Federalist Society membership. The Supreme Court Trip is open to dues paying members only.

Pro Bono Activities
The Federalist Society works with the Public Service Center to find and publicize pro bono and public service work that particularly appeals to libertarian and conservative students. Federalist Society members have donated time to organizations such as The Rutherford Institute, Institute for Justice, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, and the Center for Individual Rights.

National Conferences
Every November the national Federalist Society holds a National Lawyer’s Convention in Washington, DC. This year’s NLC will be held from November 12-14 and the theme is “The Federal Government’s Economic Role in our Constitutional System.” Student members are welcome to attend as volunteers and UVA typically sends a large contingent. The Convention is a great opportunity to meet federal judges, legal scholars, and practitioners from across the country Every February or March, the Federalist Society holds a National Student Symposium at a different law school each year. This year’s Student Symposium will be held at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Nearly 1,000 students attend the symposium to hear top rate scholars and practitioners and meet fellow members from across the country. Students pay a small registration fee and can get 50% of travel costs reimbursed. Click here for more information.