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September 8, 2025— Volume 15, Number 04

Evolving Doctrine Lecture Series Returns!

Join us for the first lecture in our Evolving Doctrine Lecture Series for this academic year. The Evolving Doctrine Lecture Series was established two years ago by request from our students to provide social and historical context to doctrinal courses. Each lecture highlights how legal doctrines particularly from first year courses have developed over time and their impact on society and our communities. These lectures supplement our doctrinal courses by connecting studies to current affairs and socio-legal challenges.

On September 22, 2025, Professor Amanda Shanor will explore Constitutional Change in the 20th & 21st Centuries. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with contemporary legal developments and enrich your understanding of constitutional law.

Click here for more information and to RSVP for lunch!

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 8

2L/3L/LLM Lexis+ Protégé Trainings Monday, September 8, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 131 For those of you who haven’t had a chance yet to try out Lexis+ AI Protégé, NOW IS THE TIME! AI is here, and the quicker…Read More

Wednesday, September 10

	Bagel Breakfast Wednesday, September 10, 2025 // 8:45 a.m. Student Life Pavilion, Room 401 Join us for our first Bagel Breakfast of the year! Free bagels, coffee, fruit, and OJ for all graduate and law students-- come meet some new…Read More
	ELS First General Meeting Wednesday, September 10, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 3D Please join us for the Environmental Law Society's First General Body Meeting. This meeting serves as an introduction and a re-introduction …Read More

Thursday, September 11

	RYAA and ERH Training Thursday, September 11, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 3C Looking to get involved with meaningful, hands-on work? Join ACE for a lunch hour training and learn how you can make an impact through RYAA…Read More
	USD x KPMG Information Session Thursday, September 11, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 3D Join the Tax Law Society for an information session with KPMG M&A attorneys to learn about careers and opportunities in tax law.…Read More
	Family Law Society & Women's Legal Clinic Thursday, September 11, 2025 // 3:30 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 3A Interested in family and/or juvenile law? The Women's Legal Clinic & Family Law Society are happy to welcome members of the U.S. State D…Read More
	Speaker Series: Preventing International Parental Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) Thursday, September 11, 2025 // 3:30 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 3A Join the USD Legal Clinics and CAI as they meet with representatives from the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues. Their offic…Read More

Friday, September 12

	St. Thomas More Society Welcome Social Hour Friday, September 12, 2025 // 5:30 p.m. Coronado Brewing Company - 1205 Knoxville St, San Diego, CA 92110 St. Thomas More Society, the Catholic law students association, will be hosting a welcome social hour for all new and returning members of S…Read More
	Introductory Social Hour with APALSA Friday, September 12, 2025 // 6 p.m. Sidecar - 1310 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110 Join us at our social hour to meet and mingle with APALSA members!…Read More

Monday, September 15

	IPLA General Body Meeting Monday, September 15, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 3A Join the Intellectual Property Law Association for our Fall General Body Meeting! Come grab lunch and learn about our planned events this se…Read More
	La Raza General Meeting Monday, September 15, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 2B Join us for our first-ever general meeting of the semester. Get to know our familia, learn about how you can get involved, and share your id…Read More
	Pride Law General Body Meeting Monday, September 15, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Grace Courtroom Join Pride Law for our first general body meeting of the 25-26 school year! Meet the board, learn about upcoming events, and grab a bite to …Read More
	APALSA Mentorship Week Monday, September 15, 2025 // 3 p.m. Varies Monday, 9/15: Speed Bonding - Warren Hall 3A, 3pm-4:30pm Wednesday, 9/17: Scavenger Hunt - Warren Hall Patio, 3pm-4:30pm Friday, 9/19: Mat…Read More
	Mil-Vet Bar: Fireside Chat with Rear Admiral Flatt US Navy JAG Corps Monday, September 15, 2025 // 6:30 p.m. Warren Hall, Grace Courtroom This event will feature a distinguished high-ranking officer from the United States Navy JAG Corps, who will share insights from his career …Read More

Tuesday, September 16

	Criminalizing Immigration Panel Tuesday, September 16, 2025 // 12 p.m. Hahn University Center, Forum C We will have a wonderful panel of immigration and criminal law academics and practitioners to educate about the intersections between crimin…Read More
	EALLS General Body Meeting Tuesday, September 16, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 133 Join Employment and Labor Law Society for our first general meeting of the year! Learn about our upcoming events, meet our new executive boa…Read More
	JD as Me with FGLP Tuesday, September 16, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Grace Courtroom Hosted by First Generation Legal Professionals (FGLP) JD as Me is an annual panel series led by student organizations that centers stu…Read More

Wednesday, September 17

	Constitution Day 2025 - Insights from Top Constitutional Law Professors Wednesday, September 17, 2025 // 11:30 a.m. Presiding Courtroom On the 10th floor of the Central Courthouse - 1100 Union St, San Diego, CA 92101 Celebrate National Constitution Day on September 17 with a very special program taking place inside the Presiding Courtroom. …Read More
	Constitution Day 2025 - Modeling the Art of Respectful Disagreement Wednesday, September 17, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Grace Courtroom Modeling the Art of Respectful Disagreement The School of Law is proud to co-sponsor this annual event with Department of Political Science…Read More
	DILSA General Body Meeting Wednesday, September 17, 2025 // 12 p.m. Warren Hall, Room 315 Join DILSA for its First General Body Meeting! Learn more about our E-Board Members, what South Asian/Desi entails, and fun events we have p…Read More
	APALSA Mentorship Week Wednesday, September 17, 2025 // 3 p.m. Varies Monday, 9/15: Speed Bonding - Warren Hall 3A, 3pm-4:30pm Wednesday, 9/17: Scavenger Hunt - Warren Hall Patio, 3pm-4:30pm Friday, 9/19: Mat…Read More

Thursday, September 18

	Graduate Student Government (GSG) Meeting Thursday, September 18, 2025 // 12 p.m. KIPJ, Room H All graduate student organizations and associations are encouraged to attend the first GSG General Body Meeting of the year! Meet the new GS…Read More
	Grad-Cala Bazaar Thursday, September 18, 2025 // 5 p.m. Hahn University Center, Forums A/B The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is excited to invite all graduate and law students to their Welcome Back Reception featuring free food…Read More

Friday, September 19

	APALSA Mentorship Week Friday, September 19, 2025 // 1 p.m. Varies Monday, 9/15: Speed Bonding - Warren Hall 3A, 3pm-4:30pm Wednesday, 9/17: Scavenger Hunt - Warren Hall Patio, 3pm-4:30pm Friday, 9/19: Mat…Read More
	Criminal Law Society Fall Social Friday, September 19, 2025 // 4 p.m. Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley - 1640 Camino Del Rio N Suite 341, San Diego, CA 92108 Come enjoy a social hour at Novo Brazil Brewing with the members of Criminal Law Society! Get to meet other people working towards the crimi…Read More
	LS4CRU Sunset Social Hour Friday, September 19, 2025 // 6 p.m. Civita Park - 7960 Civita Blvd, San Diego, CA 92108 Join us for our first social of the year & meet Law Students for Cross Racial Understanding and other like-minded students. We'll eat, s…Read More

Saturday, September 20

3rd Annual USD Coastal Clean-Up Saturday, September 20, 2025 // 9 a.m. Belmont Park in Mission Bay - 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 Join USD's Women's Law Caucus (WLC), Environmental Law Society (ELS), Business Law Society (BLS), Animal Legal Defense Club (ALDF), and USD …Read More

See All Upcoming Events

Announcements

Announcements from SBA

SBA 1L Rep Elections

We are excited to announce the upcoming 1L Representative Elections for the Student Bar Association (SBA). Each section will elect one representative who will have the unique opportunity to be the voice of their classmates within the SBA.

Duties of a 1L Rep:
Attend SBA Meetings: Represent your section at all SBA meetings and bring any concerns or ideas from your classmates.

Shadow SBA Committees: Gain valuable experience by observing the work of SBA committees, which address various aspects of student life, academics, and events.

Class Announcements: Serve as the communication link between the SBA and your section, delivering important updates and announcements as needed.

Fill out this form to declare your candidacy! 

The deadline to declare your candidacy is Monday, September 8th, at 11:59 PM.

Candidates can start to campaign on Tuesday, September 9th and voting begins on Friday, September 12th. All campaigning and voting questions can be directed to Alex Pace at apace@sandiego.edu or usdlawvp@gmail.com.

Upcoming Meetings

September 9, 2025 - Noon-12:50 p.m. - SBA Budget Committee - ZOOM

September 16, 2025 - Noon-12:50 p.m. - SBA General Meeting - WH 2A

View SBA current Bylaws HERE.

Campus Concerns and Comments Form

Call for Interest: ACS San Diego Chapter Student Officer Position

The San Diego Chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS) is seeking a law student interested in running for a chapter officer position!

This is a fantastic networking opportunity for a student passionate about constitutional law and eager to connect with local attorneys and leaders in the legal community. Serving as a chapter officer is a great way to get involved in programming, deepen your understanding of constitutional issues, and build meaningful professional relationships.

If you’re interested, please reach out to Madeline Lynch (madelinelynch@sandiego.edu) to express your interest!

Advocates for Children and Education 1L Representative Application

Apply to become a 1L Representative for the ACE Board and take an active role in the organization. This is a great opportunity to learn, lead, and connect with peers and mentors across the ACE network.

Mentorship Opportunity

DILSA is offering a mentorship program opportunity!!

Register here: https://forms.gle/fWXErTpJR6mNHkDb7

Family Law Society 1L Representative Application

Interested in family law and looking to get more involved? Apply to be a 1L Representative on our board! This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, network, and stay informed about events and career resources. Applications are due by September 12th!

Scholarship

Check out a comprehensive list of both USD and external scholarships to help fund your studies HERE. 

Outside Scholarship Highlights

Below is a partial listing of outside scholarships of interest for USD Law students. For a complete listing, please visit Outside Scholarships on the USD School of Law Financial Aid website.

Andrew Cores Family Law Group Future Lawyers Scholarship  $2,000 - An aspiring or current law student enrolled in law school in the US and is a citizen or permanent resident. Each applicant will submit a video of 3 to 5 minutes in length and achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher. Deadline: September 15th, 2025

Justice for All Scholarship $1,000 - JD or LLM student with a GPA of at least 3.0 and are a US citizen or permanent resident of the US. Deadline: September 22, 2025

Claudine Ruiz Scholarship  $3,000 - San Diego Deputy District Attorneys Foundation established a scholarship in honor of Ms. Ruiz to support and encourage students seeking a career in criminal justice. Deadline: September 14th, 2025 

First Generation College Student Scholarship $2,500 - Must be a first-generation college student and a citizen or permanent resident and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program within the US. Deadline: October 1st, 2025

Goostree Law Group Bright Futures Scholarship $2,500 - To apply, you must be in need of financial assistance, be a permanent resident of the U.S., and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Deadline: September 17th, 2025

San Diego Future Legal Leaders Scholarship $1,000 - Enrolled in a pre-law, paralegal, or J.D. program with 3.0 GPA or higher. Campus within 60 miles of San Diego. Deadline: October 15th, 2025

Graduate Student Life

Are you interested in connecting with other grad students across USD? Grad Life offers a wide variety of programming for grad and law students. See the events calendar and sign up for the newsletter! Check out the Grad and Law Student Handbook as well!

Student Writing Competitions

Looking for a way to get published? Maybe earn some extra cash? Then consider entering a writing competition. Visit Writing Competitions webpage for current opportunities. Deadlines vary and new competitions are posted periodically. 

CalFresh Program

We recognize the importance of the CalFresh Program available to eligible, enrolled students and strongly encourage all to apply. CalFresh provides food resources in the form of an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. This program helps many graduate and professional students purchase groceries 12 months a year. Visit CalFresh at https://students.getcalfresh.org/ to start your application. If you have questions about eligibility or need assistance with your application, please contact a CalFresh representative. Approval is determined by CalFresh and the State of California. Please contact the USD School of Law Financial Aid Office  at lawaid@sandiego.com to request a CalFresh letter to submit with your application as supporting documentation. It is also recommended to include a copy of the 25-26 FAFSA Submission Summary (The FAFSA Submission Summary summarizes the information you reported on your FAFSA form and includes your estimated eligibility for federal funding, and your Student Aid Index (SAI) received by email from the Department of Education - Federal Student Aid after submitting the FAFSA) along with the CalFresh application, and USD supporting letter.    

USD Food Pantry and Torero Closet

The USD Food Pantry in Hahn University Center (UC) 116 includes: food, school supplies, hygiene supplies, laundry detergent, etc. Additionally, we have a refrigerator and freezer to offer students fresh produce, dairy, and additional protein options.

The Torero Closet’s mission is to provide support and resources to members of the USD community who are low income students who express need, identify as former foster youth, homeless or at risk for homelessness, and those students who were emancipated minors or in legal guardianships.  It is located at 5330 Linda Vista Road, just south of the West Parking Lot.

Timely Care

is a FREE, incredible resource for all USD students! You can access healthcare, counseling, exercise classes, and more - 24/7

Sidebar is a weekly enewsletter prepared by the Office for Law Student Affairs and is emailed to all USD law students every Monday morning. It contains important deadlines, announcements and upcoming events for the following two weeks. Past issues of sidebar can be found online.

Submit your listing request online by noon on the Thursday before you wish the listing to run. Listing requests may be edited. Announcements will not be posted for more than two weeks.

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