We are incredibly fortunate to attend a law school that encourages us to explore unique legal fields and interests. However, what happens when your specific interests aren’t yet fully supported or recognized at Weldon? Perhaps you attended the start-of-semester Society Fair but didn’t find anything that sparked your enthusiasm. That was my experience.
Starting law school with a strong passion for family law, there was little to no focus on it during our first year. With second-year recruit applications in some parts of Canada due as early as June, I realized how essential it is for students to be introduced to family law and engage with it early on in their career musings. It was important to me that students could explore whether it was a path they were genuinely interested in and to prepare for potential applications to family law firms.
That’s how the Dalhousie Family Law Society came to life.
It’s a little hard to navigate creating a new society, so here are my tips and tricks for getting started.
Before you’re ratified
Step 1: Gather your supports
To be a society at Weldon, you need to be ratified with the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) and registered with the Dalhousie Law Students' Society (LSS).
For ratification*, you will need the following:
Proof of 10 members;
A proposed executive team of at least 3 members;
A proposed name; and
A couple paragraphs outlining the purpose of your society.
*Note: if your group is affiliated with a 3rd party organization that is outside of Dalhousie University (i.e. UNICEF), then you need a 3rd party letter of consent as well.
Step 2: Send in your application
Email all the above information to dsusocieties@dal.ca who will review your application*, send you a more extensive form, and — hopefully — approve the ratification of your society!
*Note: The DSU does not look at ratification applications in April but come May 1, feel free to reach out to start the process!
After you’re ratified
Step 3: Register with the LSS in the summer
During the summer, the LSS will ask you to complete a quick registration form, which will confirm your DSU ratification has been successful.
They will also ask if you’re interested in participating in the Society Fair. I highly recommend saying, “Yes!” It’s a great way to let people, especially 1Ls, know about your new society!
Step 4: Create a net ID
The DSU will provide you with a form to send back to them asking for a netID. This will allow your society to have a society specific email. For example, ours at the Dalhousie Family Law Society is dfls@dal.ca.
Step 5: Request a bank letter
In your proof of ratification email from the DSU, they will also provide you with a bank letter request form. You’ll need a bank account as a society to access funds. Once the DSU signs the bank letter, you can make an appointment at a bank of your choice to open an account. (Most societies use Scotiabank—shoutout to Heidy!)
Start planning for your bank appointment in advance. You need 3 signing authorities, and all 3 of those people must be at the appointment. The signing authorities are typically your President or Chair, VP Finance, and one other executive member.
Step 6: Complete Primary Event Organizer (PEO) Training
If your society is going to be putting on events, at least one of your executive members will need to be a PEO. The DSU offers this training both live and asynchronously. You have to complete a quiz once you’re done and then you are qualified to be a PEO at the school.
Step 7: Apply for funding
You can apply for funding with the LSS pretty early on in the semester, as well as with the DSU. As a new society, the funding is limited. Therefore, you’ll need to seek society funds elsewhere; for example, look for sponsorships from places like law firms that may have similar values to your society.
Step 8: Create a social media presence
Most law societies have an Instagram to share information about your society! This is a great way to promote events and connect with students who may be interested in becoming a general member.
Step 9: Bring on some 1L reps
In September, you can start to put out applications for 1L society representatives. Typically, this requires students to fill out a form with why they want to be a rep. Some societies do interviews. It’s up to you in how you want to gather applications. These reps can have a variety of roles, but they are often vital for garnering event participation and ongoing society interest; you won’t be at law school forever, and someone will need to keep the society going.
Step 10: Start planning your events!
Societies typically have two events per month — if not more. Make sure to gather with your new executive team and general members to figure out some events for the year and begin planning.
Conclusion
While these steps may seem daunting, starting a society is a great way to introduce something you are passionate about to the law school. If you’re passionate, others will be too. Something special about Weldon is that everyone is willing to help each other.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me: alexi.grewal@dal.ca!
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