Article I - Name

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be “Black Law Students Association – U.W. School of Law Chapter,” hereinafter referred to as, “Association.”

Article II – Purpose

Section 1: The purpose of this Association shall be to utilize the collective resources of student members to:

1. Articulate and promote the professional needs and goals of black law students;

2. Foster and encourage professional competence;

3. Focus upon the relationship of the black law student and the black attorney to the American legal structure;

4. Instill in the black attorney and law student a greater awareness and commitment to the needs of the black community;

5. Influence the legal community to bring out meaningful change to meet the needs of the black community;

6. Adopt and implement a policy of economic independence;

7. Encourage black law students to pursue careers in the judiciary; and

8. Do all things necessary and appropriate to accomplish these purposes.

Article III – Affiliations

Section 1: This Association shall be affiliated with the National Black Law Students Association as a chapter of the said Association.

Article IV – Membership

Section 1: General membership may consist of all matriculated law students at the University of Washington School of Law who are committed to the purpose of this organization as stated in Article II of this constitution.

Section 2: The majority of the membership of this organization shall consist of regularly enrolled students of the University of Washington. Only those members who are currently registered University of Washington students have voting privileges.

Section 3: Regular participation in the activities of this Association is incumbent upon each student member.

Section 4: In order to constitute active membership, as stated in Article IV, Section 1, each student shall remit payment of dues. Dues shall be submitted no later than the last day of the fall quarter. The amount of the dues required of each member and the rules governing payment are to be determined by Article XI, Section 1.

Article V – Officers

Section 1: The officers of this organization shall consist of:

1. a President;

2. a Vice-President;

3. a Program Officer;

4. a Secretary; and

5. a Treasurer

Section 2: The President shall exercise general authority over the business and activities of the Association. The Vice-President shall exercise general executive authority over the business and activities of the Association. The Program Officer shall, under the direction of the President, be responsible for planning and organizing programs, events and activities for the Association. The Secretary shall provide administrative and clerical support to the Association. The Treasurer shall be responsible for managing the financial matters of the Association

Section 3: The officers shall hold office for a term of one (1) year. A term of office shall commence June 1st and shall terminate May 31st of the following year. The officers elect shall hold office, as officers elect, for a term beginning at election and terminate on April 30th of the same year.

Section 4: Any officer shall be subject to removal upon a determination by at least two-thirds of the membership that such officer is unfit for office.

Article VI – Elections

Section 1: Election of officers shall be held in May within one year from the date of election of the outgoing officers. The Secretary shall provide each member a notice of the date, time and location of elections by mail or email. Such notice shall be given at least 10 days in advance.

Section 2: In the event of a vacancy, the President shall appoint any member, who is not an officer, to serve out the rest of the term of the vacant position, subject to the consent of at least two-thirds of the membership. The Vice-President shall assume the position of the President in the event that the position of the President becomes vacant.

Section 3: Voting shall be done by simple ballot. The winner shall be determined by simple plurality vote.

Article VII – Meetings

Section 1: Regular meetings of the Association shall be held at least once a month. The Secretary shall provide notice of the date, time, and location of meetings to members by mail or email, announcement on the organization’s webpage or its prior meeting.

Section 2: A quorum shall consist of at least 40% of voting members present at any regular or special meeting.

Article VIII – Faculty Supervisor

Section 1: There shall be 1 faculty advisor who shall be member ex officio with no voting privileges.

Section 2: The faculty advisor shall be appointed by the President with consent and approval of at least two-thirds of the membership.

Section 3: The faculty supervisor shall serve as a liaison between the Association and the Law School Administration.

Article IX – Dues

Section 1: Members shall pay annual dues in the amount established by the President.

Section 2: The Treasurer shall account for all dues paid in the Association’s annual report.

Article X - Constitutional Amendments

Section 1: The constitution may be amended by a vote of at least two-thirds of membership at any regular or special meeting.

Section 2: Members shall be provided with at least 10 days advance notice of any amendment proceeding.