Undergrad law frat establishes U. chapter

and SARAH REINSTEIN Phi Alpha Delta, an internationally recognized co-educational law fraternity, officially established a chapter at the University last Sunday. Forty-three undergraduate students with an interest in attending law school became members of the fraternity at an installation ceremony in the Ben Franklin Room at Houston Hall. International Board Member Curtis Anderson, who opened the ceremony, said the fraternity was designed "to make each member a better lawyer" with the purpose of "upgrading the profession." Anderson also swore in the officers, asking them to "ensure the eternal health and the continuity of contribution" of the fraternity. The purpose of the fraternity, according to President Rachel Rokhsar, is to provide members with opportunities to learn more about the various fields of law and to meet with professionals in the legal world. Rokhsar said future programs sponsored by the fraternity will include visits to Philadelphia courthouses and speeches by judges and lawyers about the different branches of law and law in general as a profession. Rokhsar, a College sophomore, stressed the importance of the international aspect of the fraternity. "It gives you connections throughout the world," she said. She added that PAD can give pre-law students the guidance that they may not always find at a large university. The fraternity will also advise students on the process of applying to law school, according to College sophomore and PAD vice-president Charles Gassenheimer. Gassenheimer said the fraternity will sponsor discussions about the LSAT's and process of applying to law schools. Members will have the chance to speak with law students and professors at the University as well with Law School Admissions Dean Glen Glenn, Gassenheimer said. Philip Nichols, assistant legal studies professor and faculty advisor to PAD, said that he intends to serve as a "conduit to faculty and the world of practice," and hoped that his advice would be helpful because he has "been down the path that these students are contemplating." The new fraternity was formed as an alternative to the John Marshall Pre-Law Society, said chairperson of public relations and College sophomore Michelle Falkoff. The major difference between this newly formed pre-law fraternity and the pre-law society is that members of the pre-law society are selected based on academic achievements, according to Phi Alpha Delta member and College junior Edward Schnitzer. An interest in law is the only requirement for admission to the fraternity, Schnitzer said. Programs will begin after spring break now that PAD has been officially established, Rokhsar said. She said PAD has applied for funding from the Student Activities Council and is looking for a permanent campus location to set up its headquarters, she said. Phi Alpha Delta has over 100 pre-law chapters throughout North America as well as 171 law school chapters, according to Gassenheimer. Currently, the Law School does not have a chapter but Rokhsar and Gassenheimer said they hoped that enough interest will be generated by the establishment of the pre-law chapter for Law students to start a law school chapter. Gassenheimer said he believes that having such a large number of chapters in other undergraduate institutions and law schools to work together with is the fraternity's biggest attribute. "The best thing about this fraternity is the establishing of contacts for the future," Gassenheimer added.