About The SBA
The Student Bar Association (SBA) at American University’s Washington College of Law serves as the student government organization for the law school. The SBA funds organizations, plans events, and provides resources for students and student organizations. The SBA also represents law student interests to the Washington College of Law (AUWCL), American University, and the local and legal communities at large, serving as a liaison between the students, administration, faculty and public.
The SBA Constitution organizes the SBA into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Each branch has unique characteristics and responsibilities, but all are composed of current law students.
Executive Branch
The Executive Branch sets the policy agenda and conducts the day-to-day business of the SBA. The President is the head of the executive branch and the chief student advocate of the SBA. The Executive Vice President assists the President in guiding the direction of the SBA.
Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch is composed of the SBA Senate and is headed by the Executive Vice President. Each class is represented by elected Senators whose terms last one year. Evening students and transfer students are also represented on the Senate. In addition, there are several at-large Senate seats for students wishing to represent the interests of the greater student body at WCL. The Senate proposes, considers, and votes on legislation. This includes approving the student organizations’ yearly budgets, granting contingency grant requests, chartering student organizations, amending the Constitution, and establishing the bylaws which govern SBA actions. The Senate yields four committees focused on different aspects of law school life: Finance, Groups and Organizations, Academic Affairs, and Student Services. The Senate also confirms Executive Board and Judicial Branch presidential appointees.
Judicial Branch
The Judicial Branch is composed of one Chief Judge and four associate Judges, appointed by the President to terms that last as long as they are students in good standing at WCL.