The Smith Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) recently voted to recognize the Business Law Society (BLS) as a student organization, giving the group a chance to broaden their goals and appeal to more students.
Because of SUSA’s vote, BLS can gain more recognition with law firms and governmental agencies, as well as students who are interested in law. SUSA recognition also allows BLS to “collaborate and coordinate activities” with other business school clubs, including the Accounting and Business Association, Business Ethics Society, Finance, Banking and Investment Society, and the International Economics and Finance Society, according to academic advisor Dr. Leigh Anenson.
“BLS was the only club (area of study) missing from SUSA,” said BLS President Kasra Mojtahedi. “Having SUSA status helps us to get a lot of funding, Smith School recognition, and better access to business students who are interested in laws and regulations affecting businesses and corporations.”
BLS has several activities planned to help students with their law school admissions, including panel discussions featuring current law students and law school recruiters, and guest speakers from law firms, government agencies and banks. With additional funding, BLS is planning tours and field trips to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Patent Office, Department Of Justice and Supreme Court in Washington.
As a SUSA club, BLS plans to not only help students with their law school admissions, but also “give a broader knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies on businesses,” according to Mojtahedi. Although the club is mainly focused on students who plan to attend law school, Anenson believes the club can interest a broader range of students.
“For students not considering law as a future profession, it will assist them in thinking of law beyond mere compliance to its use as business strategy” said Anenson.
Networking plays an important role in the club’s goals, and supports the business school’s goal of alumni relations with students. The club hopes to connect students with lawyers to aid their education of business law.
With SUSA behind them, BLS hopes to expand as a club.
“SUSA will be great resource for us to promote our activities and receive funding for many of our activities,” Mojtahedi said.