Founded in 1983, the University of Virginia School of Law chapter of the Federalist Society remains one of the oldest and most active chapters in the nation with nearly 200 current dues-paying student members and many more who attend our events on a regular basis. We host a series of lectures, debates, and panels which focus on current, relevant topics and bring different ideological viewpoints to the table. Our programming is regularly co-sponsored by other student organizations.
Of the nearly 80 events our chapter coordinates each year—including social, professional, and symposia programming—we host upwards of 20 speaking engagements and debates. We are honored to have recently hosted then-Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Attorney General Jason Miyares. We also routinely hear from nationwide federal circuit and district court judges, respected scholars, and prominent practitioners.
Members of the UVA Law chapter have gone on to become successful in a number of different and influential ways. Some notable alumni include FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, McGuireWoods partner John Moran, George Mason Law School professor Todd Zywicki, and Notre Dame Law School professor Stephen Smith.
Check out the recordings of the Federalist Society’s 2022 National Student Symposium (hosted by UVA) and our 2025 Originalism Symposium, which includes in-depth discussion and debate on the role of general law by leading scholars such as William Baude, Lawrence Solum, Randy Barnett, and Jud Campbell. You can also listen to recent chapter speaker events on our podcast.