The Florida State University
College of Law
Student Bar Association
Constitution & Bylaws
(Rev. Spring 2026)
ARTICLE I—NAME
This association of students from the Florida State University College of Law shall be formally known as the Student Bar Association (SBA).
ARTICLE II—PURPOSE
SBA represents the student body of Florida State University’s College of Law. SBA works to advance student welfare and interests in the following areas: academic success, professional networking, community outreach, and social connections. This is achieved through innovative events, both independent and in partnership with other student organizations at the College of Law, collaboration with faculty and administration, and involvement with the legal field, locally and at-large.
ARTICLE III—MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership Requirements:
a) SBA membership shall be limited to currently enrolled FSU College of Law students. SBA offers two tiers of membership:
Garnet Membership. Garnet membership is free and automatic upon enrollment at FSU Law. Any student who has not otherwise purchased a Gold membership is, by default, a Garnet member.
Gold Membership. Gold membership is voluntary and priced pursuant to a vote by the Executive Board. Gold membership may be purchased by a current law student. Gold membership may be purchased on a semesterly, annual, or complete basis. Gold membership is non-refundable, unless the purchaser has transferred, unenrolled, or is otherwise a non-current member of the FSU Law student body. Students under these conditions wishing to receive a refund must communicate this desire to the Executive Board. If not set to expire on a semesterly or annual basis, Gold membership expires upon graduation. Benefits of Gold membership include those pursuant to ART. III (3)(a) and those prescribed by the Executive Board.
b) The Executive Board shall vote at a meeting to take place prior to the first day of the Fall semester to set Gold membership dues for the upcoming year by a majority vote.
2. Revoking Membership:
a) Grounds for revoking membership include a violation of the FSU Student Conduct Code or a violation of any provisions of this Constitution.
b) To begin revocation proceedings the Board must first hold a formal meeting, discuss the proposed grounds for revocation, record minutes of the meeting, approve a written notice to the student by 2/3 vote, and vote on a time and date for the revocation hearing.
c) The written notice must at minimum contain the date of the Board’s initial vote, the grounds for revocation, any factual allegations which may by themselves or considered together constitute the grounds for revocation, the time and date of the revocation hearing, and the student’s right to address the Board at the revocation hearing to offer any relevant defense prior to the Board’s vote on revocation. The student must be notified in writing at least 72 hours before the revocation hearing.
d) A 2/3 vote for revocation by the Board is required to revoke a student’s membership. Following a vote to revoke membership, the student must be provided with details regarding their right to appeal set forth in paragraph (f).
e) Upon a vote to revoke a student’s membership, the membership will be revoked for one academic year (fall, spring, summer).
f) To appeal a membership revocation decision, the student must submit a written appeal to the President within 7 calendar days, stating their decision to appeal. Upon notice, the President shall create an appeals committee consisting of 3 members of the Board and 4 general body members. The Appeals Committee will decide the appeal by a simple majority vote within 7 calendar days and immediately submit their written decision to the President. The President must notify the student of the decision within 2 days.
3. Lockers
a) Each current SBA Gold member is entitled to one (1) locker in the Main Classroom Building, subject to availability, for the duration of their active Gold membership. If there is a surplus of lockers, the President, with consent from the full Cabinet, may rent out lockers to others on campus, including but not limited to: External Organizations, school-affiliated groups and individuals, and Bar Preparation Companies. Registered Student Organizations Lockers are available in the Presidents Lounge on the second floor of the Main Classroom Building. Rentals to these aforementioned others may occur on a semester or annual basis, at a price determined by the President and agreed upon by the full Cabinet.
ARTICLE IV—MEETINGS & MINUTES
1. All members of the Executive Board are required to attend all Board meetings. Absences may be excused by the President on a case-by-case basis. Absences by the President may be excused by the Vice President on a case-by-case basis. If any Board Member has two or more unexcused absences, that Board Member may be subject to removal pursuant to Art. VIII.
2. Regular weekly Board Meeting times, dates, and locations are to be proposed and approved with a majority vote of the Board no less than one week before to provide notice pursuant to Florida Sunshine Laws (F.S. §286.011). These details must be recorded in the minutes and made available to the public within 48 hours of the vote. Otherwise, the President may call for emergency meetings at their discretion, with the approval of the Cabinet.
3. Unless otherwise provided herein, all votes are subject to majority approval. In the case of a tie, the President will cast the tie-breaking vote.
4. All meetings are open to the public and subject to applicable law, pursuant to Florida Sunshine Laws (F.S. §286.011).
5. The Secretary shall take minutes every meeting and make them available to the public within 48 hours of adjournment. Minutes shall contain all relevant issues, comments, or concerns addressed during the meeting, as well as a record of pertinent votes.
ARTICLE V—THE BOARD & EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
1. Board Composition. The Board shall be comprised of four (4) Executive Officers (i.e. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, herein after, the “Cabinet”), three (3) Chairs (i.e. Alumni and Community Chair, Media Chair, and Pro Bono Chair), and six (6) Representatives (i.e. 3L Representative, 2L Representative, 1L Representatives, Transfer Representative).
2. Role of the Board. The Board shall act as the governing body of the Student Bar Association (SBA). The Board shall set its own rules of procedure for exercising its power to formulate policies and manage the affairs of SBA unless otherwise provided herein. In the absence of a full Board, a decision by the President shall be binding unless overridden by a majority vote of the Board, excluding the vote of the President.
3. Term Limits. Individuals elected to the Board during Spring Semester Elections shall serve a one-year term. This one-year term shall begin at the conclusion of FSU College of Law’s Spring Graduation Ceremony of the school year the Spring Semester Election was held and end at the conclusion of the following school year’s Spring Graduation Ceremony (the “Term”). Individuals elected to the Board during Fall Semester Elections or Special Elections shall serve from official announcement of their election until the conclusion of that school year’s Spring Graduation Ceremony (also the “Term”).
4. President. The President shall be a third-year law student who has served at least one Term prior on the Board or as a President or Vice President of another Recognized Student Organization at FSU Law. The President’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Approve all SBA-sponsored events, including, but not limited to, the date, time, location, and other details of such event, along with the majority vote of the Board. If no Executive Officer can attend an event, it can be rescheduled with their approval.
i. The President shall not attach SBA sponsorship to any event without first providing notice to all members of the Board. SBA sponsorship cannot be attached to any event in absence of a majority vote by the Board. Should a Board member contest an issue of SBA Sponsorship, a majority vote of the Board shall decide the issue.
b) Preside over all meetings;
c) Make decisions on behalf of the SBA in the absence of the Board;
d) Appoint Committee Chairs and Members with advice and consent of the Board pursuant to this Constitution and supervise these committees;
e) Make all appointments required by university officials; and
f) If deemed necessary, form Standing Committee(s), as per Article VI.
4. Vice-President. The Vice-President shall be a second-year or third-year law student who has served at least one Term prior on the Board or as a Board Member of another Recognized Student Organization at FSU Law. The Vice-President’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Assume the duties of the President in his or her temporary absence;
i. In the case of a vacancy in the office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the office of President, and a special election for a new Vice-President shall be held at the Board’s earliest convenience, but no later than thirty (30) days after the President’s office vacancy originated.
b) Serve as the American Bar Association/Law Student Division Representative;
i. Duties include the responsibility for the membership and programs of the ABA/LSD, representing the College of Law at all ABA/LSD regional and annual meetings, serving as the liaison to the Florida Bar, and communicating information and coordinating programs related to the Florida Bar for the benefit of the student body.
c) Assist the President with Elections; and
d) Supervise the Chairs and directly assist the Chairs with their respective roles.
5. Secretary. The Secretary shall be a second-year or third-year law student for the Term they seek election. The Secretary’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) In cooperation with the President, prepare a proposed agenda for all Board Meetings;
b) Record, in typewritten form, the minutes of all Board Meetings;
c) Publish all minutes of Board Meetings on the SBA website within 48 hours after the conclusion of the Board Meeting;
d) Keep updated records of SBA Gold Memberships;
e) Oversee the issuance, maintenance, and record-keeping of the lockers at FSU College of Law;
f) Post all upcoming SBA-sponsored events on Daily Docket;
g) Update the SBA website when upcoming SBA-sponsored events have purchasing options;
h) Assist the Treasurer by keeping records of any purchases associated with SBA-sponsored events; and
i) Keep posted at all times a current edition of the SBA Constitution.
6. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be a second-year or third-year law student for the Term they seek election. The Treasurer’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Serve as custodian of SBA funds;
b) Complete the annual “RSO Financial Certification” course;
c) Prepare the semesterly Law School Counsel budget request;
d) File NoleCentral requests to use Law-School-Counsel-provided funds for SBA-sponsored events;
e) Supervise the collection and disbursement of any other funds pursuant to this Constitution, and keep records thereof;
f) Submit a weekly report to the Executive Board of Association income, expense and the weekly balance of Association funds;
g) File annual tax returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service; and
h) Serve on any and all Standing Committees to provide purchasing power.
7. Alumni and Community Chair. The Alumni and Community Chair shall be a second-year or third-year law student for the Term they seek election. The Alumni and Community Chair’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Serve as a liaison between SBA and alumni of FSU College of Law;
b) Serve as a liaison between SBA and the Tallahassee community;
c) Work with FSU College of Law’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs on fundraising events, including Fundathon and Give Back Campaign;
d) Organize reach-out efforts associated with the SBA-sponsored golf tournament, if applicable;
e) Work with FSU College of Law’s Career Services Office to promote networking opportunities; and
f) Organize the annual holiday toy-drive for students with children.
8. Media Chair. The Media Chair shall be a second-year or third-year law student for the Term they seek election. The Media Chair’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Design graphics for SBA-sponsored events;
b) Remain up to date on any policies or requirements of FSU College of Law, FSU’s College of Graduate Students, and FSU College of Law’s Law School Counsel pertaining to flyers, event promotion, trademarks, copyright, social media, or anything related to the designs associated with SBA-sponsored events; and
c) Oversee the use of SBA’s social media accounts, including making timely posts of approved graphics, photos, or posts.
9. Pro Bono Chair. The Pro Bono Chair shall be a second-year or third-year law student for the Term they seek election. The Pro Bono Chair’s duties include, but are not limited to:
a) Coordinate with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs to identify approved pro bono opportunities for students;
b) Work with approved pro bono opportunity providers to plan SBA-sponsored events to assist students reach their required pro bono hours;
c) Inform students of any non-SBA-sponsored pro bono opportunities that have been approved by FSU College of Law; and
d) Coordinate with the Secretary to keep an updated list of pro bono opportunities and opportunity providers on the SBA website.
10. Representatives. A Representative shall represent the interests of their designated classification of law students and assist the Board with the preparation, promotion, and post-event clean-up of SBA-sponsored events.
a) 3L Representative. There shall be one (1) 3L Representative. The 3L Representative shall be a third-year law student for the Term they seek election. The 3L Representative shall represent the interests of third-year law students to the Board and assist the Board in preparation for fall and spring graduations.
b) 2L Representative. There shall be one (1) 2L Representative. The 2L Representative shall be a second-year law student for the Term they seek election. The 2L Representative shall represent the interests of second-year law students to the Board.
c) 1L Representatives. There shall be three (3) 1L Representatives, one for each Section designated by the College of Law. The 1L Representatives shall be a first-year law student for the Term they seek election. The 1L Representatives shall represent the interests of the first-year law students in their designated Sections.
i. Should the College of Law choose to expand or reduce from the current three (3) designated Sections, the number of 1L Representatives shall reflect this change.
d) Transfer Representative. There shall be one (1) Transfer Representative. The Transfer Representative shall have transferred to the College of Law from another University. The Transfer Representative shall represent the interests of transfer law students to the Board.
11. No individual may simultaneously hold more than one such office within the SBA Board.
ARTICLE VI— COMMITTEES
1. Standing Committees. The President shall have the power to form Standing Committees to accomplish a goal, event, or task. The President, or his or her designee, shall serve as the Chair of any Standing Committee. In an order, published in both a Board Meeting minutes and social medias, the President must state the purpose of the Committee, announce its members, the first meeting date, and the proposed end date. Standing Committees are subject to the same Sunshine Law and Minute recording requirements as the Board.
2. SBA Committees shall be created as needed at the discretion of the SBA President. A committee shall remain active for the duration of the term of the SBA President who created it, unless otherwise dissolved. Established committees can be renewed or dissolved by a newly elected president, and new committees shall be created as needed at the discretion of the SBA President.
a) Each committee shall be assigned a supervisor by the SBA President. The supervisor shall be a member of the SBA Executive Board.
b) Committee members should apply for positions pursuant to an application process approved by the SBA Cabinet. The SBA Cabinet shall review committee applications and appoint qualifying applicants to serve as members of Committees.
c) Committees shall meet with their respective supervisor as needed, and meetings will be called for and attended by either or both the SBA President and the supervisor, at the SBA President’s discretion.
ARTICLE VII—ELECTIONS
1. Eligibility and Qualification:
a) Each candidate must meet the specified requirements set forth in Article V for the office they seek. At the conclusion of the candidate qualifying window, the President must, with their signature and the signature of the Secretary, issue a written public announcement of those candidates who have met the requirements for the office they seek.
b) All candidates must be SBA Members at the time Qualifying Forms are due.
c) Qualifying Forms must include the name and signature of the qualifying candidate; the office sought; the time, date, and location for its deadline; any other candidacy requirements not provided in this Constitution but voted on by the Board; and the signatures of current FSU Law students. The number of signatures and the prerequisites for a student to sign for any particular race must be approved by the Board and stated on the Qualifying Form. Failure to submit the Qualifying Form by the stated deadline will result in ineligibility for that race.
2. Campaign Rules:
a) Official campaign activity shall start at 12:01AM on the Monday of campaign week.
b) Official campaign activity includes word of mouth; five 8.5x11 flyers stamped by the Office of Student Advancement; and social media content.
c) Any activity or items not listed in paragraph (b) are prohibited and a violation will result in disqualification. Flyers posted on campus must be taken down by the Sunday after the election. Offensive and disparaging remarks about another candidate are prohibited, and any such conduct may result in public condemnation or disqualification from the race, subject to a unanimous vote of approval by the Board.
d) All candidates who are running in a contested race must participate in the official SBA Candidate Townhall during campaign week. Candidates for President will have five (5) minutes to provide a brief introduction and their election platform and will be required to participate in a fifteen (15) minute moderated panel following their speech. All other candidates will have five (5) minutes to provide a brief introduction and their election platform.
3. Voting:
a) The elections of 1L Representatives and the Transfer Representatives shall be held within the first four weeks of the Fall Semester. All other elections shall be held in the Spring Semester for the upcoming school year.
b) The polls shall remain open from 8AM to 5PM on election day.
c) Voting for 1L Representatives shall be limited to first-year law students by section to the candidates of each respective section. Only Transfer students shall vote for the Transfer Representative. Only those who will be second-year law students for the following school year shall vote for the 2L Representative. Only those who will be third-year law students for the following school year shall vote for the 3L Representative. Elections for Executive Officers and Chairs shall be open to the entire student body except for graduating 3Ls.
d) Winners are determined by a 50% plus one vote majority. All ties shall be resolved by a runoff of the tied candidates. In any race where no candidate wins 50% of the vote plus one vote, the President shall announce the date of a run-off election between the top two vote receiving candidates. The winner of the run-off will take office.
e) Any candidate may, within 24 hours of the end of voting, file a written request for a recount to the President if the winning or advancing candidate won or advanced by less than three votes. If the winning or advancing candidate does so by less than three votes and another candidate in the race files a timely request for recount with the President, the President shall notify the office responsible for counting the votes, and a recount shall take place immediately.
ARTICLE VIII—VACANCIES
1. Recall:
a) Any officer may be recalled from office without prejudice to further eligibility to hold office upon petition submitted and referendum held. The petition must be signed by five percent of students, submitted to a member of the Board, and signed and recorded by the Secretary. The Board shall call for a referendum on the petition within five (5) class days. The referendum shall take place no earlier than five (5) class days and no later than ten (10) class days after the Secretary records the petition. Removal of any officer shall require a three-fifths (3/5) vote for removal.
ARTICLE IX—ADVISOR
1. The SBA Advisor shall be selected by a 2/3 vote of the SBA Executive Board. The SBA Advisor shall serve as a mentor to the organization. The SBA Advisor has no voting rights. The SBA Advisor has no term limit, but they must be a current FSU faculty or staff member.
2. Upon a 2/3 vote of the SBA Executive Board, the SBA Advisor may be placed at risk of removal. The SBA Advisor will be notified in writing of being placed at risk at least 72 hours prior to the final vote to remove and will be allowed to address the SBA Executive Board in order to provide members any relevant defense.
3. After the 72-hour period and consideration of any relevant defense, the SBA Advisor may be removed from their duties upon a 2/3 vote of the SBA Executive Board. In the event that an advisor is removed or resigns, a new advisor shall be elected upon a 2/3 decision of the SBA Board within 14 calendar days.
ARTICLE X—FINANCES
1. Dues:
a) No student may be denied membership due to an inability to pay dues. If a member is not able to pay dues, the Board will arrange for such dues to be “paid” via Pro Bono work with an organization of their choosing in addition to the Pro Bono hours already required for graduation.
b) Organizational funds may be spent, upon a majority vote of the Board, on items such as office supplies, events/activities, publicity, travel expenses, conference fees, event sponsorships, etc., but will not be used for anything illegal under University, local, state, and federal laws.
c) The Treasurer shall keep all financial records.
d) In the event that SBA dissolves, any remaining funds, after the payment of all debts, shall be donated to the FSU Law General Revenue Fund.
ARTICLE XI—PUBLICATIONS
1. All advertisements of the organization must comply with the University Posting Policy (http://www.fsu.edu/~posting/fsupolicy.html).
2. The President must approve all publications, shirts, flyers, etc. prior to duplication and distribution.
ARTICLE XII—AMENDMENTS
1. Any SBA Member may propose an amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws. The proposal must be circulated among all Board Members and posted on the agenda one week before voting.
2. The Board may amend the Constitution by a 2/3 vote of the Board.
3. An approved amendment becomes effective immediately upon passage unless otherwise specified. The Secretary shall record the vote in the minutes and make the official changes to the Constitution & Bylaws.