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 members and many more who attend our events on a regular basis. We host a series of lectures, debates, and panels – sometimes co-sponsored with other student groups – which focus on current, relevant topics and bring different ideological viewpoints to the table.
Our chapter hosts upwards of 20 speaking engagements every year, and we are honored to have hosted then-Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and Attorney General Jason Miyares. We have heard from many federal judges from courts around the country, including Judges Trevor N. McFadden (D.D.C.), Rachel P. Kovner (E.D.N.Y.), Gregory G. Katsas (D.C. Cir.), Stephanos Bibas (3rd Cir.), Julius N. Richardson (4th Cir.), Kurt D. Engelhardt (5th Cir.), Andrew S. Oldham (5th Cir.), John K. Bush (6th Cir.), Joan L. Larson (6th Cir.), John B. Nalbandian (6th Cir.), Chad A. Readler (6th Cir.), Thomas Kirsch (7th Cir.), Daniel Bress (9th Cir.), Ryan Nelson (9th Cir.) and Robert J. Luck (11th Cir.).
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, George Mason Law School professor Todd Zywicki, and Notre Dame Law School professor Stephen F. Smith.
Check out the recordings of the Federalist Society’s 2022 National Student Symposium (hosted at UVA) and our 2024 Originalism Symposium, which includes in-depth discussion of the Bruen decision, the history and tradition test, originalist debates in incorporation, and many other relevant topics. You can also listen to recent chapter speaker events on our podcast.