Constitution of the University of Wisconsin Latina/o Law Student Association

The membership of the Latino/a Law Student Association (LLSA) establishes this Constitution for the purpose of representing Latina/o law student interests to the law school and university; encourage recruitment of qualified Latina/o applicants; assisting in retention of Latina/o students; promoting student unity, and pursuing justice for the legal rights, concerns and issues of Latina/os.

Article I

Section 1

The name of this organization shall be the Latina/o Law Student Organization, hereinafter LLSA.

Article II

Section 1

Membership is open to all students and members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School concerned with the goals and aims of this Constitution.

Section 2

Active Membership consists of law students who pay yearly dues of the organization and attend at least one meeting per semester.

2.1 Only active members may vote and hold office.

2.2 Proxy votes are forbidden in all voting.

2.3 Any other individuals not covered in section 2 may participate in organizational activities, but may not hold an official position within the organization.

2.4 Membership is absolutely voluntary; being so, membership and participation shall be free from discrimination based on Race, Ethnic Group, Religion, National Origin, Handicap, Sex or Age.

Article III

Section I

The offices of the organization shall consist of a President, Academic Vice-President, Community Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, LEO Representative, and Legal-Community Liaison.

1.1 The officers shall be elected annually out of the voting membership, and must be in good standing with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School.

Section 2

All officers shall hold office during the term of one year from the date of election.

Section 3

Vacancies in these positions shall be filled as prescribed by the bylaws.

Article IV

Section 1 - President

1.1 The President shall preside at all meetings of LLSA. The President has the power to call special meetings when necessary. The President shall assure the proper carrying out of the LLSA Constitution and By-laws. The President shall be a spokesperson for the entire membership’s feelings. Therefore, though free to voice an opinion at all times, the President is not free to vote, unless a deadlock exists among the membership. The President shall have access to and be responsible for all information concerning LLSA. The President shall be responsible for writing the LLSA section of the annual LEO Newsletter.

Section 2 - Academic Vice President

2.1 The Academic Vice-President shah preside at meetings when the President is unable to attend, assuming the same duties, responsibilities and restrictions. Should the office of the President become vacant before the expiration of the current term, the Academic Vice-President assumes the position. The Academic Vice-President shah review the By-laws of LLSA and suggest any changes to the membership. The Academic Vice-President shall have responsibility for all the academic affairs of LLSA and for any permanent or temporary committees established, and designated by the membership to fall within the bounds of academic affairs.

Section 3 - Community Vice President

3.1 In the absence of both the President and the Academic Vice-President, the Community Vice-President shall preside at meetings of LLSA. The Community Vice-President shall have responsibility for all community affairs of LLSA and for any permanent or temporary committees established, and designated, by the membership to fall within the bounds of community affairs. The Community Vice-President shall be responsible for drafting the LLSA roster, which is to include all pertinent information regarding the membership.

Section 4 - Treasurer

4.1 The Treasurer shall have responsibility for all financial affairs of LLSA and for any permanent or temporary committees established, and designated, by the membership to fall within the bounds of financial affairs. The Treasurer shall provide the membership with accurate financial statements at each meeting, maintain LLSA’s financial records and any other financial reports. ordered by the officers or membership. The Treasurer shall receive all finds immediately after any social function or payment belonging to the organization.

Section 5 - Secretary

5.1 The Secretary shall have responsibility for all the communicative affairs of LLSA and for any permanent or temporary committees established, and designated by the membership to fall within the bounds of communicative affairs. The Secretary shall provide at least five days notice for all regular meetings. Such notice shall be posted conspicuously on the LLSA board or at any other official location.

Section 6 - LEO Representative

6.1 The LEO Representative shall strive to facilitate the needs and desires of LLSA members within the LEO community. The LEO Representative shah communicate regularly with the membership regarding LEO functions. The LEO Representative shall strive to meet all their responsibilities as determined by the LEO committee.

Section 7 - Legal Community Liaison

7.1 The Legal Community Liaison shall be responsible for developing and sustaining LLSA’s ties with the legal community at large, particularly the Latino legal community. The Legal Community Liaison shall be responsible for all legal community affairs and shall communicate regularly with the membership regarding such affairs. Such activities may include organizing USA’s participation in the National and Regional HNBA Conferences; mentor programs; WHLA activities, Latino Moot Court; and NLG activities.

Section 8

Standing Committees, Chairpersons and committee members may be appointed by the President or membership. All standing committees shall meet periodically and provide written reports to the membership.

Section 9

Special Committees may be initiated by the President or the organization. Bach committee shall consist only of volunteers. Active membership must approve of the necessity of each committee.

Article V

Section 1

The organization shall convene at least once a month at a time and place to be determined by the membership.

Section 2

The Secretary shall provide at least 5 days notice for all regular meetings. Such notice shall be posted conspicuously on the LLSA board or any other official location.

Section 3

Executive Board meetings shall be open to all LLSA members.

Section 4

The President shall provide the Secretary with a copy of the agenda of all LLSA meetings, Executive Board meetings, plus any reports, resolutions, proposals, plus other written matters pertinent to meetings at least 24 hours prior to the time of a meeting. The Secretary in turn shall provide notice to the membership.

Section 5

The President shall have the power to call special meetings when necessary.

Article VI

Section 1

Amendments of the Constitution may be brought by any active member.

Section 2

Amendments shall require a two-thirds vote by the active membership to become part of the Constitution.

Section 3

An Amendment that is seconded will be voted on at the next meeting to allow sufficient notice to the membership, or at a special meeting not less than two weeks from the motion to amend.

Article VII

Section 1

Ratification of the Constitution shall be made by a two-thirds vote of approval by the active membership at a special meeting.

Section 2

The special meeting to ratify shall take place after proper notice has been given to members.