Pre-Law Honors Society:
The Order of Prospective Lawyers
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
By-Laws
Amended on 5/19/20
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PLHS Formal Establishment
Mission
Vision
Core Values
Declaration of Purpose
Formation
ARTICLE I – Society
Section 1 – Name
Section 2 – Location
Section 3 – Duties of Society
ARTICLE II – Purpose
Section 1 – Society Purpose
ARTICLE III – Communication
Section 1 – GroupMe
Section 2 – Zoom
ARTICLE IV -– Membership
Section 1 – Members
Section 2 – Eligibility for Membership
Section 3 – Termination of Membership
Section 4 – Member in Good Standing
Section 5 – Initiation and Application Structure
ARTICLE V – Society Officers
Section 1 – Officers
Section 2 – Election of Officers
Section 3 – Terms of Office
Section 4 – Duties of Officers
Section 5 – Removal of Officers
ARTICLE VI – Executive Board
Section 1 – Composition
Section 2 – Duties
Section 3 – Meetings
ARTICLE VII -- Media and Marketing Committee
Section 1 -- Composition and History
Section 2 -- Duties
Section 3 -- Meetings
ARTICLE VIII – Director of UIUC Pre-Law Operations
ARTICLE IX – Fiscal Matters
Section 1 – Pre-Law Membership Fee
Section 2 – Administration and Faculty Members
ARTICLE X – Society Meetings
Section 1 – Regular Meetings
Section 2 – Special Meetings
ARTICLE XI - Process of Amending Bylaws
Pre-Law Honors Society:
The Order of Prospective Lawyers
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Mission
The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Pre-Law Honors Society is a professional law society advancing integrity, compassion and courage through service to the student, the school, the profession and the community.
Vision
We aim to see that our members receive the best Pre-Law education possible while providing them opportunities to meet law professionals, to gain leadership opportunities, to participate in philanthropic events, and to work closely with a group of similarly dedicated Pre-Law students.
Core Values
Bound together by hope and our common interest in the law, we share these core values: Integrity, compassion, courage, professionalism, service, diversity, and innovation.
Declaration of Purpose
The purpose of this Society shall be to form a strong bond uniting students dedicated to pursuing law in order to advance the society collectively toward a professional goal. The Society shall henceforth be dedicated to advancement of the ideals of liberty and equal justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral, intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of honorable professional and public service.
Formation
The order was formed as an allegiance to members’ financial well-being and is the result of a separation from a former international organization, Phi Alpha Delta, who we saw fit to dismiss ourselves from. In unfortunate however necessary conditions, we separated ourselves and gained our independence for the greater good of our fine organization. Wrought in treasonous but professional solidarity, our Society took the steps necessary to ensure that students meeting the honors criteria on the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus would have the financial liberty to join the honors organization.
ARTICLE I - Society
Section 1 - Name
The name, “Pre-Law Honors Society: The Order of Prospective Lawyers,” was brought to fruition the 3rd day of September 2009 by the founders:
Heidi Tucker, President
Melissa Gold, Vice-President
Zachary Reyna, Secretary
Nick Lange, Treasurer
David Woolf, Director of Special Programming
Kristy Maes, Executive Member Pro-Temp
The Order’s name reveals the honorable quality of our members, the similar goal they share, and the collective nature of our society.
Section 2 - Location
This Society was founded at The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and shall remain established at this school unless law as a profession ends; the executive board will do as they see fit in this case.
Section 3 - Duties of Society
The Order shall promote the principles, ideals, and precepts of goodness and fairness; abide by the bylaws of the United States of America and by these here bylaws. The bylaws as written here may, from time to time, be lawfully amended, however, the society must adhere to the rules and regulations of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; adhere to the laws of the City of Urbana, the City of Champaign, and to the laws of the State of Illinois.
ARTICLE II - Purpose
Section 1 - Society Purpose
The purpose of this Society is to provide an effective, cohesive forum to promote the principles, ideals, and precepts of Pre-Law Honors Society: The Order of Prospective Lawyers. It shall promote the principles for the professional advancement of its members; stress the principles of liberty and equal justice under law for all citizens; stimulate excellence in scholarship; provide a forum for the interchange between members of Pre-Law Honors Society and develop an understanding of professional fraternalism among its members. Pre-Law Honors Society also dedicates itself to building a relationship with the law organizations on the University campus, this way information and advancement of students may be better attained.
ARTICLE III - Communication
Section 1 - GroupMe
The purpose of the Pre-Law Honors Society GroupMe is to serve as a platform for pre-law preparatory events and advice, political discussion, and overall civic discourse. The GroupMe will which includes a professional online presence and the following guidelines:
a. No use of profanities in any GroupMe discussions, either general or targeted towards someone specific.
b. No promotion of any outside organizations or events unrelated to pre-law by members. Members may submit proposals for pre-law events to the Executive Board, and they may be promoted at the discretion of Exec Board officers.
c. No statements that fall under racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, or ableism.
d. If conflicts arise between members of PLHS, we ask that they take it to another platform outside of the GroupMe. Exec Board members may serve as mediators upon request.
If any of these guidelines are violated by members, as determined by the Executive Board, a first violation will result in a warning and removal from the GroupMe, and a second violation will result in a removal from the Honors Society.
Section 2 - Zoom
With the complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of the Pre-Law Honors Society events will be held over Zoom and other various virtual platforms. We ask that members conduct themselves similarly to in-person events, including the following guidelines:
a. No use of profanities in any discussions, either verbal or in chat.
b. No statements that fall under racism, homophobia, sexism, transphobia, or ableism.
c. If conflicts arise between members of PLHS, we ask that they take it to another platform outside of the current Zoom meeting. Exec Board members may serve as mediators upon request.
ARTICLE IV - Membership
Section 1 - Members
The membership of this Honors Society shall be composed of those persons initiated into the Order of Prospective Lawyers. Members must be in good standing at this school as defined by the school’s student handbook.
Section 2 - Eligibility for Membership
The Order has an open membership policy; however, the following requirements are given as a guideline:
a. Student Membership - Any student who is in attendance and in freshman standing with at least 12 hours of coursework completed and with a cumulative university GPA of at least 3.4/4.0 shall be accepted as a member. Student members must submit a completed membership application with the initiation fee of sixty dollars ($60).
b. Administration and Faculty Membership - Any full or part-time administrator or faculty shall be accepted into the Order. Administration or faculty members must submit a membership application and take the oath of membership as prescribed by the Ritual of the Order.
Section 3 - Termination of Membership
Membership may be terminated by: (a) expulsion from the University of Illinois; (b) removal by unanimous decision of the executive board due to the failure to complete membership requirements for two consecutive semesters, (c) voluntary resignation from membership; or (d) graduation.
Section 4 - Member in Good Standing
A member in good standing of the Order is a person who is duly initiated into the Order of Prospective Lawyers, and who is not delinquent in the payment of any financial obligation or performance of any other duty to this Order.
Section 5 – Initiation and Application Structure
a. The Initiation date/time/location will be established by the PLHS Executive Board.
b. Applications will be provided online and via email. Proper marketing is essential to continuing the growth of our membership.
c. The Initiation will follow the below order:
1. Sign-in sheet will be provided for those entering and new members will be seated facing the Executive Board
2. The Executive Board will have the option to read the traditional script which includes the PLHS oath.
3. The Executive Board will then one by one call up each new member to receive their membership certificate.
4. Once all applicants have been called, all will stand in celebration and congratulate each other.
5. The traditional Initiation Dinner will be held immediately following
6. Initiated members will pay their dues to the Treasurer following dinner.
ARTICLE V - Society Officers
Section 1 - Officers
This Society's Executive Board shall interview and select a Society President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Member Relations Director annually in the spring. Candidates shall be selected from among the student members of the Society.
If the Society President is unable to complete his/her term, the Vice President will then replace the President and the current Executive Board must select an individual to replace the Vice President. In any other case an Executive Board Officer is unable to complete his/her term, the current Executive Board must interview and select an individual within the Society to replace that Officer.
Officers are responsible for ensuring that the Society follows Society policy, including the Pre-Law financial, open membership, drug, alcohol, and anti-hazing policies.
Section 2 - Election of Officers
Interviews for the Society President shall be held no later than the second Sunday in April of each year. Interviews for the remaining Officer positions shall be held no later than the third Sunday in April of each year. The Society President shall set the date, time, and place for such interviews. The Society President shall notify all student members of the details of such interviews at least seven (7) days prior to the. President interviews. The Executive Board shall first interview and select a Society President. Once a new Society President is selected, the Executive Board and new Society President will interview and select the remaining Society Officers.
Section 3 - Terms of Office
The term of office is for one year. Elected officers shall assume the duties of office immediately upon the end of the spring semester and/or the last executive board meeting for the academic year.
Section 4 - Duties of Officers
The officers of this Society shall have the following duties:
a. President - The President is the chief executive and administrative officer of the Society. The President is responsible for the welfare and dignity of the Society. The President is responsible, along with the other Society officers, for ensuring that the Society follows all Society policies including the Pre-Law financial, open membership, drug and alcohol and anti-hazing policies. The President is specifically responsible for: interactions with the media/public relations, organization of executive board & general society meetings, and meeting with the Director of Pre-Law Operations.
b. Vice President - The Vice President shall work with the President in the performance of such Society duties as may be requested by the President. In the event of the absence, death, resignation, disqualification or removal from office of the President, the Vice President shall assume the duties of the President. The Vice President is the historical officer of the Society – this includes maintaining overall organization of the bylaws and Society records. The Vice President is also the liaison between the committee chairs and the Executive Board. The Vice President shall also oversee any marketing/promotional materials.
c. Secretary - The Secretary is the chief recorder and correspondent of this Society. The Secretary shall keep a complete record of all matters pertaining to this Society. The Secretary is the custodian of the Society bylaws and administrative records and reports of this Society. The Secretary maintains a record of all Society members including alumni and dispatches notices of meetings to members as appropriate.
d. Treasurer - The Treasurer is the chief financial officer of this Society and is responsible, along with the other Society officers, to ensure the Society follows the Society’s financial policy. The Treasurer is in charge of all Society funds and collection and disbursement thereof. The Treasurer shall complete a financial report each semester and be in active conversation with the Society’s President on all financial matters
e. Member Relations Officer – The Member Relations Officer shall verify each student member's standing with the Executive Board at the end of each semester. The Member Relation Officer shall dispatch notices regarding membership standing, probation, and expulsion to each student member at the end of each semester, following their Executive Board meeting. The Member Relations Officer shall build strong student member relationships and create social events.
Section 5- Removal of Officers
Any Society Officer may be removed. Violation of the oath of office set forth by the ritual and/or the local Society bylaws shall constitute good and sufficient cause for removal from office. Part of this oath is the responsibility to attend and program all PLHS events, extensive absences can be cause for dismissal.
ARTICLE VI - Executive Board
Section 1 - Composition
The Executive Board of this Pre-Law Honor Society is composed of the five (5) duly elected officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Member Relations Officer.
Section 2 - Duties
The Executive Board is responsible for the proper operation of the Society. The Executive Board shall schedule, plan and implement programs, projects, functions and meetings with the major objective of providing for the professional advancement of the members. The Executive Board shall ensure the continuity of this Society by acquiring new members and providing professional service to the members of this Society and school.
Section 3 - Meetings
The Executive Board shall meet at least every other week to plan and implement the operations of the Society. It shall coordinate the work of various committees of the Society and shall develop a projected schedule of Society operations and events.
ARTICLE VII - Media and Marketing Committee
Section 1 - Composition and History
The Media and Marketing Committee of the Pre-Law Honors Society was founded at the end of the Spring 2020 semester for the following 2020-2021 academic year and beyond. The committee is composed of one chairman and two committee members.
Section 2 - Duties
In light of the public health crisis of the Spring 2020 semester, it is no longer a guarantee that education and professional development can or will always be available face-to-face. As PLHS and the entire UIUC community continue to understand our new normal, it has become increasingly important that this organization increases its digital presence. Therefore, the Spring 2020 executive board has decided to found a committee whose sole purpose is to maintain and increase the digital access points this organization provides for its members: former, current, and future.
The Pre-Law Honors Society Media and Marketing Committee will manage and create content for all of the organization’s social media accounts and on-campus advertisements. The primary responsibility of this committee is to run the digital media spaces of PLHS in order of their importance. The significance of each digital space is as follows: the PLHS website (currently run through the Weebly interface), Facebook, and Instagram. If the committee wishes to establish and publish alternate forms of digital social media they must discuss with PLHS’s executive board and obtain its approval. Approval for the actions of this committee is up to the discretion of the current executive board of PLHS and each PLHS President will communicate with the committee, by the first week of each semester, which committee actions must be approved by the executive board.
Section 3 - Meetings
The committee will meet with the executive board at least once a month (approx. 4 times per semester), but meeting frequency is subject to change and can shift depending on organizational needs and/or the needs of the executive board.
The committee may also meet independent of the executive board as needed. The committee’s chairman will be responsible to set those meetings.
ARTICLE VIII - Director of Pre-Law Operations
Communication with the Director of Pre-Law Operations
It is the responsibility of all executive board members to develop a close working relationship with the Director of Pre-Law Operations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The President is the appointed individual to correspond with the Director of Pre-Law Operations.
ARTICLE IX - Fiscal Matters
Section 1 - Pre-Law Membership Fee
Each applicant shall pay the University of Illinois Pre-Law Honors Society initiation fee of sixty dollars ($60.00) to the Treasurer of the society during the initiation ceremony. The University of Illinois Pre-Law Honors Society holds no such periodical dues, as membership is for life, and no other dues are to be requested after the initiation fee of sixty dollars
If the Membership fee needs to be adjusted for the Society or a student member, it must be with full consent of the executive board.
Section 2 - Administration and Faculty Members
The University of Illinois Pre-Law Honors Society Initiation Fee is waived for administration, faculty and staff members of University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.
ARTICLE X - Society Meetings
Section 1 - Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of this Society shall be held no less than once a semester. Society officers shall determine and announce within 10 days of the scheduled general meetings – this fits in to the time schedule for Quad Day advertisements.
Additionally, any new meeting date announced during the semester must be provided to members at least 7 days prior to meeting via email, Facebook, website, and any other form of communication utilized.
Section 2 - Special Meetings
Special meetings of this Society shall be held at the call of the President, Society Advisor or at the call of any two of the other officers of this Society or upon request of one-third of the active membership of this Society.
ARTICLE XI – Process of Amending Bylaws
Any future alterations to these established By-Laws must be brought to the Executive Board and have a majority of the Officers present at meeting in agreement with proposed change.
Pre-Law Honors Society: The Order of Prospective Lawyers
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
By-Laws
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