Introduction: Transforming the Landscape of Legal Activism
The Georgia Association of College Republicans Legal Network is on the cutting edge of conservative legal engagement and education for Georgia college students. As the official Georgia affiliate of the College Republican National Committee, the mission of the GACR Legal Network is to create the next generation of lawyers, policy experts, and community leaders. Through a network of student-run chapters, expansive legal programs, and on-the-ground advocacy opportunities, the GACR Legal Network helps students lead, organize, and educate as a part of ensuring a strong, principled future of legal advocacy in Georgia and across the nation.
Affiliates (including law school affiliates): Emory Law Republicans, UGA College Republicans Legal Institute
Graduate: Kelsey Carter, Josh Wayner, Monica Ballam, Sonja Loberg, Russell Lemke, Paul Wehner
A Full-Fledged Slate of Legal Services and Programs
GACR Legal Network offers a variety of legal education and programming services focused on providing college students with the information, training, and experience to prepare them for careers in law, politics, and advocacy. Our services include:
- Legal education programs covering constitutional law topics, legislative policy processes, and the philosophy of conservative legal theory
- Leadership training programs focused on preparing students for an active role in leading their campus chapter and the broader legal community
- Advocacy training programs focusing on grassroots mobilization, legal research and writing, public speaking, and public policy research
- Regular legal updates through newsletters and emails to keep members informed about key legal developments and notice of future opportunities to participate in the legal field
- Alumni mentorship programs pairing the next generation of conservatives with prominent legal minds and alumni who are former College Republicans
The GACR Legal Network is committed to providing these resources to help students thrive in their legal and advocacy pursuits.
State-Wide Chapters of the Legal Network
Active chapters at dozens of colleges and universities throughout Georgia translate GACR Legal Network’s central commitment to conservative principles into action at the state level. Through targeted programming and advocacy, a thriving chapter at the University of Georgia-the largest College Republican-affiliated legal chapter in the country-offers an immersive environment where academia and activism come together. Each individual campus-based chapter is responsible for its own programming, focused on addressing campus-centric legal topics while supplementing the resources available at the state level. Members can affiliate with their respective schools, enjoying programming through their chapter or by working together across the state in projects that achieve meaningful change in communities around Georgia.
Legal Activism and Community Organizing
GACR Legal Network not only provides students with unique opportunities for real world legal activism but it also has members engaged in campaign volunteering, voter education campaigns, and electioneering legal observation all with the goal of protecting the integrity of Georgia’s democratic system. GACR Legal Network members help execute get out the vote efforts, facilitate election law training workshops, and volunteer as electioneering legal observers during key state and municipal elections. From these experiences members of GACR Legal Network gain practical experience in legal activism, policy advancement, and political process while promoting the principles of the Republican Party.
Events, Networking, and Professional Growth
Throughout the year, our calendar is filled with exciting legal training events and networking opportunities that prepare students for great success in law school, legal internships, and ultimately their future legal careers. This includes:
- The Annual Georgia College Republican Legal Summit, featuring keynote addresses from members of the bench, bar, and political community
- Mock trial workshops and debate competitions geared to students developing their advocacy, analytical, and public speaking skills
- Panels featuring practicing attorneys, judges, lawmakers, and others on topical issues facing the legal field and pathways to professional success within the legal industry
- Social mixers and networking receptions focused on making connections among fellow students, alumni, and legal anchors within the community
- Networking events with the Georgia Republican Party and Georgia Young Republicans providing opportunities to gain exposure to statewide matters of legal and policy interest
Lawyer Governance, 100% Student-Run
One of the hallmarks of GACR Legal Network is our commitment to student leadership at all levels. With an elected or appointed student leader from each participating chapter, the executive board of the organization, under State Chairman Peter Minetos, provides programs, advocacy, and strategic direction that are in tune with the needs and aspirations of the student body. Leadership positions are open to all active members through which students can gain experience in organizational management, event planning, and strategic communication-skills that will be helpful as they pursue careers in the law.
Membership in the Legal Movement
Membership in GACR Legal Network is open to all college students in Georgia interested in pursuing legal and political careers based upon classical liberal principles. No fees are required to become a member and participation from students across Georgia is welcomed. Members are encouraged to participate by joining campus chapter activities, volunteering for legal events, and other advocacy efforts. Prospective members can join our mailing list to receive exclusive information on legal topics, events and volunteer opportunities. Donations are accepted to support legal education, public advocacy programs and student leadership development.
Engagement and Mentorship from Alumni
We develop Leaders in the Law from Day One and do not stop when they graduate. GACR Legal Network alumni are tightly connected and many work as attorneys, judges, legislators, and civic leaders across Georgia and the country. Our lawyers participate in mentorship, career counsel, speaking engagements, and more to ensure every generation learns from the insights of those gone before. The energized alumni network helps provide inspiration and support as our members prepare to enter practice.
Coalition Interventions and Statewide Impact
GACR Legal Network collaborates with key organizations such as the Georgia Republican Party and Georgia Young Republicans. These collaborations broaden our reach in furthering our mission, enhance networking opportunities with prominent speakers and individuals in the legal field, and allow students to contribute to state-level legal initiatives. Members of our organization are frequently called upon to serve on panels addressing various policy issues, advocate on legislative days at the Georgia State Capitol, and be placed on task forces that tackle significant legal and legislative challenges impacting the State of Georgia. With the aid of these organizations, the legal network carries out its mission not only on campus but throughout the state in the legal and political arenas.
Why GACR Legal Network?
- USA’s largest College Republican legal chapter at the University of Georgia
- 100% student-run so every member has a voice in shaping our direction and top priorities
- Strong grassroots presence organizing students across every area of Georgia
- Longstanding relationships with the state’s top Republican legal organizations
- Demonstrated record of growth, strength, outreach, and real-life impact
- Comprehensive personal and professional legal development
If you are looking for entry points to start your legal career, or ways to take the lead, the GACR Legal Network offers the platform, resources, and network you need.
Become Part of the Movement: Contact Us and Act
Join the movement that is changing the landscape of legal advocacy in Georgia by signing up for one of our events or adding your name to our email list and joining the numerous other like-minded students. For questions about Legal Services or any of our other programs, or to speak with State Chairman Peter Minetos and the rest of our executive board, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit us at 500 Washington St. SE CB #204, Gainesville, GA 30501. Connect with us on Instagram (@gacollegerepublicans), Twitter (@GACRs), and Facebook (GeorgiaCRs). Lead. Organize. Educate. The time is now to join and make sure the voice of Georgia’s legal community continues to be heard.