Pre-Law Fraternity coming to Mercer’s campus

Just last year, Mercer Greek Life welcomed two new additions, Delta Epsilon Psi and Sigma Sigma Rho. Mercer may be welcoming another greek organization this semester, but this one is a little different.

Sophomore Bella Rama has spent her summer working to reactivate Phi Alpha Delta, a Pre-Law fraternity.

“Mercer Law School has a chapter, so establishing a pre-law chapter here on the main campus will allow us to work together with the law school to share ideas and values,” she said. “A pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta will also allow students who share the same interests to come together and get excited about our futures in the field of law.”

Rama said there are multiple opportunities for collaboration and it will be super fun to gain insight into life as a law school student.

Rama said she is looking to have the chapter up and running by September at the latest.

Her most recent task has been finding interested students. Once Rama finds 20 students committed to Phi Alpha Delta, she can propose the organization to SGA and Campus Life.

According to their purpose, Phi Alpha Delta is dedicated to forming a strong bond uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the bench and bar.

“The process has been extremely rewarding so far. I have had the opportunity to connect with students who share the same passion as me, as well as professors who have experience in the field of law,” she said.

Professor Lori Johnson, director of the Law and Public Policy major, is interested in becoming an advisor for the organization, as she already is for the Mercer Pre-Law Society.

Johnson is also the Mock Trial Head Coach, the pre-law advisor and a member of the Georgia Bar Association.

She was a member of Phi Alpha Delta when she was an undergraduate pre-law student.

“I doubt in terms of the actual programming and events it would be much different than what the MPLS does, but it would definitely be nice to have the connections and resources available from the national organization and of course it is a recruiting tool for the law school version of PAD,” she said.

There is also a nation conference and mock trial competition for members.

“I think it is also appealing to students in general to be part of a recognized national organization,” Johnson said.

Membership costs have not been determined yet, but there will be monthly dues and a rechartering fee. Rama said they will also be voting on officers as soon as they can.

Rama said she really wants to spend this semester showcasing what the organization is about and establishing a presence on campus. The first few events that she has in mind serve this purpose.

“Phi Alpha Delta will fit in with the other honor societies on campus because we promote academic excellence and integrity,” she said. “We provide programs about how to be successful not just in the field of law, but in life in general.”

Any student is welcome to be a part of the organization, and there is no minimum GPA requirement.

“All majors are welcome, and you don’t have to be on the pre-law track,” Rama said. “You are not bound to the organization until an initiation fee is paid, but you can sign up to receive important updates and information,” she said.  

The organization was founded in 1902 with pre-law chapters, law school chapters and Alumni chapters located all over the nation. There are 13 pre-law chapters located in Georgia, with one being at Georgia College in Milledgeville.

If you are interested in PAD, you can sign up here https://padlaw.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp or you can contact Rama at bella.m.rama@live.mercer.edu.