How It Got Started
In 2017, our founders Spencer Pennington, Sophia Warner and Asia Hayes saw a hole in the pre-law community at The University of Alabama.
Together they formed the Legal Research Club, an organization aimed at exposing pre-law students to legal research and publishing the Capstone Journal of Law and Public Policy, the first undergraduate run law review in the state of Alabama.
In 2019, the Legal Research Club launched the Capstone Commentary, an online platform for students interested in legal research to test their hand at writing about the law.
Where We Are Today
Our members have gone on to walk the halls of some of the nation’s most prestigious law schools, including Harvard, Yale, the University of Virginia, and many other top-14 institutions. Today, the Legal Research Club hosts monthly speaker events featuring professors from law schools and legal professionals, offering members valuable insights into the field. Since Fall 2024, we’ve expanded our programming to include a research subgroup that holds biweekly skill-building sessions led by external experts, supporting members in developing pieces for the Capstone Journal of Law and Public Policy and Capstone Commentary. We also offer an LSAT mentorship program connecting members with previous high scorers to guide them through their preparation journey.
LSAT & Law School Prep Mentorship
Our LSAT & Law School Prep Mentorship program serves as a comprehensive guide for preparing for the LSAT and navigating the entire law school application process. This program connects members with a select group of high-scoring mentors who provide peer-to-peer guidance based on personal experience. This is not a tutoring service, but a supportive resource offering general advice on LSAT study strategies, test day preparation, and overall law school application planning. Participants receive a one-page handout outlining an optimal study timeline, recommended resources, and suggestions on helpful courses and activities during freshman and sophomore years that can boost LSAT success. The program will also feature panel Q&A sessions, with meeting times to be announced.
For questions, please contact Hayden Roberts at hwroberts2@crimson.ua.edu.
Research Subgroup
Our Research Subgroup is designed to enhance members’ legal research and writing skills through focused, collaborative sessions. Meeting biweekly, the subgroup hosts workshops led by experienced legal professionals and external experts, offering practical guidance and feedback. Members work together on developing high-quality research pieces for publication in the Capstone Journal of Law and Public Policy and Capstone Commentary. These skills and experiences will be invaluable both for admission into law school and success during law school itself.
For questions, please contact Alice Sun at ahsun1@crimson.ua.edu.
2025-2026 Executive Board
President: Hayden Roberts
Vice Presidents: Lindsay Cox & Freya Cordell
Social Media: Emma Hurst
Research Coordinator: Alice Sun
Initiatives Assistant: Price Foley
Contact
To get involved with the Legal Research Club, or if you have any questions about the organization, please email legalresearchclub@ua.edu.
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Allen Linken
aelinken@ua.edu