(Henry De Bracton Chapter)
Founded in 1902 in South Haven, Michigan, Phi Alpha Delta was
organized by a group of Chicago area law students in response to a
legal controversy over a rule affecting admission to the State Bar.
Recognizing that the benefits of the fraternity should be made
available to all members of the legal profession, the fraternity
soon expanded outside of the Chicago area, and was the first law
fraternity to remove all barriers to membership. Specifically, Phi
Alpha Delta was the first to remove all restrictions based on race,
gender, religion, creed, national origin, and academic standing.
Today, Phi Alpha Delta is a professional law fraternity composed of
law students, attorneys, judges, and educators. With over 200,000
members across the world, we are dedicated to promoting
professional competency, service, and achievement within the law
profession. To that end, Phi Alpha Delta conducts professional,
social, academic and community services programs designed to
broaden the professional experience of our members. Phi Alpha Delta
has chartered more chapters than any other law fraternity in the
world, with over 180 Law School Chapters (restricted to
ABA-accredited law schools under standards adopted by the
International Executive Board), 96 Alumni Chapters in major
metropolitan areas, and over 200 Pre-Law Chapters. Phi Alpha Delta
bridges the gap between undergraduate work, law school, and the
practice of law, and provides a forum for law students and
professionals to exchange ideas, expand their knowledge, and
continue a lifelong association of friendships and business
contacts throughout their careers. In fact, one out of six
attorneys in North America is a member of Phi Alpha Delta. The
Henry De Bracton Chapter at St. John’s sponsors events that are
both in keeping with the fraternity’s motto of "Service to the
student, the school, the profession and the community," and
tailored to the requests and interests of the chapter’s
membership.
2008-2009 Justice (President): Carrie Hardman