Constitution

I. Purpose and Mission of CLS
• The Christian Legal Society at the University of Houston Law Center is the local chapter of the national Christian Legal Society. This organization’s focus is helping future lawyers reconcile the practice of Christian beliefs with the practice of law.

II. Membership
• Membership is open to any student, faculty/staff member or alumni practitioner.
• No dues are required.
• Membership in the national CLS is recommended, but NOT required.
• Someone is considered a member if their name is on the email list (see below). Currently, the list contains approximately 150 names, of which, approximately 100 are current students.
• The Faculty Advisor must be a member of the organization.
• The Faculty Advisor is currently Prof. Meredith Duncan. In the event that she becomes unavailable to serve as advisor, the President shall coordinate with the Law Center Student Organizations Director in selecting a new faculty advisor.
• The Faculty Advisor oversees the organization; helps facilitate the programs and focus of the organization; and checks the organization to make sure the organization is in line with U of H rules and regulations.

III. Weekly Meetings
• Bible Study
• Each week, students lead a bible study open to all interested parties. The curriculum coincides with the group’s mission to reconcile the practice of law with Christian beliefs.
• All organizational business and announcements take place in this meeting.
• If scheduling conflicts arise or the meetings need to be canceled, the President shall notify the group (by email) as soon as possible; preferably a week in advance.

IV. Elections
• Elections of officers shall be held the last week of every April.
• Members will be notified a month in advance
• The President will notify the members about the elections and the selection process of the organization.
• If no one runs for a particular office the President has the power to appoint officers.
• Officers must be members of the national CLS organization by the beginning of the year they will be serving.
• If the appointed member does not wish to hold office, the President will appoint someone else
• This organization does not have committees; if there is ever a need for committees the President will appoint committee members.

V. Constitutional Amendments and Parliamentary Authority
• This organization does not have a code of parliamentary procedure or rules for conducting meetings. If there ever is a need for such, the President shall amend the Constitution in respect thereof.
• The Constitution of The Christian Legal Society at the University of Houston Law Center shall be amended by a majority of officers as needed.

VI. Carrels, Desks, Lockers, and Mailboxes
• Any school property assigned to the organization shall be maintained by the President.
• In the event that the President is unavailable to maintain these properties, the Secretary shall step in.
• The President and Secretary are responsible for such, and have all the duties and privileges of maintaining of said properties.

VII. Activities
• Monthly Gatherings
• CLS strives to have a monthly gathering outside of school. In the past this has taken the form of dinner in a local restaurant or a potluck at a member’s home. Students and faculty are encouraged to bring their families so everyone can get to know each other.
• Open Houses/Orientations
• CLS has a presence at all Law Center open houses and new student orientations. A booth is set-up with information about CLS. Students are allowed to join CLS at this time.

VIII. Public Relations
• Flyers
• Bible Study flyers should be posted throughout the year next to every classroom
• Lunch program flyers shall be posted throughout the school at least one week prior to event.
• Website
• www.geocities.com/uofhcls
• Informational site with officers’ names and email addresses, lists of current events, photographs of events and links to relevant websites.
• Linked to UHLC student organization website.
• The Secretary is encouraged to maintain the site if the President is unable to do so.
• Email List
• A list of member email addresses is compiled for quick dissemination of information about meetings, lunches or current school issues.
• The President maintains this list and is encouraged to update it routinely.

Miscellaneous Information
IX. Past Programs
• Justice Raul Gonzales
• Former Texas Supreme Court Justice
• Spoke at the Law Center on the importance of faith in everyday life

• Judge Tim Taft
• First Court of Appeals for Texas
• Lunch program in October, 2001
• Spoke on Christian faith as an attorney

• Professor Michael Schutt
• Director, Institute for Christian Legal Studies
• Lunch Program in January, 2002
• Spoke to students about maintaining Christian values and ideals during law school

• Former Judge Katie Kennedy
• Former State District Judge and current Mediator
• Lunch Program March, 2002
• Spoke on balancing faith and family

• Assistant District Attorney Jack Roady
• Harris County Assistant District Attorney
• Lunch Program April, 2002
• Spoke on Christian faith on the frontline and what happens when Sunday turns into Monday

• Programs from 2000-2001
• Roger Bridgwater-Houston criminal defense attorney
• Patricia Ewing-Author, “Faith on Trial”
• Robert and Stacey Beasley-husband/wife attorneys from Houston

X. Philanthropy and Community Service
• Law Day
• April 2002
• CLS participated with a booth offering kids a chance to play a fishing game. The theme was based on being fishers of men.
• Children’s Health Insurance Program
• August 2001
• CLS members helped sign children for the Texas Children’s Health Insurance Program
• The program was coordinated by a local hospital.
• Miscellaneous Law Center Activities
• Selling Raffle Tickets for Christmas Toy Drive sponsored by SBA.
• The organization shall continue to strive to take part in one community service project every semester.

XI. Estimated Expenses
• Any fees collected will be handled and accounted for subject to all relevant UHLC and UH accounting procedures.
• Programs
• Each lunch program costs approximately $100.
• Awards
• Graduating students are presented with awards for service to the organization.
• Cost is approximately $20 per person.
• Bible Study Aids
• Small booklets for leading bible studies.
• Three or four are used per year.
• Cost for each is approximately $6 to $12.
• CLS National Convention and Regional Conferences
• The President is encouraged to attend the CLS National Convention. His presence will educate him about the organizations evolving purpose and administration of activities. The National Convention along with the Regional Conferences help the President facilitate the chapter’s activities and service.
• The estimated cost of the National Convention is currently around $1000.00 for hotel, travel, convention fees, and expenses.
• Integrity Speaking Series
• Our chapter is planning a speaking series focusing on “integrity in the practice of law and public service.” Politicians, lawyers, and public servants will be invited to speak at the Law Center about maintaining integrity in their careers.
• Expenses will vary for different speakers.

XII. Officers for 2003-2004
• Nicholas Herndon, President
• William Powers, Vice-President
• Andy Dunham, Vice-President
• Brandi Laird, Vice President
• Traci Carr, Secretary
• Mary Alice Hamby, Treasurer
• Josh MacDiarmid, Chaplain
• Amy Busby, Prayer Team Leader

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