ACS is the leading progressive legal nonprofit with nearly 250 student and lawyer chapters nationwide. The Berkeley chapter connects law students to a national network of lawyers, judges, scholars, and policymakers working on constitutional and legal issues including voting rights, criminal justice, judicial nominations, and equality. Members attend debates and conferences, engage in professional development and mentoring, and can participate in programs like Constitution in the Classroom and the Path to the Bench initiative.
250
Number of student and lawyer chapters nationwide
1,200
Annual programs hosted by student chapters
1,400
Annual events hosted by ACS and its chapters
20-25
Next Generation Leaders selected per year
400
Total Next Generation Leaders to date
20
Years ACS student chapters have been building networks
Events They Host
ACS National Convention
Annual national convention featuring panels, speakers, and photo and video galleries. The 2026 convention was held with the theme of defending the rule of law.
Debates, conferences, and press briefings
ACS and its chapters host over 1,400 events across America each year covering access to courts, voting, equality, immigration, workers' rights, and other legal and public policy issues.
Constitution in the Classroom
Lawyers and law students teach constitutional topics in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms around Constitution Day (September 17) and Law Day (May 1), with year-round participation encouraged.
Fellowships 101: How to Secure a Fellowship and Make the Most of It
April 8 panel covering all aspects of the fellowship process, including crafting a successful application. Recording posted.
Reviving Progressive Constitutional Political Economy Conference at Berkeley Law
Conference held April 14, 2023 at Berkeley Law exploring constitutional arguments about political economy.
Member Experiences
Next Generation Leaders Convening at National Convention
Special gathering exclusively for NGL members at the ACS National Convention.
Quarterly NGL Training and Career Advancement Calls
Exclusive calls for Next Generation Leaders covering training and career development, not available to the general membership.