Akron Law’s Federalist Society chapter wins second straight national award

The University of Akron School of Law's chapter of the Federalist Society has been named the nation's top student chapter for the second straight year - a rare accomplishment in a field that includes the top law schools in the country.

The most recent student Federalist Society chapter to win the honor, known as the James Madison Award, consecutive years was the University of Virginia in 2020 and 2021. The University of Chicago's chapter won in 2024.

There are more than 200 student chapters of the Federalist Society, which provides a forum for legal experts of opposing views to interact with members of the legal profession, the judiciary, law students, academics, and the architects of public policy to redefine the terms of legal debate.

"To win this award two years in a row is very affirming of all of the work that we've done," said UA chapter President Blake Shiplett, who is in his third year (3L) and graduates in May. "It proves that just because we're a smaller school doesn't mean we can't perform at the same level as the larger schools."

Shiplett said the Akron Law chapter has grown from 13 members to around 100 in the past two years. Shiplett, Vice President Brianna Selleny 3L and the chapter's executive committee have worked to bring in high-profile speakers, started a book club and given students opportunities to expand their networks, including trips to the National Lawyers Convention in Washington, D.C., and the National Student Symposium in Phoenix.

"This award recognizes the amazing work our Federalist Society chapter members have done in organizing free debate and promoting the role of the courts and separation of powers," said Akron Law Dean Emily Janoski-Haehlen.

The group has reinvigorated alumni connections and fundraised chapter record of more than $10,000, which supported travel and books for the chapter's book club. Shiplett also oversaw an effort to liven up the chapter's social media. Akron Law is now the nation's most-followed student chapter on Instagram and LinkedIn, he added.

"I've been very keen on staying up to date on marketing trends," Shiplett said. "I knew those were skills that I needed. We did a lot of high-quality graphics and focused on video content. It's unique for a Federalist Society chapter."

Media contact: [email protected]