History of Phi Alpha Delta The origin of Phi Alpha Delta is unique in that it is the only law fraternity whose roots were nurtured in a legal controversy. On November 4, 1887, the Supreme Court of Illinois adopted a rule for admission to the Illinois Bar, which affected students. To protect their rights, they organized the “Law Student League”. Accordingly, in 1889 they formed Lambda Epsilon, the Lambda standing for “law” and Epsilon standing for “equity”.
The founders of Lambda Epsilon meant to establish a law fraternity dedicated to promoting professional development of its members. A convention held at the Colonial Tavern in South Haven, Michigan on July 16th, 1902, unanimously adopted a resolution dissolving Lambda Epsilon. The next day, the South Haven Articles were signed and became the foundation of Phi Alpha Delta.
After several months of arduous work a meeting was held in Chicago on November 8, 1902, and the Articles, Constitution, Rituals, and Rules governing the organization were proposed and formally adopted together with the name of “Phi Alpha Delta”. The Fraternity thus has more active chapters than does any other law fraternity in the world. The Fraternity has initiated over 260,000 members into chapters at accredited schools only.
Today there are over 270 Pre-Law chapters charted. In September of 1970, Phi Alpha Delta became the first law fraternity to admit women. In 1972 Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity, the leading fraternity for women was, by joint action, merged into Phi Alpha Delta and 5,000 leading women judges, attorneys, and educators became members of Phi Alpha Delta.
History of CMU Pre-Law Chapter Central Michigan University Pre-Law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta was founded on February 2, 1987. We were the 75th Pre-Law Chapter. The first chapter founded in Michigan was at the University of Detroit Mercy. The Chapter adviser is Dr. Kyla Stepp, Ph.D,. J.D. She is a Post-Doctoral Fellow and teaches in the department of Political Science and Public Administration.
Coat of Arms The Lamp of Learning signifies that only through great industry and application will true learning be acquired. To be worthy of the title “lawyer”, you must be diligent in your application of the study of law throughout your legal career.
The Book of Law typifies that immortal and undying spirit which is truth and Law. The Scales of Justice represents the impartiality of the Rule of Law, which gives to every individual true justice, without favor or distinction.
The Scroll signifies that fraternal bond which united us into a cohesive force for the advancement of the legal profession and our Fraternity. Our name connotes the Greek phrase “Philos Adelphos Dikaios” stands for “Justice for a dear brother,” and in another translation, “love of humanity and justice for all.”
The Column represents our membership, whose duty it is to maintain the principles and ideals of Phi Alpha Delta and to pass them on. Our name thus signifies the two precepts: Fraternalism- the joining a common spirit; and Justice- the ideal, which we have chosen the legal profession
We must preserve Integrity, Compassion, and Courage, and by devoting our time and talent to Professional Service.
Phi Alpha Delta Song In our hearts we will always cherish Memories of Thee, For our love will never perish ‘Till Eternity
CHORUS: [True to Thee Phi Alpha Delta May we always be]
At the shrine we’ll worship ever Sons (Daughters) of Phi Alpha Delta As we fight for fame and glory On life’s battlefield May they name Phi Alpha Delta Be our sword and shield.
[CHORUS]
As they closely clinging ivy Twines about the three, So, will we Phi Alpha Delta Ever Cling to Thee.