About ΦΑΔ
Our history at UCSB and nationally
Image: UCSB History. Our chapter admittedly isn’t this old.
PAD at UCSB
Phi Alpha Delta at UC Santa Barbara was chartered in May 2005 by a founding class of 42 UCSB students united by an interest in law, public service, and professional development (26-27 Charter Information). The new chapter quickly established itself within UCSB’s pre-law community. By the end of 2005, PAD was partnering with the A.S. Legal Resource Center to host a legal careers forum featuring Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum, Superior Court Judge George Eskin, local attorneys, and other legal professionals, followed by an LSAT workshop.
Over the two decades since its founding, PAD has expanded that original mission while retaining its emphasis on professional development, service, and community. Members have participated in UCSB student government, Judicial Council, Mock Trial, the Legal Resource Center, local government, and internships throughout the Santa Barbara legal and public-service communities. The chapter has also maintained a tradition of service in Isla Vista and the greater Santa Barbara area.
Today, Phi Alpha Delta continues to bring together students from across UCSB who share an interest in law, public service, professional growth, and a lasting community. If you are interested in continuing PAD’s history and learning more about what we offer head over to our Recruitment Page.
PAD Nationally
Founded in 1902, Phi Alpha Delta has grown into the world’s largest professional law fraternity, bringing together pre-law students, law students, attorneys, judges, educators, and public officials. For more than a century, P.A.D. has built a national and international network centered on professional development, public service, and a shared commitment to the legal profession.
More than 330,000 members have been initiated into P.A.D. since its founding.
P.A.D. has historically reported that approximately 1 in 6 American attorneys is a member.
In 1979, P.A.D. became the only law fraternity to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Justice for a law-related education initiative.
Notable members include Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor; Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden; and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
