Olivia Callari found the SBA to be an opportunity not only to develop leadership qualities, but also to give back to her peers. As SBA President, she aims to drive success by enhancing organization, strengthening relationships with FSU main campus, and ensuring that law students are best served through roles and resources.
Name: Olivia Callari
Law Year: 3L
Undergraduate School: Florida State University
Q: What inspired you to choose FSU College of Law?
A: I often joke that I’m not sure I necessarily chose FSU Law as much as FSU Law chose me. When I first applied to law school, I had my heart set on going out of state. I had just spent the previous six years in Tallahassee between undergrad and work, so I wasn’t exactly eager to come back for a few more years. But the more I researched FSU Law, and especially after receiving my acceptance, I knew that this was where I was meant to be. Since arriving, I’ve been reminded time and time again that this was the right decision.
Q: What is SBA ‘Student Bar Association?
A: The Student Bar Association represents the student body at Florida State University’s College of Law. I like to think of SBA as a combination of student government and, my personal favorite acronym, the “Social Butterfly Association.” At its core, SBA exists to serve FSU Law students. Our Board includes representatives from each 1L section, a 2L representative, a 3L representative, and our executive cabinet. This year, we have also added several new positions, including a Media Chair, Pro Bono Chair, and Alumni Chair. The Board meets weekly to plan events, discuss student concerns and comments, and address what matters need to be delivered to administration.
Q: What is SBA, or the Student Bar Association?
A: The Student Bar Association represents the student body at Florida State University’s College of Law. I like to think of SBA as a combination of student government and, my personal favorite acronym, the “Social Butterfly Association.” At its core, SBA exists to serve FSU Law students and make their law school experience the best it can be.
Our Board is made up of representatives from each 1L section, a 2L representative, a 3L representative, and our executive cabinet. This year, we’ve also expanded our Board by adding several new positions, including a Media Chair, Pro Bono Chair, and Alumni Chair. The Board meets weekly to plan events, hear and address student concerns, and discuss matters that need to be brought to the administration. Ultimately, SBA is a team effort, and our goal is to make sure students’ voices are heard and their needs are represented.
Q: Why is it important for law students to get involved with SBA?
A: A huge part of what we do is bring the fun to law school outside of the classroom. We organize social events and opportunities for students to connect, but we also work to create professional and service-oriented opportunities, including networking events with alumni and pro bono opportunities.If you have a question, need assistance, have an idea for an event or initiative, or simply want to find a community within the law school, SBA is here for you. So how do you get involved? Start by getting an SBA Gold Membership, come out to our events, and run for a position!
Q: What motivated you to run for SBA President and what do you hope to achieve?
A: I think my decision to run for SBA President was actually very similar to how I ended up at FSU Law—I didn’t necessarily set out with the goal of becoming President, but the opportunity presented itself, and once it did, there was really no choice. Running for this position was simply an opportunity to give back to a school that I love so much and help make our final year a great one.
While the question is focused on what “I” hope to achieve during my term, there truly is no “I” in SBA. Everything we accomplish is a team effort, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated Board and Cabinet alongside me this year. One of our biggest goals is to set SBA up for success in the years to come by laying a strong foundation this year. This includes strengthening our relationships with the University, alumni, and the Tallahassee businesses that support our students and events, staying organized, and making sure SBA’s resources are being used to best serve our students.
Above all, the goal is to make SBA accessible, dependable, and focused on building community. We want to work hard, continue improving, and advocate for our students while also making sure we have fun, make lasting memories, and enjoy our time at FSU Law. At the end of the year, the hope is that we can look back and know we left FSU Law a little better than we found it.
Q: How can law students connect and/or get involved with SBA?
A: For SBA, my biggest message is simple: get involved! Run to be your class representative, purchase a Gold Membership, attend our events, and encourage your friends to come with you. The more students who participate, the stronger our SBA community becomes.
You can stay connected with us through Instagram (@fsusba) and the Daily Docket, and, if all else fails, keep an eye out for the flyers we put up around campus for upcoming events and opportunities. You can also reach SBA at fsusba@gmail.com or reach me personally at oac19@fsu.edu.
At the end of the day, SBA is what we make of it. Law school is what we make of it. As a 3L who is sad to see this chapter come to an end, my biggest advice to those just starting their 1L or 2L years, and to the students who come after, is to get involved, get to know one another, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy the moment. Attending SBA events or running for a position is a great way to take up on this advice!