The members of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) are dedicated to use of the law as a means to promote progressive social change. The student chapter of the guild at the University of Iowa sponsors discussion panels on such topics as South African divestment, and has co-sponsored events with Alianza, International Law Society, and Black Law Student Association. In addition, NLG regularly invites faculty members to speak in the student lounge on topics ranging from the political aspects of selecting Supreme Court justices to employment discrimination.

All law students are invited to participate in the student chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. Membership in the national organization is optional.