Phi Alpha Delta | Purdue Global Law School

Welcome to the Judge Elbert P. Tuttle Chapter

of Phi Alpha Delta

Purdue Global Law School's Professional Law Fraternity

Phi Alpha Delta History

Phi Alpha Delta’s legacy began on November 8, 1902. Our history is filled with over 100 years of expansion, reorganization, recovery, and growth. Visit Phi Alpha Delta's History page to learn more about P.A.D. history, the people behind it, and the foundation that established P.A.D. as one of the largest legal organizations in the world.

Purpose of the Chapter

The purpose of this chapter shall be to provide an effective, cohesive forum, within the law school student body; to provide for the professional advancement of its members; to promote the principles of liberty and equal justice under law for all citizens; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to provide a forum for the interchange between members of this chapter and practicing members of the Bench and Bar and law professors; to develop lasting professional friendships among its members; and to promote the principles, ideals and precepts of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International.

About Our Fraternity

Phi Alpha Delta is the largest law fraternity in the world - located at over 200 law schools in the United States alone. Phi Alpa Delta International Network has 330,000 total members, 4 of which are current U.S. Supreme Court Justices, with approximately 10,000 new members joining annually.

DECLARATION

Mission

Phi Alpha Delta is the world’s preeminent law fraternity because of our dedication to service: service to the student, the school, the profession, and the community.

It is through devotion to the ideals of compassion, courage, diversity, innovation, integrity, professionalism, and service that we better both our profession and our community. Through accepting our differences we become not just a law fraternity, but a family.

Vision

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International strives to be the premier legal professional organization with a diverse membership that cultivates leaders and serves as a voice for the role of legal professionalism in our society.

Purpose

The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to advance the ideals of liberty and equal justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral, intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of honorable professional and public service.

Core Values

Bound together by tradition and our common interest in the law, we share these core values: Compassion, Courage, Diversity, Innovation, Integrity, Professionalism, and Service.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Phi Alpha Delta acknowledges that racism, inequality, and inequities still exist in our nation and commit to actions that address these wrongs. We are moving forward with our commitment to doing more to ensure that we are living up to our mission. It is through devotion to the ideals of Integrity, Compassion, Courage, Professionalism, Service, Diversity, and Innovation that we better both our profession and our community. Through accepting our differences we become not just a law fraternity, but a family.

Tribute to Judge Elbert P. Tuttle

Elbert Tuttle lived an extraordinary life, embodying excellence in law, journalism, military service, and jurisprudence. His dedication to his profession was matched only by his devotion to his family. Tuttle's journey began in California but flourished in Hawaii and later in Atlanta, where he co-founded a prominent law firm. Throughout the 1930s, he championed civil liberties, notably winning landmark cases at the Supreme Court. Tuttle fearlessly upheld the rule of law, ensuring the desegregation of the South despite personal threats. His integrity, courage, and professionalism were unparalleled, leaving an indelible mark on American jurisprudence. Even in his later years, Tuttle continued to serve with distinction on the U.S. Court of Appeals, leaving a lasting impact on the legal community.

Judge Elbert P. Tuttle Chapter Officers 2025 - 2026

Samantha St. Omer, Justice

Bio Coming Soon...

Debra Feldman, Vice Justice

Bio Coming Soon...

Jim Buenrostro, Marshal

I reside in Bloomington, Illinois. I was born and raised in the far western Chicago suburbs. I currently work in the fire service as a career Firefighter/Paramedic with over 20 years of experience. I hold a Bachelors degree in Fire Science from Purdue Global and a Masters Degree in Legal Studies with a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Washington University Saint Louis School of Law. In addition to being a Firefighter and a Law Student, I am a father to my two daughters and my son. In my spare time I enjoy coaching and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with my kids as well as Muay Thai and coaching my son’s baseball and football teams. I am proud and excited to be elected to the Phi Alpha Delta Tuttle Chapter Executive Board and look forward to working with and serving the members of Phi Alpha Delta.

Ramyar Moussavi, Treasurer

Dr. Ramyar Moussavi is a former foot and ankle surgeon with over 25 years of experience serving underserved communities. After a successful career in medicine, he transitioned to law school, where he is currently studying criminal procedure, constitutional law, and legal philosophy. His unique background allows him to explore the intersection of medicine and law, particularly in areas such as healthcare policy, medical malpractice, and forensic evidence.

Madeleine Daley, Clerk

I am a University of Illinois Chicago graduate with a B.A. in English and Psychology. In the legal world, I have almost done it all—legal secretary, certified paralegal, Bankruptcy expert and office manager. From Bankruptcy to Medical Malpractice, I have helped clients navigate the complexities of the law. When I'm not at my desk, I'm a proud wife and mom to a 10-year-old ball of energy, always chasing new adventures. Traveling, beach days, cooking up new recipes, and binge-listening to podcasts keep me going.

Currently residing in Arizona, but a Midwestern girl at heart looking to eventually move back eastward where I may land upon a role as an attorney in Connecticut or Indiana in 2026. So many possibilities thanks to Purdue Global.

Professor Howard Anderson, Faculty Advisor

Howard Anderson joined the faculty of Purdue Global Law School in 2023 after approximately 18 years of practice as an attorney, which was primarily focused on appellate litigation and federal criminal defense. He represented clients in federal and state courts across the country and has argued, among other places, at the Alaska, Georgia, and South Carolina Supreme Courts and the US Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits. Before joining the faculty, he worked in various settings as a law clerk within the US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, as an associate at law firms, and as a solo practitioner. Anderson has always enjoyed mentoring – of lawyers and aspiring lawyers alike. While in private practice, Anderson regularly accepted court appointments to represent indigent criminal clients and provided pro bono services to indigent civil clients. He is particularly interested in helping students incorporate public service, either full or part-time, into their careers after law school. His education credentials include the following: JD, Indiana University (Bloomington) Maurer School of Law; MPA, Indiana University (Indianapolis) School of Public and Environmental Affairs; BA, East Asian Studies and French Language & Literature, University of Virginia

Member Benefits

Student Discounts

Members receive discounts and benefits with bar exam prep, internships, law school financing, professional attire, and more.

Awards

Phi Alpha Delta Chapters and Officers are recognized annually for their outstanding fraternity achievements and performance, and for the impact they make locally and nationally.

Access to a Global Law Network

Phi Alpha Delta is the largest global legal fraternity with a vast alumni network to tap into

Access to Official Fraternity Merchandise

Interested in Joining?

Membership Eligibility: Students must be in Good Academic Standing every term to be active. The eligibility determination for interested students is completed upon submission of the Interest Form found below. Ongoing eligibility for all active members is reviewed at the end of each term following the assignment of grades.

- For Juris Doctor students, the minimum CGPA is 2.50, and the minimum pace of completion is 50%.
- For Executive Juris Doctor students, the minimum CGPA is 1.70, and the minimum pace of completion is 50%.

If you believe you meet the eligibility requirements above, please complete the Interest Form below. PGLS Admin will reach out with more information about eligibility once they receive your interest form. Once you are confirmed to meet the eligibility requirements above, you can: