Hey!
Since I am a member of an academic greek letter society (similar in style to your law fraternity), I think I have a good idea of what an organization like yours might spend money on. In your situation, I imagine that the chapter dues would go towards the cost of things such as:
- advertising
- office supplies
- parties/socials
- t-shirts, goodies
- paying an honorarium to guest law speakers
- scholarships
- annual dinner, awards banquet, initiation
For my org, the biggest chapter expenses were always office supplies and the initiation dinner/awards banquet!
Getting a house is actually easier, and perhaps cheaper, for you than it would be for our counterparts in the States. This is something to consider in the future.
I understand that you will have a bit of a harder time convincing students that what they're paying for is worth the price. Students here are seen as perpetually skint (though everyone seems to be able to afford a pint and a vindaloo three times a week!).
You know what? PM me with your mailing address and I can send you a whole host of documents you might find handy for starting up your org.
.....Kelly