Mission Statement:
The American Bar Association (ABA) is the largest voluntary professional organization in the world, dedicated to advancing the rule of law, improving the legal profession, and promoting justice.
History:
Founded in 1878, the ABA has grown from 75 founding members to over 400,000 members today.
Objectives:
1. Promote the administration of justice
2. Advance the science of jurisprudence
3. Improve the legal profession
4. Encourage professional ethics
5. Foster cooperation among lawyers
Structure:
1. House of Delegates: The ABA’s governing body, comprising 589 delegates from state and local bars, and specialty bars.
2. Board of Governors: Oversees ABA operations and implements policies.
3. Sections: 24 specialized groups focusing on areas like litigation, taxation, and family law.
4. Committees: Address specific issues, such as ethics, diversity, and lawyer well-being.
5. State and Local Bars: Partner organizations in each state and locality.
Activities:
1. Accreditation: Evaluates law schools for compliance with ABA standards.
2. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Provides training for lawyers.
3. Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Develops and enforces ethics rules.
4. Law Reform: Advocates for improvements in laws and judicial procedures.
5. Public Education: Informing the public about law and justice.
6. Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity within the legal profession.
7. Lawyer Well-being: Supporting mental health and wellness initiatives.
8. Disaster Relief: Assisting lawyers and communities affected by disasters.
Publications:
1. ABA Journal: Monthly magazine covering legal news and trends.
2. ABA Law Practice Magazine: Quarterly publication on law practice management.
3. ABA Section publications: Various newsletters and journals.
Events:
1. Annual Meeting: Largest gathering of lawyers in the world.
2. Midyear Meeting: Focuses on policy and governance.
3. Section conferences: Specialized events for lawyers.
4. National Lawyer Conventions: Addresses lawyer well-being and professional development.
Membership Benefits:
1. Networking opportunities
2. Continuing education discounts
3. Access to ABA publications
4. Professional development resources
5. Discounts on insurance and other services
Membership Categories:
1. Lawyer members
2. Associate members (non-lawyers)
3. Student members
4. Emeritus members (retired lawyers)
5. International members
Funding:
1. Membership dues
2. Sponsorships
3. Advertising revenue
4. Grants
Key Initiatives:
1. ABA Free Legal Answers: Online pro bono service.
2. ABA Veterans Claims Assistance Program.
3. ABA Disaster Relief Program.
4. ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center.
5. ABA Center for Professional Responsibility.
Contact Information:
American Bar Association
321 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (800) 285-2221
The American Bar Association plays a vital role in shaping the legal profession, promoting justice, and serving the public interest.
