Serve Our Members
Provide benefits, programs and services which promote members' professional growth and quality of life.
The American Bar Association
Our mission is to serve equally our members, our profession and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession.
Advocate for the Profession
Promote the best quality legal education, promote competence, ethical conduct and professionalism, and promote pro bono and public service by the legal profession.
Eliminate Bias & Enhance Diversity
Promote full and equal participation in the association, and the justice system by all persons. Eliminate bias in the legal profession, and the justice system.
Advance the Rule of Law
Increase public understanding of and respect for the rule of law, the legal process, and the role of the legal profession at home and throughout the world. Hold governments accountable under law. Work for just laws, including human rights, and a fair legal process. Assure meaningful access to justice for all person. Preserve the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary.
ABA History
Founded in 1878, the ABA is committed to advancing the rule of law across the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, law school accreditation, model ethics codes and more.
1921
ABA Standards for Legal Education
The ABA adopts standards for legal education, which leads, in 1952, to law school accreditation.
1957
ABA President Charles Rhyne Envisions National Law Day
At Rhyne’s urging, President Eisenhower proclaims first national Law Day for May 1, 1958.
1974
ABA Key in Creating Legal Services Corporation
The ABA is instrumental in passage of federal legislation to create the Legal Services Corporation.
1990
Advancing Rule of Law Around the World
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the ABA establishes what will become the Rule of Law Initiative.
2015
First African-American Woman President.
Paulette Brown of New Jersey becomes the first African-American woman to serve as president of the ABA.
2019
Judy Perry Martinez of Louisiana Serves as ABA President
ABA membership passes 356,000.
Donate
Your contribution to the ABA Fund for Justice and Education will help support the Association’s public service efforts at a time when our legal expertise is needed more urgently than ever.
ABA Leadership
The ABA Leadership team includes Officers, the Board of Governors, the House of Delegates, and Senior Officials. Learn more about the dedicated staff here.
The Value of Your ABA Membership
The ABA provides members with opportunities to enhance their professional skills, grow their network and access world-class resources to stay on top of current developments in the legal field.
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ABA Member Groups
Making a Difference
The ABA Fund for Justice and Education.
The ABA Fund for Justice and Education is a 501(c)(3) charitable fund that support the public service and educational programs of the American Bar Association.
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ABA media credentials are available to reporters, editors, producers, video camera operators and still photographers who present valid press identification