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.
1893
First American Bar Association Section
Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar became the first ABA section.
1913
William Howard Taft Becomes ABA President
He is the only person to be ABA President, President of the United States, and member of U.S. Supreme Court.
1943
Membership not Dependent on Race, Creed, or Color
This resolution is passed by the ABA Assembly.
1996
Awards Promote Diversity
The first Spirit of Excellence Awards are presented. They are annually awarded to "celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of lawyers who work to promote a more racially and ethically diverse legal profession."
2015
First African-American Woman President.
Paulette Brown of New Jersey becomes the first African-American woman to serve as president of the ABA.
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 an ABA Membership
The ABA is committed to providing members with opportunities to enhance professional skills and resources to stay on top of current developments in the legal field.
Sharpen your practice
Sharpen your practice with CLE courses led by national experts, technology training sessions.
Accelerate your career
Accelerate your career through our online national legal job board and career management resources.
Maintain your connection
Maintain your connection to national and global legal trends and legislative action through the ABA Journal and our Grassroots Advocacy Action Center.
Build your link
Build your link to leaders through our online member directory
Save money
Save money through discounts on brand-name products and services plus member-only pricing at our online store of ABA books and CLE
Join Member Groups
Develop new skills, a voice in crafting legislation, and a nationwide referral network by joining one of more than 30+ Member Groups.
Select a Membership Type to See Specific Member Benefits
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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