Advocate for the Profession
The ABA works to promote the best quality legal education, competence, ethical conduct and professionalism, and pro bono and public service work in the legal profession.
The American Bar Association
The ABA was founded in 1878 on a commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation. Today, it exists as a membership organization and stands committed to its mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice.
The American Bar Association is #ForAll
The American Bar Association works tirelessly to uphold the ideals of liberty and justice #ForAll.
Eliminate Bias & Enhance Diversity
The ABA maintains a longstanding commitment to diversity by eliminating bias and enhancing inclusion in the Association, the legal profession and the justice system.
Serve Our Members
The organization aims to provide benefits, programs and services which promote members' professional growth and quality of life.
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.
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.
1995
A First of Many Firsts
The ABA saw a series of leadership firsts: Roberta Cooper Ramo as the first female ABA president (1995), William G. Paul as the first Native American male ABA president (1999), Dennis Archer as the first African American male ABA president (2003), Stephen N. Zack as the first Hispanic male ABA president (2010), Paulette Brown as the first African American female ABA president (2015), and Mary Smith as the first Native American female president (2023).
2024
William R. “Bill” Bay serves as the ABA President.
Featured Benefits of ABA Membership
Explore more highly sought-after benefits of joining the ABA.
ABA Member Groups
Find the resources you need including, practice-specific committees, top-tier CLE, peer-reviewed scholarly journals, curated content and more when you join a Section, Division or Forum.
ABA Leadership
The ABA Leadership team includes Officers, the Board of Governors, the House of Delegates, and Senior Officials. Learn more about the dedicated member leaders here.
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 supports the public service and educational programs of the American Bar Association.
ABA Member Directory
Use the directory to connect with other members across the ABA and build your professional community.
Contact the ABA
Need help, have a question or comment, or just looking for our mailing address? You can find all that on our contact page.