The Board applies the following nine criteria to determine whether an issue should be made a Priority: breadth and strength of ABA interest; importance to the practice of law; public perception of the profession; opportunity for impact; potential for achievement; timeliness of issue; expertise of lawyers on the issue; importance to society; and importance to the administration of justice.
The views of the leaders of the organized bar and the recommendations of the Governmental Affairs Office are also considered by the Board when establishing the annual Priorities. Current Priorities include:
- Access to Legal Services
- Access to the Civil Justice System
- Criminal Justice System Improvements
- Elimination of Discrimination
- Immigration Reform
- Independence of the Judiciary
- Independence of the Legal Profession
- International Rule of Law
- Legal Education
- National Security and Civil Liberties
Please click on any of the above priorities to see their pages.