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    February 27, 2023

    ABA Day 2023

    Finally, Back on the Hill!

    With the 118th Congress underway, this year we look forward to introducing the ABA and state and local bar colleagues to the nearly 90 new members.

    With the 118th Congress underway, this year we look forward to introducing the ABA and state and local bar colleagues to the nearly 90 new members.

    On March 28 and 29, the ABA returns to Capitol Hill in person for the first time since 2019 for its annual association-wide advocacy event — ABA Day. We will once again work with national, state and local bar leaders and association members to raise our voices in solidarity on issues the legal profession cares about. 

    Historically, ABA Day has been an in-person event, but health concerns caused by the COVID 19 pandemic led to congressional buildings being closed to the public for an extended period starting in March 2020.

    No access to the Hill did not stop our loyal advocates though. The ABA hosted multiple digital advocacy events during the last few years, engaging thousands who helped advance ABA legislative priority issues including judicial security, funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), and student debt relief. 

    With the 118th Congress now constituted, and the Hill again open to the public, this year we look forward to introducing the ABA and state and local bar colleagues to the nearly 90 newly elected members and congressional leaders from about three dozen states.

    Our goal is also to have ABA Day participants help every new Senator and Representative better understand the importance of ensuring robust federal funding for LSC, which helps fund legal aid offices nationwide that assist their constituents. Any cuts to this critical program would be devastating, especially in wake of the recent pandemic, inflation, and unprecedented natural disasters.

    While our primary effort will be on Capitol Hill, our Governmental Affairs Office (GAO) team recognizes that not everyone can travel to Washington DC for this year’s events. Not to worry though: GAO has a great program lined up on the Hill, plus a social media and digital plan to engage advocates wherever they are and online tools to help advocates who choose to meet with their members at home in their districts.  Remember, all politics is local, and we want to hear about district visits too.

    Can’t wait till ABA Day to get involved? Take action now by introducing yourself to your elected officials and telling them how important it is to vote for robust funding for LSC. You can also personalize your message to tell your constituent story and have even more impact on your decision makers on Capitol Hill.

    Want to know more? Visit our ABA Day page to register for this year’s events and check back frequently to see what’s planned on the Hill and online. Follow us on Twitter @ABAGrassroots to learn more about developments as they happen.

    Members of Congress need to hear directly from YOU —their constituents— on the issues they are considering. Whether advocating in person or reaching out to elected officials using digital tools, the collective voice of the legal profession can have a meaningful impact on access to justice issues. We look forward to your adding your voice to ours again this year!

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