Do You Want a Head Start on Your Legal Career?
Join the ABA Forum on Construction Law – the largest group of construction attorneys in the United States! Learn about the writing scholarship, publishing, networking, and leadership opportunities available to law students within the Forum.
IT’S FREE! Law Student Membership in the American Bar Association is FREE and you can join up to five (5) ABA Groups (including the ABA Forum on Construction Law) for FREE. For more information, visit the ABA Law Student Division Membership .
Construction Law At-a-Glance
Construction attorneys assist clients with disputes, litigation, and transactional issues of all types involving design and construction projects. They represent all segments of the construction industry: project owners, design professionals, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, suppliers, insurers, and sureties. They use and apply contract, property, tort, administrative, civil procedure, evidence, and various other areas of the law in the dynamic practice area.
The Boost from Joining the Forum – Testimonials from Past Law Student Leaders
Thanks to the ABA Forum on Construction, my legal adventure got a turbo boost. From game-changing resources to epic mentorship, they turned law school and the ever-daunting job search into a thrilling journey. It's not just about learning the ropes; it's about leveling up with a crew of legal phenoms. The Forum made construction law cool, and the connections I snagged? They're my secret weapon. Dive in – this isn't just a club; it's the ultimate cheat code for law students who are into the construction law game!
-Christopher Cabrera, Law Student Liaison (2022-2023), Ball Janik, Miami, FL
Apply to Become the Forum’s Liaison from the ABA Law Student Section
The Forum on Construction Law has a rich history of including its Law Student Liaisons in a variety of programs and initiatives. Past Law Student Liaisons have become future leaders of the Forum through leadership positions such as Division Chair and Steering Committee Member. The Law Student Liaisons are requested to attend monthly virtual committee meetings for young lawyers and membership and attend in-person the Forum’s three (3) national meetings to help promote engagement and value for the Forum’s large significant law student membership. The Law Student Liaison is partially reimbursed for certain travel expenses.
For more information, see the Law Student Liaison Roles and Responsibilities
Law Student Liaison applications are due every May and the one-year term for the position starts the following September 1.
Testimonial from a past Law Student Liaison:
Serving as the Forum’s Law Student Liaison was — and continues to be — an incredibly rewarding experience. So few law students have the opportunity to attend the Forum’s impressive conferences (at reduced cost!), peer behind the curtain at the Governing Committee meetings, and instantly build a network with the nation’s best construction lawyers. This role propelled me into meaningful leadership roles in the Forum and continues to be something I’m really proud to say I did.
-Lexie Pereira, Law Student Liaison (2020-2022), Pillsbury, Washington D.C.
Law Student Writing Competition
Participating in the Law Student Writing Competition is an excellent way to differentiate yourself as an applicant, improve your resume, and become involved in the Forum.
The winner will receive: A cash prize, certain paid travel expenses to attend the fall meeting, a one-year membership in The Forum, publication in one of the Forum’s journals or newsletters, and more. Research Past Papers and Presentations for Inspiration are available on the Forum’s Construction Law Knowledgebase. This contains a searchable database of the ABA Forum on Construction Law’s past papers and presentations from its national meetings. It is an excellent resource to investigate and research potential topics for the writing competition. Publications include The Construction Lawyer, the Forum’s scholarly journal on construction law issues, and Under Construction, the Forum’s newsletter that focuses on publishing practical articles on construction law.
The Law Student Writing Competition Rules are available here .
Discounted Conference Fees – Only $75.00! Law students receive discounted attendance fees at all Forum on Construction Law meetings and receive access to industry-leading presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Mentorship (Guide and Explorer Program) After attending a Forum meeting, law students may join the Forum’s mentorship program. These mentors can serve as a strong connection within the Forum and provide insights into opportunities throughout the Forum.
Forum Benefits
- CLE opportunities after graduation: For updated CLE opportunities check out CLE Library on the Forums page: CLE Library
- Education beyond the classroom: Gain exposure to industry-leading professionals from the Forum’s fourteen (14) divisions, which cover almost every practice area in Construction Law. Each division conducts monthly activities to strengthen their skills and stay up-to-date on trending topics. Membership and active participation in the Forum’s Young Lawyers Division (YLD) is a must!
- Publication opportunities: Contribute to the Construction Lawyer, the Forum’s quarterly law journal, or Under Construction, the Forum’s newsletter. Additionally, law students can contribute to the editorial process of these publications.
National Meeting Opportunities (Especially if it is in Your Hometown)
The three (3) national meetings of the Forum (Fall, Midwinter, and Spring) provide multiple unique events for young and upcoming lawyers, but we want to highlight three (3) that are incredible . . . particularly if the Forum is coming to the city of your law school or your hometown. First, the YLD social event on the night before the program starts is a great opportunity to network with other young lawyers from around the country. Second, the new members' reception is also the perfect chance to meet the Forum’s leadership as well as other young and upcoming lawyers specifically interested in construction law. Third, after the first full day of educational programing, the Forum hosts an amazing party called the Welcome Reception that has complimentary food, drink, and sometimes interesting entertainment. After that, many divisions break out for social events and/or new “Forum Friends” gather and check out local food, drink, or attractions together. The Forum highly welcomes and encourages young and upcoming lawyers to clear their schedule for this date in particular during the conference especially if it is in your hometown!
Save the Date – Upcoming Meetings:
Social links
Follow the ABA Forum’s social media pages to learn more about the construction law field, keep updated on any conferences, news, and all things construction law!
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