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    Section Membership

    Criminal Justice Section

    Criminal Justice Section Membership

    Membership in the ABA Criminal Justice Section (CJS) brings with it many benefits and privileges. With its diverse membership of judges, private criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, public defenders, academics, and other criminal justice professionals, the CJS is uniquely situated to bring all the various actors to the table to address today's most pressing criminal justice issues.

    Join the Section

    ABA lawyers and affiliated members can join the CJS for $45. Law students can join for free. Start enjoying CJS benefits today!

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    The Value of a CJS Membership

    As a member, you can build your professional reputation while you pursue your interests – write, teach, lead, lobby, and learn.

    Be an author

    Be an author

    Be an author for a CJS periodical (Criminal Justice Magazine, CJS Newsletter or CJS committee newsletters) or a book (a chapter in the annual The State of Criminal Justice or a single-title book).

    Be a Speaker/Panelist at CJS events

    Be a Speaker/Panelist at CJS events

    Be a Speaker/Panelist at CJS events, including our nationally acclaimed CLE programs designed specifically for criminal law lawyers. Share your knowledge with colleagues!

    Attend curated networking events

    Attend curated networking events

    Attend curated networking events in select cities and meet CJS leaders in white collar crime or other areas of criminal law. Make important contacts (and friends) from across the country!

    Be a Mentor

    Be a Mentor

    CJS Mentorship Program connects law students and practitioners together, with focus on the practitioner’s area of practice and the student’s interests.

    Be a Diversity and Inclusion Fellow

    Be a Diversity and Inclusion Fellow

    This provides opportunities for lawyers in under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse lawyers, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ persons, to actively participate within the CJS and prepare them to take on leadership roles within the Section.

    Serve on a CJS committee

    Serve on a CJS committee

    Committees offer Criminal Justice Section members the best opportunity for direct involvement in Section activities, such as organizing CLE offerings, developing publications and policy proposals.

    Member Testimonials

    Leadership

    LEAD ... by way of influencing ABA and federal policy and standards for criminal justice through CJS committees or council.

    "Someone... said to me, ‘If you really want to get involved and you really want to make a difference, you need to be on the CJS Council.’"

    Marissel D.

    Join - The Criminal Justice Section

    Young Lawyers

    The CJS Young Lawyers/Law Student Development Committee works to serve the interests of young lawyers in the ABA Criminal Justice Section, including providing practical career information, publishing and speaking opportunities, networking, public service opportunities, mentorship program, activities to improve the criminal justice system and young lawyer participation in Section leadership.

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    Law Students

    Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the legal community? Have you dreamed about changing policy and legal practices with well-renowned attorneys, politicians, and leading stakeholders within the criminal justice field? You can do that today, by joining the ABA Criminal Justice Section!

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    Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship Program

    This program provides opportunities for lawyers in under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse lawyers, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, to actively participate within the Criminal Justice Section and prepare them to take on leadership roles within the Section.

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    Member Discounts

    As an ABA member, earn rewards and save on products and services you need, from brands you trust.