chevron-down Created with Sketch Beta.

Civil Rights and Social Justice Section Membership

Join the ABA's only membership entity devoted solely to civil rights, human rights, and social justice: the conscience of the ABA.

The Value of Section Membership

Cutting-Edge Content

  • Human Rights Magazine: Explore our award-winning quarterly magazine featuring themed issues, including topics on policing, voting rights, and more.
  • CRSJ Chair Chat: Tune in to timely conversations with legal scholars, advocates, thought leaders, and activists committed to fighting for social justice.
  • Book Publishing Project: Look for our expanding collection of in-depth analyses written by lawyers for lawyers and policy makers interested in protecting human rights.
  • Quarterly Newsletter: An electronic newsletter for current developments and Section news.

Top-Tier Programming

  • CRSJ Council Meetings: Participate in business sessions, networking opportunities, policy development and implementation, and volunteer service projects.
  • Complimentary Programs: Live and on-demand programs on the latest developments in civil rights, social justice, and human rights from leading advocates, academics, government officials, and other expert panelists.

Committees

  • Valuable Opportunities: Connect with leading professionals in 20+ substantive Section Committees, including Education, Disability Rights, Fair and Impartial Courts, Free Speech & Free Press, Women’s Rights, and many more. 
  • Committee Content: Access shared documents, committee work, interactive discussions, leadership announcements, and more.

Leadership Opportunities

  • Take on a leadership role: Serve alongside members who are involved with the Section's content creation and delivery.
  • Content Creation: Write, teach, lead, lobby, learn, and support efforts to protect and advance the civil rights and social justice issues you care about. 
  • Projects and Initiatives: Participate in the Civil Rights Boot Camp, the Perfecting Democracy initiative, and other priorities.
  • Policy Development and Advocacy: Collaborate with CRSJ members to develop additional policy and pursue legislative advocacy and other policy implementation.

Member Discounts

  • CLE Webinars: Save on free CLE webinars and exclusive member pricing.
  • Law Student Membership: Enjoy free memberships.
  • Savings: Members save 20%+ on books and events.
Member Rates
$45 / per year
Join or Renew
  • You must be an ABA member to join.
  • Select auto-renew for your membership to renew automatically each year.
  • Students can join up to 5 ABA groups for free.

What Leading Professionals are Saying

Compliance with and respect for human rights has long been one of my major concerns. However, in my professional legal practice, there was little time to follow developments and to make contributions in that field. The Civil Rights and Social Justice Section provided rich and supportive opportunities for me to engage in human rights advocacy. Its many socially-oriented legal committees connected me with colleagues who encouraged my commitment and welcomed collaboration. Through the Section, I developed leadership skills, expanded my knowledge in the field of human rights, and acquired expertise. Membership in the ABA's Civil Rights and Social Justice Section has led to one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life.

Profile Picture

Dan Appelman

Retired, Co-Chair of the Section's International Human Rights Committee

The American Bar Association is an excellent organization for obtaining CLE credits at reasonable rates and the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice is the best for connecting with people who have a passion for civil rights and social justice for every person without regard to their status or income. With the Section, I’ve had the opportunity to network with experts in their fields, and have been given the autonomy to drive policy, impacting national ABA advocacy. Join the ABA, find your niche and make a difference!

Profile Picture

Pamelya Herndon

New Mexico State Representative

Already a member?

Make the most of your membership by joining a committee, attending a meeting, collaborating on a project, and more.

Start Now