Membership

Our Members

The Judicial Division is the home for judges, lawyers, professionals and students dedicated to promoting and improving the administration of justice, judicial independence and the bench and bar relationship. Members must enroll in one of the six Conferences based on specialization. See our eligibility rules to make your Conference selection. 

• Appellate Judges Conference
  Appellate judges, appellate staff attorneys and appellate lawyers. Includes membership to the Council of Appellate Lawyers and the Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys.
• Lawyers Conference
  Lawyers, judges, court managers, legal teachers, writers and publishers, and law students.
  
• National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary
  Federal and state administrative law judges, board of contract appeals judges and hearing officers, and other administrative adjudicators within the federal, state and local executive branch of government.
• National Conference of Federal Trial Judges
  Article I and III judges, including U.S. District, Magistrate, Bankruptcy, Claims, Tax and International Trade Court Judges.
• National Conference of Specialized Court Judges
  Judges of limited and special jurisdiction from around the country including traffic court, probate, district, county, military, and municipal court judges.
• National Conference of State Trial Judges
  State court general jurisdiction judges.

Member Benefits

From publication subscriptions to complimentary programs and events, Judicial Division Membership more than pays for itself.

The Judges' Journal
The Division's award-winning quarterly publication is one of the nation's foremost judicial journals and the authoritative source on innovations in the justice system. As part of your membership in the Judicial Division, you will enjoy a complimentary subscription to this publication (a $39 value).

Judicial Division Record
The Division's quarterly e-newsletter, the JD Record, informs members about Conference and Division activities, new publications and products, as well as upcoming meetings and programs. The newsletter is free with your JD membership.

Judicial Division Lapel Pin
Members receive a free Judicial Division lapel pin with membership. Pick one up at our meetings or contact us to have one mailed to you.

CLE and Programming
Complimentary and discounted programs, webinars, workshops and recordings designed to keep you informed on hot topics and developments in the judiciary.

Resources
Access tools, publications and materials focused on the improvement of the judicial system.

Discussion Groups
Discussion group list serves connect you with members from across the country, ensuring your opinions are represented. Join a discussion group today and add your voice to the Division.

Member Experience

Working together and networking with colleagues is an important part of achieving success, enhancing the professionalism of the judiciary and striking a healthy balance between work and leisure.

Committees
Many Judicial Division members have expressed the view that Committee work has provided them with unprecedented professional and personal growth. The Division encourages all members to become involved and to bring to the attention of these Committees their ideas and concerns so that the objectives and interests of all members can be heard, understood and incorporated into Division and Conference proposals, projects and initiatives. Committee enrollment is a free benefit for members.

Serve the Community
The Division offers many rewarding opportunities to make a difference in the community. Outreach such as the Judicial Clerkship Program, the Youth Outreach Program and the Judicial Outreach Network conveys the importance of the judiciary and access to justice for all.

Life-Long Friendships
Experience the camaraderie and fellowship that comes with being part of the Judicial Division. Through shared experiences, social events, and working together, many members have developed life-long friends with other leaders of the legal profession.

ABA Benefits

ABA Journal
Read up on the trends, people, and finances of the legal profession via the ABA’s flagship monthly magazine.

Member Advantage Discounts
Discounts on products and services for work, at home and at leisure.

ABA Insurance 
Many JD members find that the ABA Insurance for members is one of the biggest values in ABA membership.

CLE Premier Speaker Series
The CLE Premier Speaker Series is a monthly program where members can earn FREE continuing legal education credits.

Recruitment Materials

Are you speaking or attending a program or meeting for judges? Request membership materials for distribution.

JD Brochures, Group Membership Form, Sign-up Sheets with Promo Code, and copies of The Judges' Journal are available and will be shipped directly to you.

• Membership Pays for Itself in the ABA
• JD Membership Talking Points

Student Memberships

Students interested in the judiciary are eligible to join the Judicial Division Lawyers Conference or the Council of Appellate Lawyers through the Appellate Judges Conference.

Membership Dues

Specialty Group Dues
The Judicial Division has one of the lowest specialty group membership rate in the ABA. At only $35 annually, you'll have access to all the Division benefits.

Reduced ABA Dues 
Judges, lawyers in government, legal/public service (legal services, legal-aid, or indigent defense agency), and solo practitioners in private practice are eligible for a special dues rate.

Public Service Group Membership 
The Public Service Group Membership Program offers a significant reduced ABA membership dues in exchange for recruiting new members and consolidating billing. Public Service Group Membership is not available to everyone and certain criteria applies. For more information or to apply please see our Public Service Group Membership Brochure. 

Joint Dues for Judges Program
Judges enrolled in the Judicial Division may join one additional Participating Entity for a joint dues rate of $60.  To take advantage of this special rate, call 800-285-2221. Participating Entities include:

• Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice
• Antitrust
• Business Law
• Civil Rights and Social Justice 
• Construction Industry
• Criminal Justice
• Dispute Resolution
• Environment, Energy, and Resources
• Family Law
• Government and Public Sector Lawyers
• Health Law
• International Law
• Labor Law
• Litigation
• Public Contract Law
• State and Local Government Law
• Science and Technology Law
• Solo, Small Firm and General Practice
• Tort Trial and Insurance Practice

Join Now

ABA Members can join the Judicial Division for only $35, and must select a conference affiliation upon enrolling. Enroll online or by phone at 1.800.285.2221.