Erin Ruehrwein
Section Director
While this column often focuses on the activities of the Section, I wanted to take some time to highlight the many ABA member benefits and programs that are currently available to you. The ABA has launched a number of new benefits this year including ABA Insurance, ABA Leverage, ABA Legal Career Central, 10 Questions Live, free membership for law students, and a growing list of companies in the ABA Advantage discount program. I hope you are able to benefit from some or all of these offerings.
The ABA has launched a new insurance program designed especially for ABA members and their families. It offers a suite of insurance products and financial solutions, as well as unique coverage options, competitive pricing, and exceptional service. In some cases, the savings cover or exceed the cost of your membership dues.
ABA Leverage – Complimentary Meeting Services & Contracting
Now, your law school, firm, or legal association can use the ABA’s expertise and buying power to book your meetings. Use our leverage to negotiate special pricing, perks and upgrades while saving time and money.
Buying Power - With over $16 million in annual meeting spend, contracting 325 legal meetings a year and over 82,000 hotel rooms worldwide, the ABA can use its volume buying power to secure discounted hotel rates and added concessions for your next meeting.
Expertise - Every member of the ABA Leverage team has over 10 years of experience focused on serving the legal community.
Industry Connections - We have strong relationships with all the major hotel brands, independent properties, and convention centers.
Contract - We have a proprietary contract universally accepted by hotels, saving you time while minimizing your risk and exposure.
ABA Legal Career Central delivers a reservoir of information and inspiration for pre-law, law students, lawyers, and legal professionals everywhere, dispensing advice through publications, postings and programming. Access the job board, career resources, and the free career advice series.
ABA Essentials
This new series offers introductory level programs covering the basics of core practice areas in an effort to help new and transitioning lawyers increase skill sets, expand opportunities and become stronger, well-rounded counselors.
ABA’s 10 Questions Live
This new monthly Google Hangout features innovative lawyers whose careers follow unexpected paths.
You can follow 10 Questions Live each month in the ABA Journal and submit questions during registration, as well as live during the program. Past programs are posted on the website and you can now register for the November program.
FREE Law Student Membership
Law students can join the ABA, as well as up to 5 entities, for free. As an ABA member, students gain access to exclusive discounts; career guidance; specialized legal programming, online content, and in-person events; and valuable opportunities to connect with other law students, experienced attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals.
We encourage schools to enroll their students if they haven’t done so already, and urge law students to encourage their classmates to participate in this tremendous membership program. Contact the membership department at [email protected] to get started.
ABA Member Discounts and Offers
ABA Advantage companies offer discounts on a variety of products and services in the areas of hotel, travel, lifestyle, office, insurance, finance, technology, and legal education. Members can save on products and services from companies such as Hertz, Hilton, Brooks Brothers, Bank of America, Office Depot, Lenovo, BARBRI, and more.
While this is a just a short list of the benefits you receive with your ABA membership, I encourage you to visit the ABA membership page to ensure you’re making the most of it.