Disaster Legal Services
Through the Disaster Legal Services Program, the ABA Young Lawyers Division (ABA YLD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide immediate temporary legal assistance to disaster survivors at no charge.
Initiatives, Awards, & Advocacy
The Division takes pride in making positive contributions to communities in which we practice, shaping the legal profession, and helping young lawyers succeed.
Advocacy
Student Loans & Finances
The YLD advocates for lower financial barriers to the legal profession by reducing law school costs and minimizing student loan burden. We also offer guidance for new lawyers on managing debt. Plus, read the findings and recommendations from The 2020 Student Loan Debt Survey Report.
Loans & Finances - ResourcesYLD Virtual Event
The YLD Book Club explores 'The Anxious Lawyer'
Meditation and mindfulness practices can support a more effective and enjoyable legal practice. Join the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division in their six-week series discussing the best-selling book, “The Anxious Lawyer: an 8-Week Guide to a Joyful and Satisfying Law Practice Through Mindfulness and Meditation” by Jeena Cho and Karen Gifford. The series is sponsored by BetterHelp, professional counseling done securely online.
Register - Today2021 Award Nominations
The 2021 On the Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers Awards
Make your nominations for the 2021 On The Rise Awards! Send us your recommendations for a lawyer who exemplifies high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal and community service. The deadline is March 1, 2021.
Nomination - Rules & DetailsInitiatives
Diversity and Inclusion
The ABA YLD promotes full and equal participation in the Division for a membership inclusive of lawyers of varying gender, national origin, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation and gender identity, and of lawyers with disabilities.
A Seat at the Table
An initiative of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division that seeks to develop the next generation of dynamic and innovative leaders for our communities.
No Limits
The YLD wants to create a national dialogue among young lawyers, to discuss the challenges women attorneys face, share strategies, and find solutions. No Limits offers programming and access to national resources to assist young women attorneys as they navigate their careers.
Men of Color Project
A resource for men of color during law school and in the pivotal first years of practice.
Fit2Practice
Recognizing the challenges young attorneys face in establishing and maintaining healthier lifestyles
Past Initiatives
Initiatives that past chairs have initiated for the public good and the betterment of the community.
Choose Your Committees
Find a network for your niche
Dig deeper with ABA Connect. Get the most from YLD committees and access specialized content that's relative to the work that you do in your practice area while contributing your knowledge to the rest of the group.
Meet Our - CommitteesAwards
On the Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers Award
The On The Rise Award program provides national recognition for ABA young lawyer members who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal and community service.
Outstanding Young Military Lawyer Award
This award, a joint effort of the American Bar Association Young Lawyer Division and Judge Advocate Association, recognizes the legal contributions of one young judge advocate from each uniformed service: the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard.
Awards of Achievement
This program is an opportunity for state and local young lawyer organizations Affiliated with the ABA Young Lawyers Division to submit their best projects for evaluation and recognition by a jury of their peers.
Law Day Art Contest
This annual contest provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about our legal system, justice, get creative and win prizes. It is open to students, student groups, and classes attending a public or private high school, or being home schooled, within the United States and in grades 9-12 or the equivalent.
Subgrants
Subgrants are awarded annually by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD), with support from the ABA Fund for Justice and Education. The program is designed to promote quality projects developed by affiliated young lawyer organizations and to assist in the success of the program by providing support through program funding.
Support Young Lawyers
Your generous gift to the YLD will be combined and leveraged with other donations to further such initiatives as the YLD Disaster Legal Services, Annual Public Service Project and Diversity and Inclusion programs.