Special Dues Programs

    Some lawyers qualify for discounted dues based on practice setting, employment status, or years of practice.

    Special Rates

    New Lawyers

    Lawyers receive free membership for one year when they are admitted to their first bar in any U.S. state or territory.  Most states provide lists of newly admitted lawyers to the ABA for automatic membership. Check to see whether you’ve been enrolled.

    Solo

    A discounted dues rate is offered to lawyers licensed as U.S. attorneys who work in a solo private practice.

    Bar Admittance Annual Dues

    2017 - 2018: Free

    2014 - 2016: $120

    2012 - 2013: $146

    2008 - 2011: $173

    2007 and Earlier: $266

    Public Interest/ Judges

    A discounted dues rate is offered to judges or licensed U.S. attorneys who work as lawyers in a government or legal/public service organization.

    Bar Admittance: Annual Dues

    2017 - 2018: Free

    2014 - 2016: $120

    2012 - 2013: $146

    2008 - 2011: $173

    2007 and Earlier: $266

    Military

    Free membership is offered to:

    • Lawyers in active duty and in a combat zone assignment
    • JAG lawyers admitted to the bar for five years or less

    Apply online today.

    Military lawyers may be eligible for a special group discount of $95. Contact us today to learn more regarding program eligibility.

    Seniors

    Lawyers over 75 years of age who have been ABA members for at least 25 years are entitled to a 50% discount from the highest dues rate. Dues are waived for members who were born before September 1, 1934, and have been ABA members for at least 25 years.

    Joint Dues Programs

    Government & Public Sector

    Join Two Sections at a Discounted Price. A single low dues rate covers membership in the Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division and any one of the following:

    Judges

    Judges enrolled in the Judicial Division may join one additional participating entity for a joint dues rate of $60. Participating entities include:

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

    Call 800-285-2221 to take advantage of this joint special rate.

    Membership Auto-Renewal

    Enjoy Never-Ending Benefits! Choose Auto-Renew at checkout and enjoy uninterrupted access to exclusive member benefits. Enroll Today*

    More information is available at Auto-Renew FAQ

    *ABA Auto-Renew is only available to those with a current balance due. Official Terms and Conditions. 

    Financial Hardship

    Reduced Dues

    Lawyers who are experiencing financial hardship may apply for a discounted annual ABA dues rate of $53 and an annual rate of $5 for participating specialty groups.

    Participating Specialty Groups

    • Antitrust Law
    • Business Law
    • Civil Rights and Social Justice
    • Criminal Justice
    • Environment, Energy, & Resources
    • Family Law
    • Government & Public Sector Lawyers
    • Health Law
    • Infrastructure and Regulated Industries
    • Intellectual Property Law
    • International Law
    • Labor & Employment Law
    • Law Practice
    • Professional Responsibility
    • Public Contract Law
    • Real Property, Trust & Estate Law
    • Science & Technology Law
    • Solo, Small Firm & General Practice
    • State & Local Government Law
    • Taxation
    • Tort Trial & Insurance Practice

    Complete the application or contact us
    .

    Deduct Your Dues

    You may be able to deduct up to 97.5% of your dues as a business expense on your U.S. taxes! Consult your tax advisor with any questions.

    *The ABA estimates that 2.5% of your total ABA dues is allocated to ABA lobbying activities and therefore is not deductible. Membership dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution for income tax purposes.