Defense of the unpopular: Lawyers should not suffer backlash for defending rights of unsympathetic clients

Our adversarial justice system requires a defense attorney to stand up for the accused and balance the arguments of the prosecution. A lawyer can guide a client through the process and defend their civil rights without excusing or condoning what the client is accused of doing. Even Nazi war criminals were afforded counsel. It did not mean their lawyers were sympathizers.

Jul 1, 2019 12:50 AM CDT

Our Civics IQ: ABA survey demonstrates people need better understanding of our democracy

Less than half of the U.S. public knows that John Roberts is Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, while almost one-quarter think it is Ruth Bader Ginsburg and 16 percent believe it is Clarence Thomas. The ABA Survey of Civic Literacy asked 1,000 adults in the United States 17 questions about the law, the U.S. Constitution and the rights of both citizens and noncitizens.

Jun 1, 2019 12:15 AM CDT

A Better Value: ABA reinvigorates benefits for current and new members

The American Bar Association, with an eye on a bright future, will begin introducing exciting changes starting this month as part of a new membership plan that offers greater value and significantly enhanced benefits.

May 1, 2019 1:00 AM CDT

ABA offers lawyers opportunities to get involved with government at ABA Day, Law Day

From April 9 to 11, ABA Day will bring together ABA leaders with state and local bar members from across the country to take the message of lawyers to Congress. Less than three weeks later, we will celebrate Law Day 2019, with this year’s topical theme of “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.”

Apr 1, 2019 2:10 AM CDT

Immigration Matters: A fairer process is needed for those seeking entry to the United States

Our nation needs to regulate and control immigration, have secure borders and keep people safe. But developing clear, comprehensive, practical and humane immigration law is possible—and long overdue.

Mar 1, 2019 12:01 AM CST

Looking Ahead to 2019: Goals for us all: promoting civility and protecting justice

Jan 1, 2019 3:05 AM CST

It’s time to promote our health

America’s lawyers need to know that the ABA is working hard to improve lawyer wellness. Through CoLAP, we are working to ensure that every lawyer, judge and law student has access to support when dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Dec 1, 2018 2:30 AM CST

America: The Resilient Land of the Free

All Americans have the responsibility to exercise their rights to speak out and to vote. Democracy is not served when the people do not participate. In the past 20 years, midterm election turnout has averaged under 39 percent, and we, as a nation, simply can and must do better.

Nov 1, 2018 2:15 AM CDT

Serving the public good: Pro Bono Celebration 2018 highlights disaster resiliency efforts

Oct. 21-27 is the 10th anniversary of the Annual National Celebration of Pro Bono—a nationwide opportunity for lawyers to honor our responsibility to the profession and our communities by volunteering to serve those who cannot afford legal services. This year’s Pro Bono Celebration will showcase disaster resiliency activities. United States Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan will serve as honorary chair.

Oct 1, 2018 2:10 AM CDT

Working together to succeed

Our focus moving forward will be to increase the value of membership in the ABA and offer our members significantly enhanced benefits. As the legal profession evolves, we want to make the ABA an essential partner, working alongside you to help build your practice.

Sep 1, 2018 1:00 AM CDT

It was a very good year: Research on long-term careers for women tops President Bass’ achievements

Aug 1, 2018 12:40 AM CDT

Poverty is not a crime

The American Bar Association set up a Working Group on Building Public Trust in the American Justice System and expanded a court monitoring program to curb disproportionate effect of excessive fines and fees on the poor.

Jul 1, 2018 12:30 AM CDT

Defending the huddled masses

The ABA quickly mobilized to focus attention on the Legal Orientation Program, which provides critical legal information to adults in immigration detention centers. The decision to “pause” the program was rescinded just 10 days after it was announced. The Justice Department will look at the program, and the ABA will watch closely to ensure the study is conducted fairly.

Jun 1, 2018 1:10 AM CDT

ABA committee diligently and fairly evaluates credentials of federal judicial nominees

Since 1953, the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary has conducted independent, nonpartisan peer evaluations of the professional qualifications for nominees to the federal bench. The 15-member standing committee is independent of all other ABA activities and is not affected by ABA policies.

May 1, 2018 2:10 AM CDT

The Balance of Power: 2018 Law Day

Law Day is observed annually on May 1 and celebrates the role of law in our society. Events are held across the country on and around that date with the goal of cultivating a deeper understanding of the legal profession and its importance to our nation.

Apr 1, 2018 12:40 AM CDT