Advocacy Works: Grassroots advocates take action during ABA Day

Apr 1, 2024 12:10 AM CDT

50 Years of Service: ABA has been a ‘stalwart ally’ for LSC funding

Over the last half-century, the ABA has been a steadfast advocate for the Legal Services Corp., actively working to fulfill its mission of addressing the civil legal needs of vulnerable Americans and upholding America’s commitment to “justice for all.”

Feb 1, 2024 12:10 AM CST

Debt Management: ABA advocates for student loan reforms in a changing landscape

For more than two decades, the ABA has sounded the alarm about the devastating effects of excessive student debt on law students and newly minted lawyers while actively engaging in advocacy efforts to provide relief.

Dec 1, 2023 12:20 AM CST

Artistic Advocacy: Copyright Claims Board offers access to justice to creative community

Pursuing copyright claims through the U.S. federal court system is expensive and time-consuming—too burdensome for creators with claims of modest amounts. Without effective legal rights and remedies, the perpetual theft of these creatives’ copyrighted works can threaten the worth of their professional endeavors. However, in June, the ABA commemorated an important milestone that addresses the challenges faced by these creators.

Oct 1, 2023 12:30 AM CDT

ABA advocates for combating money laundering while honoring client confidentiality

The ABA supports reasonable efforts by the U.S. government to detect, deter and combat money laundering, including reasonable and appropriate beneficial ownership reporting measures that comply with certain fundamental principles. However, the ABA opposes legislative measures that would require lawyers to disclose information protected by the attorney-client privilege or to violate their ethical duty to preserve client confidentiality.

Aug 1, 2023 12:30 AM CDT

The ABA works to help formerly incarcerated people reenter society

For those incarcerated, the ABA supports appropriate treatment consistent with the Eighth Amendment that offers resources and opportunities shown to reduce recidivism and increase public safety.

Jun 1, 2023 12:10 AM CDT

ABA has a long history of advocating for indigent defense and public defenders

For more than a century, the ABA has advocated on issues related to indigent defense, primarily through its Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense. In fact, SCLAID (when it was operating as the Standing Committee on Legal Aid Work) stated in its 1937 annual report: “We believe that every man accused of serious crime is absolutely entitled to counsel and that, if too poor to employ one, society must furnish him that lawyer.”

Apr 1, 2023 12:20 AM CDT

We Need You: Member input will help set ABA legislative priorities

The 118th Congress is scheduled to open Jan. 3. New and returning senators and representatives will likely confront significant challenges of interest to the legal profession, including some that could impact how attorneys serve their clients throughout the country.

Dec 1, 2022 12:30 AM CST

ABA works to provide nonpartisan info and protect access to the ballot box

Oct 1, 2022 12:15 AM CDT

Optimizing Outreach: In-person lobbying is returning, but digital advocacy will remain

The pandemic forced organizations like the ABA to adopt new ways to connect with their elected officials and lobby for policy changes of interest to their professions. In-person lobbying was the meat and potatoes of ABA advocacy for decades, but closing the halls of Congress to the public for more than two years elevated digital communications to the forefront.

Aug 1, 2022 12:10 AM CDT

Matters of Life and Death: ABA advocacy helps ensure constitutional protections in capital cases

Death penalty cases are difficult. The crimes are often shocking, and justice for the victims and their families is always a concern. The ABA does not take a position on the morality or constitutionality of the death penalty. But it is committed to ensuring capital punishment is applied in a fair, unbiased and accurate manner, including engaging with governments to ensure due process.

Jun 1, 2022 12:20 AM CDT

Join ABA Day 2022: Celebrating 25 years of advocacy on the Hill

This year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of this event during the week of April 4. The ongoing pandemic has restricted our ability to meet face-to-face in Washington, but we have adjusted our advocacy strategy and techniques. As in 2020 and 2021, ABA Day 2022 will be held virtually.

Apr 1, 2022 12:20 AM CDT

Global Impact: The ABA’s advocacy has influence on the international stage

The ABA’s efforts to improve laws and regulations and defend the rule of law are not limited to the United States; the ABA’s voice is also heard around the world. Opening jurisdictions to U.S. law firms, strengthening the rule of law, and improving the quality of laws through education, law reform and advocacy are important components of the ABA’s global work.

Feb 1, 2022 12:30 AM CST

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a case study of ABA advocacy

The ABA started advocating for the creation of PSLF in 2002, and our steadfast support continues today. The program provides a financial tool to support government and nonprofit service providers who help ensure the delivery of vital services to the public, regardless of how rural or underresourced a community is. It is also a recruitment and retention tool that helps reduce student loan debt obligations for eligible professions, including public service lawyers.

Dec 1, 2021 12:20 AM CST

ABA leads efforts to deliver legal services to veterans

Oct 1, 2021 12:20 AM CDT