Judge Samuel Thumma finds joy in barbershop singing

As Judge Samuel Thumma began to contemplate the end of his career and what the future might hold, he also began to better appreciate what he describes as “the joy of small things.”

Apr 1, 2026 12:30 AM CDT

‘Now is not the time to walk back the progress that we have made,’ ABA President Michelle Behnke says

The ability to manage change in tumultuous times while staying true to the core principles of the legal profession is as essential today as it ever has been. In this 250th anniversary year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, lawyers must rise to the occasion. These were some of the core themes that ABA President Michelle A. Behnke covered in her address to the association’s policymaking body at the ABA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio.

Apr 1, 2026 12:25 AM CDT

House of Delegates adopts nearly 30 policies on wide-ranging legal issues

The American Bar Association House of Delegates adopted almost 30 policy matters on a wide variety of issues, including judicial independence and safety, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, the independence of the Department of Justice, Medicaid funding, immigration law enforcement, and the use of National Guard and military forces in U.S. cities when it met during the midyear meeting.

Apr 1, 2026 12:20 AM CDT

As AI transforms the landscape, the ABA provides trusted guidance

While ABA advocacy on issues where the association has adopted specific AI- or technology-related policy is important, education on complex legal issues to inform potential governmental decisions before they are made in these quickly evolving areas is equally important. Subject-matter experts in several ABA entities are rising to the challenge, showcasing their diverse experience and expertise and having an impact on Capitol Hill and beyond.

Apr 1, 2026 12:15 AM CDT

ABA Notices - Spring 2026

ABA Notices. For more official ABA notices, please visit ABAJournal.com in May and June.

Apr 1, 2026 12:10 AM CDT

Breaking the Stigma: Gavin Alexander shares mental health struggles to improve the profession

Gavin Alexander often tells other lawyers that success and seeking help aren’t mutually exclusive. Alexander, the Boston-based well-being director at Jackson Lewis, speaks from experience.

Jan 1, 2026 12:25 AM CST

ABA President Michelle Behnke aims to bring lawyers together in ‘unprecedented times’

At the ABA Annual Meeting in August, Michelle Behnke commended the association for remaining steadfast in its protection of the rule of law and the legal profession, despite unprecedented challenges by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Jan 1, 2026 12:20 AM CST

Federal Student Loan Update: Key changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill that affect lawyers

Enactment in the summer of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ushered in landmark changes to the federal student loan system. The act will require prospective law students to plan differently for financing their education and will affect lawyers’ repayments of their student debt.

Jan 1, 2026 12:15 AM CST

ABA Notices - Winter 2026

Jan 1, 2026 12:10 AM CST

Nikole Nelson champions a national model to bring legal services to those without access

Nikole Nelson spent much of her career trying to close the justice gap in Alaska. As the executive director of Alaska Legal Services Corp., Nelson helped provide free civil legal aid to low-income residents in about a dozen communities across the state. But Nelson and her team encountered many other people they couldn’t assist because of a lack of resources.

Oct 1, 2025 12:35 AM CDT

ABA President Michelle A. Behnke will prioritize defending liberty, pursuing justice

The American Bar Association will redouble its efforts to defend liberty and pursue justice to advance the rule of law, said ABA President Michelle A. Behnke, who took office in August at the end of the 2025 annual meeting in Toronto.

Oct 1, 2025 12:30 AM CDT

ABA House calls out law firm intimidation, supports the First Amendment and more

The ABA House of Delegates adopted more than 50 policy matters when it met during the annual meeting.

Oct 1, 2025 12:25 AM CDT

ABA calls on federal government to ensure immigrants receive due process

The ABA, a longtime advocate for immigrants’ rights, took a stand against some sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system by President Donald Trump’s administration during its annual meeting in Toronto.

Oct 1, 2025 12:20 AM CDT

ABA Notices - Fall 2025

ABA Notices

Oct 1, 2025 12:15 AM CDT

ABA addresses regulatory and legislative challenges

As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA has long worked to preserve the profession’s independence and ensure legislation and regulations do not undermine lawyers’ ability to represent clients or interfere with courts’ authority over the practice of law.

Oct 1, 2025 12:10 AM CDT