Bar Service: Barbara Howard, a longtime leader in the ABA, prepares for her next role

Barbara Howard, a self-described bar junkie, has been selected as the ABA president-elect nominee by the House Nominating Committee. She will face an uncontested vote by the full House at the ABA Annual Meeting in August.

Jun 1, 2025 12:45 AM CDT

Bryanna Jenkins advocates for the Black transgender community

“I saw law school as the natural next step after my organizing and activism work,” says ABA member Bryanna Jenkins, who graduated from the DePaul University College of Law in 2019. “I wanted to figure out how I could use the law as a tool to push forward my agendas for helping the trans community and helping Black folks.”

Jun 1, 2025 12:40 AM CDT

Meet the ABA’s newest leaders

The ABA’s newly nominated officers and members of the Board of Governors will begin their terms in office after the association’s annual meeting in August. In the months before the meeting, we asked these nominees the same four questions.

Jun 1, 2025 12:20 AM CDT

ABA Notices - June-July 2025

Jun 1, 2025 12:15 AM CDT

Going Green: Oday Salim works with Michigan Law students to amend city code

Oday Salim and his students at the University of Michigan Law School have launched a new partnership with the city of Dearborn to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for its residents.

Apr 1, 2025 12:45 AM CDT

‘Our Finest Hour’: ABA ‘will not shrink from the things we believe in,’ President Bill Bay says

While 2025 will bring changes to the organization and challenges to the rule of law, the American Bar Association will continue to do its work “safeguarding the fundamental American values of due process and access to justice,” ABA President Bill Bay said in February in a speech to the ABA House of Delegates at the midyear meeting in Phoenix.

Apr 1, 2025 12:40 AM CDT

Downtime: Proposal encouraging lawyers to unplug from work sees debate in the House

What can make the ABA House of Delegates have an hourlong lively debate? Apparently, it’s a resolution aimed at helping ease lawyer stress and achieve a better work-life balance.

Apr 1, 2025 12:35 AM CDT

‘Taking a Toll’: Privacy protections for judges, civil servants are needed, House says

Security for judges, courts and civil servants was one of the most-discussed topics by attendees of the 2025 ABA Midyear Meeting in Phoenix, and it was a concern reflected in resolutions approved by the House of Delegates.

Apr 1, 2025 12:30 AM CDT

Guard Dogs: Protect domestic violence survivors by protecting their pets, ABA House urges

To many people, pets are members of the family—and in abusive families, violence and threats of violence against pets are often used to victimize their human owners.

Apr 1, 2025 12:25 AM CDT

ABA Notices - April-May 2025

Apr 1, 2025 12:10 AM CDT

Northern Star: John Choi is leading efforts to redefine justice in Minnesota

When John Choi became the city attorney for St. Paul, Minnesota, he didn’t have much experience with criminal law. “What I found was that a lot of times, the things that happened in these cases didn’t really produce an outcome that I think would have made the public proud,” Choi says.

Feb 1, 2025 1:00 AM CST

ABA and its members have shaped the Violence Against Women Act for 30 years

The ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence and VAWA both celebrated their 30th anniversary last fall.

Feb 1, 2025 12:55 AM CST

ABA Notices - February-March 2025

Feb 1, 2025 12:45 AM CST

Kalpana Kotagal’s inclusion riders promote equality in the entertainment industry

Nearly seven years ago, Frances McDormand ended her acceptance speech at the Oscars with, “I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider.” Kalpana Kotagal, a civil rights and employment attorney and a creator of the inclusion rider, had no idea McDormand would mention it. “I had gone to sleep,” says Kotagal. “I had no idea any of that had happened and woke up the next morning to just, like, chaos.”

Dec 1, 2024 12:40 AM CST

Home Renovations: ABA President Bill Bay promises changes for members

“Sure, we need some renovations,” ABA President Bill Bay says. “But it is about telling our story and making the experience memorable when you get here.”

Dec 1, 2024 12:30 AM CST