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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Photo of Robert Carlson courtesy of the Office of the President
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.
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 The decision to “pause” the program was rescinded just 10 days after it was announced.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
Photo of Hilarie Bass courtesy of the Office of the President
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
Photo of Hilarie Bass courtesy of the Office of the President
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
Photo of Hilarie Bass courtesy of the Office of the President
The ABA Journal wants to host and facilitate conversations among lawyers about their profession. We are now accepting thoughtful, non-promotional articles and commentary by unpaid contributors.
