President's Letter

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

Goals for us all: promoting civility and protecting justice

The beginning of a new year has historically been a time for people to take stock of their lives and situations. We make resolutions to try to improve ourselves and better our condition. As we start a new calendar year, a new Congress is also beginning. In the 116th Congress,…

Jan 1, 2019 3:05 AM CST

It’s time to promote our health: ABA mobilizes on multiple fronts to address well-being in the legal profession

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: ABA pursues team effort to develop new models and enhance existing programs

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

As a woman practicing in big law for more than 25 years, my initiative, Achieving Long-Term Careers for Women in Law, which focused on why women continue to leave the legal profession, hit home. Although women have been graduating from law school in roughly equal numbers as men for decades,…

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

ABA succeeds in key efforts to protect rights, ensure fairness in immigration process

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

Law Day 2018: The Balance of Power

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

Serving the Profession: The ABA fights for lawyers, legal rights and a better system of justice

In meetings with lawyers around the country, a question I often hear is: “What does the ABA do for me?” My answer every time: More than you realize.

Mar 1, 2018 12:35 AM CST

Champions of the rule of law: ABA plays key role in promoting the principle at home and abroad

The ABA’s Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) has made a profound impact on the world and, in doing so, has aided American lawyers.

Feb 1, 2018 12:50 AM CST

ABA Legal Fact Check sorts truth from fiction on legal issues

When it comes to the law, the ABA can and should be the definitive source of information. By focusing on timely legal matters in the news, ABA Legal Fact Check uses established case and statutory law and other legal precedents to separate legal fact from fiction.

Jan 1, 2018 1:15 AM CST