Being a lawyer is about more than just practicing law; it's about staying informed, networking, and maintaining professional standards. That's why lawyers must join their local bar association. By being a member of a local bar association, attorneys can grow their careers more easily.
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In this post, let's discuss the reasons why you should consider joining a local bar association, the costs associated with joining, and how you can choose the right association for your practice.
What is a Local Bar Association?
A local bar association is a professional network for attorneys located in a specific geographic region such as a county, city, or state. These organizations give lawyers networking opportunities and continuing legal education (CLE).
Local bar associations are voluntary, making it difficult to encourage membership among attorneys with busy schedules. However, new lawyers can greatly benefit from joining these associations since they create more opportunities for lawyers to build relationships and achieve credibility.
How Much Does It Cost to Join a Local Bar Association?
Annual membership fees for LBAs usually depend on:
- Membership type: Associations provide multiple membership options, each with different fee structures.
- Experience level: Associations offer discounted membership fees for newly admitted attorneys as well as government attorneys who work for the public interest.
- Additional services: The overall cost of membership in some associations is influenced by the benefits they offer, including continuing legal education (CLE) programs and networking events.
You need to select a local bar association that works within your financial limits and provides the desired benefits.
Reasons to Join a Local Bar Association
Networking and Professional Development
Local bar associations give attorneys opportunities to establish meaningful professional relationships. Whether you are new to the profession or have several years of experience, these associations provide networking opportunities with other lawyers.
Educational Tools
The majority of bar associations provide members with free or discounted CLE options. Your association's website likely offers webinars or recorded sessions that you can watch whenever you want to.
Bar associations also offer various online resources. Many provide free legal research tools, case law updates, and predefined legal form templates. Most local bar associations also have workshops and presentations for participants to learn industry insights, technological advancements, and financial solutions for business.
These resources help lawyers stay updated on industry trends, improve their practice, and adopt new tools that enhance client services.
Mentorship Opportunities for Newer Attorneys
Local bar associations provide a supportive environment for mentorship where new legal professionals can start their journey. Experienced attorneys often volunteer to mentor new members by giving them advice and sharing their professional experiences.
Ethical Guidance and Professional Standards
Bar associations work to maintain ethical standards within the legal profession. They offer advice on best practices and assist attorneys through ethical challenges. Some associations even have special committees that handle ethical issues.
Community Involvement and Pro Bono Opportunities
Local bar associations promote community service and give lawyers opportunities to contribute through pro bono work. Lawyers who offer legal help to clients who can't afford representation are rewarded and, at the same time, get an opportunity to build their professional reputation and credibility.
Member Discounts
Bar associations collaborate with companies to deliver reduced-cost services to their members. These services may include health insurance plans, malpractice insurance, and postal services.
For instance, members of the American Bar Association get exclusive discounts at hotels, car rental agencies, and clothing retailers. Members who use these discounts receive benefits that exceed their membership dues.
For information about available member discounts, connect with your local bar association or visit their website.
Marketing Tips
Local bar associations are dedicated to helping their members achieve professional success. As such, they offer different resources that enable members to develop and expand their businesses. New attorneys can use online career centers provided by bar associations to search for job openings.
Some bar associations also offer “find-an-attorney” services to potential clients, connecting clients with lawyers who can handle their cases. Lawyers can also use their local association membership as a marketing tool.
For instance, new lawyers can get more clients through referral exchanges and peer connections. Many associations also publish member-written articles in their official publications. Publishing your work helps establish professional expertise in your legal niche.
How to Choose a Local Bar Association
You must carefully choose your local bar association because it is a critical decision that affects your professional development. Consider these factors when choosing a local bar association:
Identify Your Practice Area and Interests
Different bar associations focus on different legal disciplines. Some bar associations serve criminal defense lawyers, family lawyers, or corporate lawyers, while some focus on public interest or pro bono work. Whatever your interests are, the good news is that there’s likely to be a bar association that meets your needs.
Consider Membership Benefits
Before joining an association, you should check the benefits they offer. Most organizations offer:
- Continuing legal education programs
- Networking events with other legal professionals
- Mentorship opportunities
- Access to legal resources and research materials
- Pro bono and volunteer opportunities
Look at the Size and Reach
Smaller bar associations create close-knit communities, while larger ones provide broader networking opportunities. Decide if you want to maintain a close group of professional contacts or build a broad network of legal connections.
Review Membership Fees and Costs
Membership fees for bar associations vary from high-cost to more financially affordable options. To guarantee good value, analyze the benefits provided and compare them to the costs.
Check the Association's Reputation
Read reviews and ask other lawyers about their experiences with the association. Most reputable organizations have an active member base and offer valuable programs and activities.
Attend Events Before Joining
Most bar associations permit non-members to participate in events or meetings. Attend an event to get a feel of how the organization operates. You'll also get an idea if you'll get along with other members of the association. This is crucial as it will greatly impact your experience with the association.
The Smart Move for Every Lawyer
The smartest decision you can make as a lawyer is to join a local bar association. These associations can provide the support you need as a new lawyer. With these benefits, you can more easily establish a career as a lawyer.
