As a lawyer with more than three decades of experience in the field of law, I have been a member of the American Bar Association for many years. My affiliation with the group has contributed to the expansion of my knowledge, as well as the growth of my network of associates. It is the largest voluntary professional association of legal professionals in the world with 400,000 practicing lawyers in the membership.

With a mission “to serve equally our members, our profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession,” the American Bar Association was originally founded in 1878 by 100 lawyers. The members now make up half of all the lawyers in America. Before its inception, there was no code of ethics that lawyers operated by. In fact, most of us wouldn’t recognize the legal system that was in place in the U.S. in those days.

Its structure mimics the organization of the U.S. government with a House of Delegates that meets twice a year as the policy-making sector of the association. Other factions within the American Bar Association include the Board of Governors; elected officers, committees, and a full-time professional staff. With more than 30 sections, divisions, and forums within the organization, all members are invited to participate in groups that match their field of expertise.

The American Bar Association provides its members with resources, educational information, and a system of colleagues. The benefits of membership far outweigh any disadvantages, and I recommend that any lawyer who is eligible to join does so at the first available opportunity.