American Bar Association

American Bar Association

American Bar Association

The American Bar Association (ABA) is a large, voluntary professional association of lawyers and law students primarily based in the United States. Established on August 21, 1878, the ABA's mission is to serve equally its members, the profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession. The organization provides law school accreditation, continuing legal education, information about the law, programs to assist lawyers and judges in their work, and initiatives to improve the legal system for the public.

History

The American Bar Association was founded in 1878 by 100 lawyers from 21 states who were attending a meeting in Saratoga Springs, New York. The founders felt a national organization was needed to promote the interests of the legal profession and improve the standards of legal education in the United States. Since its inception, the ABA has worked to advance the rule of law across the United States, advocating for professionalism within the legal profession, ethical practices, and access to justice for all citizens.

Structure

The ABA operates through a complex structure that includes numerous sections, divisions, forums, and committees, each focusing on specific areas of law and professional interest. These entities address a wide range of issues, from antitrust law to taxation, and provide members with opportunities to network, discuss, and learn about the latest developments in their areas of expertise.

Sections, Divisions, and Forums

The ABA's sections, divisions, and forums are the primary source of its substantive work, including legal research, publications, and the development of professional standards. For example, the Family Law Section focuses on issues related to marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption, while the Criminal Justice Section deals with matters concerning the criminal justice system.

Committees

The ABA also has numerous committees dedicated to specific legal issues, professional concerns, or public policy areas. These committees work on developing policy recommendations, providing guidance on ethical matters, and promoting legal reform.

Membership

Membership in the American Bar Association is open to lawyers, law students, and others interested in the legal profession. Members benefit from access to a wide range of resources, including legal publications, professional development programs, and advocacy efforts. The ABA also offers various membership levels and discounts for new lawyers, government employees, and public interest lawyers.

Accreditation

One of the ABA's key roles is the accreditation of law schools in the United States. The Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is the ABA body responsible for accrediting law schools. Accreditation by the ABA ensures that law schools meet certain standards of education, which is a prerequisite for graduates to sit for the bar exam in most states.

Initiatives

The American Bar Association undertakes numerous initiatives aimed at improving the legal profession, the justice system, and society. These initiatives include efforts to increase access to justice, promote diversity and inclusion within the legal profession, and address issues such as domestic violence, homelessness, and the needs of military personnel and veterans.

Criticism and Controversy

Throughout its history, the ABA has faced criticism and controversy, particularly regarding its law school accreditation process and political stances on various issues. Critics argue that the ABA's standards for law school accreditation contribute to the high cost of legal education and limit the diversity of legal education options. Additionally, the ABA's advocacy positions have sometimes been seen as politically partisan, leading to debates about the role of professional organizations in public policy.

Conclusion

The American Bar Association plays a pivotal role in the American legal system, striving to improve the quality of legal education, uphold ethical standards within the profession, and ensure access to justice for all. Despite facing challenges and criticism, the ABA continues to be a significant force in shaping the practice of law in the United States.