The Boston Bar Association (BBA) is a professional organization that serves the legal community in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1861, the BBA is one of the oldest and most respected bar associations in the United States. With a membership of over 13,000 attorneys, the BBA provides a wide range of services and programs to support the professional development and well-being of its members, as well as to promote access to justice and the advancement of the legal profession in the community.
History and Mission
The Boston Bar Association was established with the goal of promoting the integrity and competence of the legal profession, as well as to foster a sense of community and cooperation among attorneys in the Boston area. Over the years, the BBA has played a significant role in shaping the development of the law in Massachusetts, and has been a leader in promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. The BBA’s mission is to promote excellence in the legal profession, to enhance the administration of justice, and to serve the public interest in the community.
Committees and Sections
The BBA has a number of committees and sections that focus on specific areas of law and practice, including business law, civil rights, criminal law, and family law, among others. These committees and sections provide a forum for attorneys to discuss current issues and developments in their areas of practice, and to share knowledge and expertise with one another. The BBA also has a number of task forces that focus on specific issues and projects, such as access to justice, diversity and inclusion, and law reform.
| Committee/Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business Law Committee | To provide a forum for discussion of current issues and developments in business law |
| Civil Rights Committee | To promote the advancement of civil rights and social justice in the community |
| Criminal Law Committee | To provide a forum for discussion of current issues and developments in criminal law |
Public Service and Community Engagement
The Boston Bar Association is committed to public service and community engagement, and has a number of programs and initiatives in place to promote access to justice and to serve the needs of the community. These include the BBA’s Volunteer Lawyers Project, which provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families, and the BBA’s Lawyer Referral Service, which helps to connect individuals with qualified attorneys who can provide assistance with their legal needs.
Education and Professional Development
The BBA also provides a wide range of education and professional development opportunities for its members, including continuing legal education (CLE) programs, law practice management seminars, and leadership development programs. These programs help to ensure that attorneys in the Boston area have the knowledge, skills, and expertise they need to provide high-quality legal services to their clients, and to advance in their careers.
- Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs
- Law Practice Management seminars
- Leadership Development programs
What are the benefits of membership in the Boston Bar Association?
+Membership in the BBA provides a wide range of benefits, including access to education and professional development opportunities, networking events, and public service programs. Members also receive discounts on CLE programs, law practice management seminars, and other events, as well as access to the BBA's Lawyer Referral Service and other resources.
How can I get involved in the Boston Bar Association's public service programs?
+There are a number of ways to get involved in the BBA's public service programs, including volunteering for the Volunteer Lawyers Project, participating in the BBA's Lawyer Referral Service, and joining one of the BBA's committees or sections. Members can also participate in the BBA's public service events and projects, such as the annual Law Day celebration and the High School Essay Contest.
In conclusion, the Boston Bar Association is a vital organization that serves the legal community in Boston, Massachusetts. With its rich history, commitment to public service, and wide range of programs and initiatives, the BBA plays a critical role in promoting the development of the law, advancing the administration of justice, and serving the needs of the community. Whether you are an attorney looking to advance your career, or a member of the public seeking access to justice, the BBA is an invaluable resource that can provide assistance, support, and guidance.
