ABA Membership FAQ
Benefits of Membership
Why should I join the ABA?
How can the ABA save me money?
When can I start to use my member benefits?
Why don’t I receive the ABA Journal magazine?
Joining the ABA
Who can join the ABA?
How do I join the ABA?
When is the membership year?
Paying Your Dues
How much does it cost to join the ABA?
How much does it cost to join a Section, Division or Forum?
Am I eligible for a free or discounted membership?
Does the ABA offer payment options?
Are my dues tax deductible?
How can I pay my dues?
Renewing your Membership
Am I already a member?
When will I receive my renewal notice?
Joining Sections, Divisions, Forums
What is a Section, Division or Forum?
How do I join a Section, Division or Forum?
Why should I join a Section, Division or Forum?
Can I join a Section, Division or Forum without joining the ABA?
How much does it cost to join a Section, Division or Forum?
How do I update my Section, Division and Forum memberships?
Benefits of Membership
Why should I join the ABA?
Membership in the ABA can help you grow your legal skills and gain a competitive edge. The ABA is dedicated to providing members with resources that help them become better legal professionals while we advocate for the rule of law in and around the world.
How can the ABA save me money?
The ABA offers members numerous discounts, including savings on CLE, products purchased at shopaba.org and purchases from ABA Members Advantage, with brand-name companies you trust. For many members, the cost of membership pays for itself through these savings.
When can I start to use my member benefits?
You can enjoy the benefits of membership as soon as your membership number is assigned. Shortly after your number is assigned, you will receive a card in the mail with the number and detailed explanation of benefits.
Why don’t I receive the ABA Journal magazine?
Most members receive a printed monthly copy of the ABA Journal magazine. If you do not receive the magazine, you may be enrolled in an electronic-only membership. If you recently changed your address with the ABA, please allow up to six weeks for the change to take effect.
Joining the ABA
Who can join the ABA?
Membership in the ABA is open to all people through different membership categories. You may join as a U.S. licensed lawyer, a non U.S. licensed lawyer, law student (at an ABA-accredited law school), student associate (a post-secondary education-level student) or a non-lawyer (includes paralegals, law librarians, economists and others interested in the ABA).
How do I join the ABA?
You may join the ABA at any time, using our convenient online, fax or telephone options.
How do I join a Section, Division or Forum?
The ABA encourages you to join a specialty group using our convenient online, fax or telephone options.
When is the membership year?
The ABA annual membership year is from September 1 through August 31. If you join the ABA on or after September 16, you pay a prorated amount for your membership dues based on your regular dues amount. Law Student, Student Associate and Section, Division and Forum membership dues are not prorated.
Paying Your Dues
How much does it cost to join the ABA?
The ABA charges annual membership fees calculated by the type of membership (U.S. licensed lawyers, non-U.S. licensed lawyers, non-lawyers, students and student associates) and other factors such as years of experience. The ABA also offers discounts for some members.
Am I eligible for a free or discounted membership?
The ABA offers free and discounted memberships for seniors, solos, government lawyers, judges, legal service and public interest lawyers. Those lawyers with disabilities, facing financial hardship or unemployed may also be eligible for special rates.
Does the ABA offer payment options?
ABA Members typically pay their annual dues in full through our website, by fax or over the phone. Some members choose to pay automatically by credit card, either annually or in quarterly installments.
Are my dues tax deductible?
You should consult your tax professional for advice. Generally, ABA dues are not eligible charitable deductions. For many tax filings, dues are 97.5% eligible as business expense deductions.
How can I pay my dues?
Log into myABA and follow the instructions or contact us for assistance paying by fax or over the telephone. The ABA appreciates your prompt payment, which allows us to contain our billing expenses.
Renewing your Membership
Am I already a member?
Most members receive the ABA Journal magazine. If you are a member, you can access your online member profile. You may also confirm your membership by contacting us.
All lawyers are eligible for a one year free membership when they pass their first bar most are automatically enrolled. Many law firms provide membership to their employees. Many law schools provide membership to all faculty and all students.
When will I receive my renewal notice?
Membership renewal notices are sent in Apirl/May for the membership year beginning September 1. We appreciate your prompt payment, which helps us contain our mail expenses.
Joining Sections, Divisions, Forums
What is a Section, Division or Forum?
ABA Sections, Divisions and Forums focus on specific areas of law or career stage, facilitating more in-depth examination of issues, regulations and trends.
How much does it cost to join a Section, Division or Forum?
Most ABA Sections, Divisions and Forums charge annual membership fees. The fees differ from one specialty group to another. Some specialty groups also offer free or discounted membership for select members.
Why should I join a Section, Division or Forum?
ABA Sections, Divisions and Forums connect you with information and peers for a particular specialty area. You’ll learn about areas of interest through substantive content and other members while expanding your professional network.
Can I join a Section, Division or Forum without joining the ABA?
No. Membership in Sections, Divisions and Forums is available only to ABA members.
How much does it cost to join a Section, Division or Forum?
ABA Sections, Divisions and Forums charge annual membership fees ranging from $45 to $75. The fees differ from one specialty group to another. Some specialty groups also offer free or discounted membership for select members.
How do I update my Section, Division and Forum memberships?
You can view the status of your specialty memberships and make any changes you like on your myABA page. If you are a first time user of myABA, login with your membership number or the ABA email address you provided as your user ID. Your default password is your last name.
