ABA REVAMPS MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
AND IMPROVES BENEFITS
D A N T R AY N O R
ABA Delegate
The American Bar Association (ABA)
overhauled its membership categories
in a play to stem years of declining
membership and falling income. The new
structure was effective on May 1. The
revised categories are intended to simplify
the dues structure, reduce cost, and
improve benefits for members.
According to a March 7, 2018, article
by Steven Chung in “Above the Law,”
the membership decline follows years
of complaints from solo and small
firm attorneys who see little benefit in
membership other than spam emails. The
ABA is also viewed as favoring large firms
and may sometimes be considered too
politically liberal.
In talking with longtime bar leaders in
our area, the progressive agenda of the
ABA seemed to cause a large decline in
membership in the 1990s. This coincided
with the organization taking sides on
several hot button social issues.
Politics may not be the only culprit.
Membership has declined in
numerous professional, fraternal, and
civic organizations over the years.
Organizations like the Elks, Rotary,
and other groups have seen declines in
membership. Americans may not be the
“joiners” we once were.
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THE GAVEL
The tide may be turning, however, as
this year the Elks Magazine touted a
membership increase for the first time
since the 1980s. Many organizations, like
the ABA, are renewing their focus on
attracting new members and sustaining
current members.
For lawyers, the decline in ABA
membership occurred at the same time
as organizations suited to particular
practice areas have grown in prominence.
Many in the civil plaintiff bar join
the American Association for Justice.
Defense lawyers align themselves with
the Defense Research Institute or similar
organizations. Specialty bar organizations
exist for estate planners and family law
practitioners, as well.
To buck the trend, the ABA’s annual
membership costs have gone down for
all members, but the savings will be the
highest for lawyers in the early stages of
their careers. For example, those with five
years or less of experience will pay only
$75 per year.
All members can now access the Law
Practice and GP Solo Division at no cost.
Section membership is still an add-on,
with the cost depending on the section.
Content on the ABA’s website will be
restricted to members. All members
will have access to a library of free CLE
courses.
The new membership structure includes a
$150 membership for “Solo Practitioners”
and “Small Firm Lawyers,” which is
defined as lawyers working in firms with
two to five lawyers. These options may
be enticing for many North Dakota
practitioners, particularly those in rural
areas.
Paralegals and affiliated professionals can
join at reduced rates, too.
Membership includes access to “a large
and growing CLE library” featuring
hundreds of programs. The CLE library
is worth nearly two thousand dollars. The
complementary Law Practice Division
membership teaches the business
of practicing law, from marketing,
management, technology, and finance.
With these improved benefits, an ABA
membership may be a worthwhile
investment for many solo and small-
firm lawyers in North Dakota. If you are
interested in ABA membership, please
visit www.americanbar.org.
ABA Annual Meeting
in San Francisco
The Annual Meeting of the ABA
was held in San Francisco, Calif., on
August 8-13. The House of Delegates
considered 47 resolutions. A copy of the
resolutions and reports are available at:
www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/
administrative/house_of_delegates/ebook-
of-resolutions-with-reports/2019-annual-
electronic-resolution-book.pdf.