ABA Legislative Priorities Survey helps members set the agenda

As lawyers and legal professionals, the importance of our collective voice in shaping the future of our profession and society cannot be overstated. The American Bar Association is once again inviting its members to participate in the Legislative Priorities Survey, a critical tool that helps determine the focus of the ABA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.

Dec 1, 2024 12:20 AM CST

Justice for Survivors: ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence marks 30 years of advocacy

The ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Over the past three decades, the commission has become a nationally recognized leader, committed to equipping lawyers, judges and advocates with technical assistance and comprehensive training on survivors’ complex legal issues.

Oct 1, 2024 12:20 AM CDT

Safeguarding Elections: Decades of ABA advocacy has helped ensure access to the ballot box

As an organization dedicated to upholding justice and the rule of law, the American Bar Association prioritizes safeguarding the fundamental right to vote.

Aug 1, 2024 12:20 AM CDT

The ABA is committed to judicial independence and championing the courts

Maintaining the independence of the federal judiciary has long been a core mission of the ABA. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, the ABA strives to preserve and protect the independence of the judicial branch of the federal government and ensure federal courts receive adequate resources—including for the safety of federal judges.

Jun 1, 2024 12:20 AM CDT

Advocacy Works: Grassroots advocates take action during ABA Day

Apr 1, 2024 12:10 AM CDT

50 Years of Service: ABA has been a ‘stalwart ally’ for LSC funding

Over the last half-century, the ABA has been a steadfast advocate for the Legal Services Corp., actively working to fulfill its mission of addressing the civil legal needs of vulnerable Americans and upholding America’s commitment to “justice for all.”

Feb 1, 2024 12:10 AM CST

Debt Management: ABA advocates for student loan reforms in a changing landscape

For more than two decades, the ABA has sounded the alarm about the devastating effects of excessive student debt on law students and newly minted lawyers while actively engaging in advocacy efforts to provide relief.

Dec 1, 2023 12:20 AM CST

Artistic Advocacy: Copyright Claims Board offers access to justice to creative community

Pursuing copyright claims through the U.S. federal court system is expensive and time-consuming—too burdensome for creators with claims of modest amounts. Without effective legal rights and remedies, the perpetual theft of these creatives’ copyrighted works can threaten the worth of their professional endeavors. However, in June, the ABA commemorated an important milestone that addresses the challenges faced by these creators.

Oct 1, 2023 12:30 AM CDT

ABA advocates for combating money laundering while honoring client confidentiality

The ABA supports reasonable efforts by the U.S. government to detect, deter and combat money laundering, including reasonable and appropriate beneficial ownership reporting measures that comply with certain fundamental principles. However, the ABA opposes legislative measures that would require lawyers to disclose information protected by the attorney-client privilege or to violate their ethical duty to preserve client confidentiality.

Aug 1, 2023 12:30 AM CDT

The ABA works to help formerly incarcerated people reenter society

For those incarcerated, the ABA supports appropriate treatment consistent with the Eighth Amendment that offers resources and opportunities shown to reduce recidivism and increase public safety.

Jun 1, 2023 12:10 AM CDT

ABA has a long history of advocating for indigent defense and public defenders

For more than a century, the ABA has advocated on issues related to indigent defense, primarily through its Standing Committee on Legal Aid and Indigent Defense. In fact, SCLAID (when it was operating as the Standing Committee on Legal Aid Work) stated in its 1937 annual report: “We believe that every man accused of serious crime is absolutely entitled to counsel and that, if too poor to employ one, society must furnish him that lawyer.”

Apr 1, 2023 12:20 AM CDT

We Need You: Member input will help set ABA legislative priorities

The 118th Congress is scheduled to open Jan. 3. New and returning senators and representatives will likely confront significant challenges of interest to the legal profession, including some that could impact how attorneys serve their clients throughout the country.

Dec 1, 2022 12:30 AM CST

ABA works to provide nonpartisan info and protect access to the ballot box

Oct 1, 2022 12:15 AM CDT

Optimizing Outreach: In-person lobbying is returning, but digital advocacy will remain

The pandemic forced organizations like the ABA to adopt new ways to connect with their elected officials and lobby for policy changes of interest to their professions. In-person lobbying was the meat and potatoes of ABA advocacy for decades, but closing the halls of Congress to the public for more than two years elevated digital communications to the forefront.

Aug 1, 2022 12:10 AM CDT

Matters of Life and Death: ABA advocacy helps ensure constitutional protections in capital cases

Death penalty cases are difficult. The crimes are often shocking, and justice for the victims and their families is always a concern. The ABA does not take a position on the morality or constitutionality of the death penalty. But it is committed to ensuring capital punishment is applied in a fair, unbiased and accurate manner, including engaging with governments to ensure due process.

Jun 1, 2022 12:20 AM CDT