The Federal Bar Association is the primary voluntary professional organization for private and government lawyers and judges practicing and sitting in federal courts in the United States. Ten times a year, The Association prints The Federal Lawyer, which includes the latest news of interest to the federal legal community. The magazine features articles by attorneys and judges, book reviews, the latest Supreme Court rulings, judicial profiles, and thorough coverage of FBA activities.
The Federal Bar Association is an income tax exempt (501-C6) organization, founded in 1920. The purpose of the FBA is:
To serve as the national representative of the Federal legal profession;
To promote the sound administration of justice;
To enhance the professional growth and development of members of the Federal legal profession;
To promote high standards of professional competence and ethical conduct in the Federal legal profession;
To promote the welfare of attorneys and judges employed by the Government of the United States;
To provide meaningful service for the welfare and benefit of the members of the Association;
To provide quality education programs to the Federal legal profession and the public;
To keep members informed of developments in their respective fields of interest;
To keep members informed of the affairs of the Association, to encourage their involvement in its activities, and to provide members opportunities to assume leadership roles;
To promote professional and social interaction among members of the Federal legal profession
The Foundation of the Federal Bar Association holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code as a (501-C3) organization in 1954.
The Foundation’s mission is to:
Promote and support legal research and education;
Advance the science of jurisprudence;
Facilitate the administration of justice;
and Foster improvements in the practice of Federal law.
Contributions to the Foundation of the Federal Bar Association and its restricted funds may be treated charitable contributions for tax purposes.
The Federal Bar Association has nearly 100 local chapters across the country and in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local chapters provide benefits, including:
Networking opportunities with federal judiciary and other practitioners
More than 700 hours of CLE credit
Focus on legislative issues at the local, state, and national level
Leadership opportunities on both the local and national level
Membership communications such as newsletters and e-communications
The FBA has 23 substantive law sections. In addition to networking opportunities, many sections distribute quarterly newsletters providing current information on their particular area of the law.
Admiralty Law Section
Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
Antitrust & Trade Regulation Section
Banking Law Section
Bankruptcy Law Section
Civil Rights Law Section
Criminal Law Section
Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Section
Federal Litigation Section
Government Contracts Section
Health Law Section
Immigration Law Section
Indian Law Section
Intellectual Property Section
International Law Section
Labor & Employment Law Section
Qui Tam Section
Section on Taxation
Securities Law Section
Social Security Law Section
State & Local Government Relations Section
Transportation & Transportation Security Law Section
Veterans & Military Law Section
The FBA has 6 career divisions:
Corporate and Association Counsel Division
Federal Career Service Division
Judiciary Division
Law Student Division
Senior Lawyers Division
Younger Lawyers Division
