New Lawyer Free Membership

Welcome to the Profession! The CBA offers new lawyers to the Illinois Bar a free, one-year membership and continuing legal education plan*.

*For May 2024 and November 2024 Newly Admitted Attorneys 
No need to join online or submit a hard copy application. Your free membership will be activated by the CBA. May 2024 new admittees will receive a welcome email in early May.  November 2024 new admittees will receive a welcome email from the CBA shortly after the November swearing in ceremony.  If you do not receive a welcome email or have questions regarding your free membership, email membership@chicagobar.org.    
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*Free membership applies to those whose first admission state is Illinois and immediately follows the main admission ceremony date. As a new lawyer member you will receive:
  • Up to one year of free membership.
  • Up to one year of free continuing legal education to complete your first year new lawyer MCLE requirement (a 6 hour basic skills program and 9 hours of additional CLE of your choice to be completed in the first year of your admission to the bar). After completing your requirements you will have continued access to over 100 in-person seminars as well as over 200 on-demand seminar videos.

    You can also...
  • Connect with local attorneys and jurists at networking and social events to develop your referral and support networks.
  • Access our career services to help you on your job search, including complimentary career counseling sessions.
  • Participate at no extra cost in practice area committees (such as business law, criminal, real estate and more) to help you learn more about your chosen area of practice.
  • Gain experience for your resume through pro bono and volunteer opportunities.
  • Get help with practice management and technology issues through our LPMT Division, including access to solo/small firm start up tools.
  • and more!