Benefits of Membership
Business people chatting at a conference

Chicagoland's premier legal professional organization
Grow your career and expand your network with the Chicago Bar Association

The power of the CBA is its ability to harness the expertise and experiences of its members. Collectively, CBA members elevate the standards of excellence within the legal profession and promote the due administration of justice and the public good. Regardless of your practice setting, the CBA can help you serve your clients and yourself through a wide-range of membership services and benefits. 

Improve Your Legal Knowlege

  • Save Money! Your membership includes enough free CLE to meet your IL MCLE requirements. The CBA sponsors over 120 seminars each year with topics addressing most practice areas, ethics, trial techniques, business skills and law office management and technology.
  • Join the CLEAdvantage Plan for unlimited access to CBA seminars (members only).
  • Explore valuable insights on starting a new law practice, managing a law office, and understanding legal technology. 
  • Members save up to 50% on seminar registration fees.

Build Your Resume

  • Make connections with colleagues, judges, legal and business leaders at CBA events to grow your business.
  • Learn from the CBA members through mentoring programs for law students and new lawyers.
  • Leadership, speaking, and writing opportunities to raise your profile in Chicago’s legal community.

Connect through Practice Area Committees 

  • Select from over 120 practice area and special committees (see a full list).
  • All Practice Area committees are free to join – never pay extra section fees!
  • Comment on proposed court rules and legislation.
  • Earn free Illinois MCLE Credit for in-person and live Webcast attendance at committee meetings that feature a substantive topic of law.
 

Member Spotlight

Being a member of the CBA has given me unrivaled opportunities to grow and develop my legal knowledge and skills. I love participating in social activities where I can develop relationships with other attorneys with a wide range of specialties and interests.

Stephanie, CBA Member  

Plus, members also receive the following:

  • Savings on legal products and services.
  • Discounted participation rate for the Lawyer Referral Service.
  • The CBA Record Member Magazine.
  • Music and entertainment opportunities through the CBA Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, Chorus and the Bar Show.
  • CBA Newsstand powered by Lexology.
  • Online Career Center featuring a free resume and job bank.
  •  Media production services and more!

Access to Exclusive Insurance Solutions through CBA Insurance Agency      

Members can leverage CBA Insurance Agency's preferred access to top-rated insurance carriers, along with expert guidance, strategic partnerships, and discounted offerings. Insurance options include:

 

Helping New Lawyers Succeed 

Members practicing less than 10 years are automatically enrolled in the Young Lawyers Section. The YLS is here to help new lawyers realize their full potential through:

  • Educational and career programming opportunities geared to the new and associate-level attorney, PLUS YLS socials and networking events!

  •  Pro Bono and volunteer opportunities designed to develop your skills while making an impact in your community.

  • Career Insights- The YLS Careers Committee features monthly speakers on topics relating to finding a job, advancing to the next position, and succeeding in your role.     

 

The Value of Membership

My involvement with the CBA and the CBA Young Lawyers Section allows me opportunities for meaningful engagement each week, whether it’s judging the Flash Fiction contest, teaching a group of elementary students with Lawyers in the Classroom, or connecting high school students with judicial externships through a Chicago Bar Foundation partnership. 

Jonathan, CBA Member  
Interested in learning more?  Contact the CBA Membership Team at membership@chicagobar.org