About the Young Lawyers Section

The Young Lawyers Section (YLS), founded in 1971, was created to address the needs and interests of newly admitted attorneys. To satisfy these needs the YLS offers substantive practice committees as well as public service committees and projects. The diversity of committees and projects affords a wide variety of ways for attorneys to participate in the YLS. Through this participation, the YLS encourages attorneys to develop and pursue innovative ideas and programs.

Since its inception, the Section has enjoyed national prominence, having repeatedly received the American Bar Association award for the best Young Lawyers Section in the United States as well as numerous awards for individual projects and programs. With over 9,000 members, the Section has its own officers, rules, budget, staff and administrative structure.

YLS Executive Council

The YLS Executive Council, chaired by the Chair of the Section, is composed of approximately 100 volunteer attorneys. The  Council aims to address the needs and interests of attorneys during their first 10 years of practice. It also sets the policy and exercises general supervision and control over the Section subject to the provisions of the YLS By-Laws.

YLS Annual Report

A synopsis of the seminars, committee meetings, public service projects and volunteer activities held throughout the bar year, which is on a June to June calendar. Click here for the 2022-2023 YLS Annual Report    to take a look at what the YLS accomplished during the bar year under the leadership of Dan Berkowitz.

YLS History

Over forty years ago, the YLS was created to encourage young lawyers to work together on projects for their community and for their profession. What began as a small group of fifty young lawyers hosting continuing legal education programs covering a handful of substantive law areas has grown into a dynamic and diverse group of more than 7,000 lawyers and law student members.  The YLS now boasts nearly 25 substantive law committees and implements close to 50 special projects every bar year.

Over the course of the 2010-2011 bar year a historical chronicle documenting the camaraderie and the successes of each YLS bar year was created.