Legal Definitions - American Bar Association (ABA)

The American Bar Association (ABA) is a prominent national organization for legal professionals in the United States. It operates as a voluntary membership group for lawyers, law students, and judges. Its primary mission is to uphold and advance the rule of law, improve the administration of justice, and serve the legal profession as a whole. The ABA achieves this by offering valuable tools and information to legal practitioners, establishing educational benchmarks for law schools, and creating ethical guidelines that serve as a model for legal conduct.

• Example 1: Law School Accreditation

  When a student researches law schools, they will often see that a school is "ABA-accredited." This means the American Bar Association has thoroughly reviewed the school's curriculum, faculty qualifications, library resources, and facilities to ensure it meets specific quality standards for legal education. Attending an ABA-accredited law school is typically a requirement for taking the bar exam and practicing law in most U.S. states.

  This example illustrates the ABA's crucial role in setting academic standards for law schools, ensuring that future lawyers receive a comprehensive and high-quality education.

• Example 2: Professional Ethics

  A state bar association, responsible for regulating lawyers within its jurisdiction, might consult the ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct when drafting or updating its own ethical guidelines for attorneys. While states adopt their own specific rules, the ABA's model provides a widely respected framework for addressing issues like client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and professional advertising.

  This demonstrates how the ABA contributes to developing a model code of ethics for the legal profession, influencing the standards of conduct that lawyers across the country are expected to uphold.

• Example 3: Resources for Legal Professionals

  A corporate lawyer specializing in mergers and acquisitions might join the ABA's Business Law Section. Through this membership, they gain access to specialized publications, attend conferences focused on current business law trends, and network with other attorneys in their field. This helps them stay informed about new legal developments and best practices.

  This scenario highlights the ABA's function in providing practical resources for legal professionals, enabling them to enhance their skills, knowledge, and professional connections.