Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A specialty bar is a voluntary bar association for lawyers with specific interests, backgrounds, or practices. It is a subset of the legal profession that focuses on a particular area of law or group of lawyers.
For example, there may be a specialty bar for environmental law, immigration law, or women lawyers. These associations provide a forum for lawyers to network, share knowledge, and advocate for their interests.
Specialty bars are different from integrated bars, which are mandatory bar associations that lawyers must join to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Voluntary bars, on the other hand, are optional and do not require membership for lawyers to practice law.
Overall, specialty bars are a way for lawyers to connect with others who share their interests and to further their professional development in a specific area of law.