American Bar Association

The American Bar Association (ABA) is believed to be the largest voluntary professional association in the world. In 2005, there were more than 400,000 members. Five main aspects of the ABA will be considered: (1) origins, (2) purpose and goals, (3) structure and divisions, (4) lobbying, and (5) programs.

Origins of the ABA

Saratoga Springs, New York, was the birthplace of the ABA. It was founded on August 21, 1878, by a group of approximately 100 attorneys representing 21 states. The profession was very different at that time from the contemporary legal world. The law industry that exists today was only beginning to emerge at that time. Attorneys were typically solo practitioners who had been trained as an apprentice.

Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the ABA can be ...

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