American Bar Association

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 discerned from its mission statement and the published ABA goals. “The mission of the American Bar Association is to be the national representative of the legal profession, serving the public and the profession by promoting justice, professional excellence, and respect for the law,” the ABA proclaims.

The published goals of the ABA are as follows: (1) to provide improvements in the American system of justice; (2) to promote meaningful access to legal representation and the America system of justice for all persons regardless of their economic or social condition; (3) to provide ongoing leadership in improving the law to serve the changing needs of society; (4) to [Page 73]increase public understanding of and respect for the law, the legal process, and the role of the legal profession; (5) to achieve the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct; (6) to serve as the national representative of the legal profession; (7) to provide programs, benefits, and services that promote professional growth and enhance the quality of life of the members; (8) to advance the rule of law in the world; (9) to promote full and equal representation in the legal profession by minorities; (10) to preserve and enhance the ideals of the legal profession as a common calling and in dedication to public service; and (11) to preserve the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary as fundamental to a free society.

ABA Structure

The ABA is an inherently complex and extensive organization, because of the size of its membership and the diversity of the issues with which it deals. The main assembly of the ABA, the House of Delegates, was established in 1936. ABA publications call this body the policy-making organ of the association and, therefore, responsible for the direction and administration of the ABA.

In addition, the ABA is managed by a board of governors. This 38-member group supervises the general operation of the association and develops specific tactical plans. This committee meets quarterly.

Much of the operational activity of the ABA is accomplished through the approximately 2,200 organizational entities encompassed within the association. In fact, there are six levels or types of entity within the ABA; the main three are sections, divisions, and forums. There are 22 sections, 6 divisions, and 6 forums. The purpose of the ABA sections, divisions, and forums is to provide a consistent structural organizational presence with respect to the specific subject in question, such as business law, antitrust law, and taxation. Much of the work of the ABA is accomplished through these organizational entities. In addition, the ABA structure includes committees, commissions, and task forces. In 2005, there were an estimated 3,500 committees, six forums, and half a dozen task forces.

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