Search

Make the most out of your MBA membership this year

Issue September 2015

The Massachusetts Bar Association offers a wide range of ways for you to get involved during the new association year, no matter how busy your schedule is. Learn how you can participate and make invaluable connections with our statewide network of attorneys.

Provide legal advice to those in need: For more than 20 years, the MBA has hosted a monthly Dial-A-Lawyer program, which provides callers with free basic legal information the first Wednesday of the month. Volunteer a few hours of your time and answer questions from the public on a wide range of legal topics. The MBA also offers a Dial-A-Lawyer program specifically for Western Massachusetts residents twice a year. All practice areas and levels welcome.

Publish an article: Submit an article for the Massachusetts Lawyers Journal, Section Review or Law Review. Share your analysis of a case or recent or pending legislation, or practice advice. Interested? 

Help build the future of the profession: Encourage the next generation of lawyers by getting involved in one of the MBA's many educational partnerships. Volunteer with students at the high school, undergraduate, and law school levels to give them an understanding of the legal profession and an awareness of the career opportunities available to them, through the MBA's Tiered Community Mentoring Program. Assist the seniors in your community by giving a free presentation about elder law in celebration of Law Day this May. Become an instructor, supervisor and mentor to students participating in the Judicial Youth Corps Program, which gives high school students from urban communities the opportunity to learn about the court system and the law. Volunteer with the MBA's Statewide Mock Trial Program and serve as an attorney-coach or judge for a trial.

Give back to the community: Throughout the year, the MBA provides support to communities in need. Drop off coats and gloves during for our annual Gear Up For Winter Drive with Cradles to Crayons, donate blood when we host the American Red Cross and sign up to take part in the MBA's night at the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Sharpen your skills with FREE CLE: From in-person seminars to programs delivered through live-streaming video, the MBA has many convenient ways to fit continuing legal education (CLE) into your busy schedule - for free! Attend a CLE program to gain new knowledge on the latest trends in the legal community, or help plan an upcoming education program and volunteer to serve a faculty for a seminar or conference.

Get active with a section: Make connections with other attorneys in your practice area by joining one of the MBA's 18 sections or Young Lawyers Division. Sections typically develop more than 100 education programs per year, as well as monitor and develop legislation, propose legislative positions to the House of Delegates and participate in the development of legal publications, articles and special projects. Unlimited section membership is included as part of your MBA membership.

Connect on the go: Connect with more than 9,000 Massachusetts Bar Association members using My Bar Access, the MBA's virtual community where members can share information with each other. Get your name out there by posting a blog or participating in your sections' listservs. Use this practice tool to share tips of the trade and network with fellow members online. Visit www.massbar.org/access today.

Attend a networking reception: Join in the MBA's free socials and receptions. Integrate yourself into the MBA community and meet judges and fellow attorneys.