FAQ about Membership in ISBA

Q. Why should I join a statewide legal association?

Because only a statewide association such as the ISBA has the resources and influence to serve the needs of all lawyers in the state. We can offer you a variety of products and services that smaller or local bar associations can't. For example:

• the Ethics InfoLine,

• up-to-the-minute legislative information,

• 37 substantive law sections, each publishing its own newsletter, and

• the highly-respected monthly Illinois Bar Journal.

And in the legislative arena and within the system of justice, the Illinois State Bar Association gives voice to its large and diverse membership. And last, through the bar association, you have opportunities to cast a wider net as you meet and network with lawyers from throughout the state.

Q. I like to get involved. What opportunities does ISBA offer?

Serve on a section council or committee, offer to testify on proposed legislation at the Statehouse, be a CLE speaker, write an article for one of ISBA's 37 substantive law newsletters or the Illinois Bar Journal, run for election in the 201-member Assembly or the 25-member Board of Governors. Both can be stepping stones to officer positions. All of these, plus the events usually offered at ISBA's Midyear and Annual meeting afford you a chance to meet and mingle with lawyers from all over the state.

Q. I don't have time to get involved, so why should I join?

If you're busy, that's exactly why you should join ISBA. Our priority is to provide practical services and information to help you practice law – effectively and efficiently. Need to keep on top of new cases? Then sign up for ISBA's acclaimed E-mail Case Digests with links to the original opinion that come straight to your inbox a few days after they're decided. Need some help from peers? Sign up for the electronic discussion group and get your question answered – often within minutes. And there's much more.

Remember, membership in ISBA is not just for lawyers who want to get involved in bar activities. You can just sit back and take advantage of our many benefits as you need them, on your own time, including on-line CLE

Q. What does the ISBA offer that makes dues worthwhile?

A lot – too much to list here. Check us out at www.isba.org or see our brochure. We'd be happy to answer your questions in person, as well. Call Ann, the Membership Coordinator, at 800-525-8908.

Q. I'm careful about where I spend my dues dollars. Why ISBA?

We think Illinois lawyers can't afford NOT to be a member of the ISBA. If you add up the value of all of ISBA's membership benefits, they total much more than even our highest dues category – if you can get them at all, at any price.

Q. I already belong to my local/ethnic/county/specialty bar association. Why should I join ISBA?

Local bars are a wonderful way to network and socialize with other lawyers in your area. But few, if any, can support and supply your practice needs as can a large, statewide association like the ISBA. It's simply a matter of resources.

Q. ISBA doesn't offer anything that applies to my kind of practice.

It's true that ISBA's core constituency tends to be solo and small firm practitioners. But there's something for practically every Illinois lawyer at ISBA – whether you're a member of a large firm, a government attorney, law professor, or a public service lawyer. That's the point – we seek to serve all the lawyers in the state. Find out for yourself by becoming a member.