The following mission statement and Association goals were adopted by the House of Delegates:

ABA Mission

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.

Association Goals

Goal I

To promote improvements in the American system of justice.

Goal II

To promote meaningful access to legal representation and the American system of justice for all persons regardless of their economic or social condition.

Goal III

To provide ongoing leadership in improving the law to serve the changing needs of society.

Goal IV

To increase public understanding of and respect for the law, the legal process, and the role of the legal profession.

Goal V

To achieve the highest standards of professionalism, competence and ethical conduct.

Goal VI

To serve as the national representative of the legal profession.

Goal VII

To provide benefits, programs and services which promote professional growth and enhance the quality of life of the members.

Goal VIII

To advance the rule of law in the world.

Goal IX

To promote full and equal participation in the legal profession by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities.

Goal X

To preserve and enhance the ideals of the legal profession as a common calling and its dedication to public service.

Goal XI

To preserve the independence of the legal profession and the judiciary as fundamental to a free society.

In May 1997, the Board approved ABA Defending Liberty, Pursuing Justice as the themeline for the ABA.