About ABA/YLD

Membership
Membership in the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association is automatic for all ABA members who have been admitted to practice in their first bar within the past five years or who are less than 36 years old.

Mission
The mission of the Young Lawyers Division is to serve as the national voice of young lawyers and be the public service arm of the ABA.

We accomplish our mission through the combined efforts of the Assembly, Council, Executive Board, Directors, Coordinators, committees, special projects, liaisons to other Association entities, and the Division's affiliated state and local bar young lawyer groups. The Division's meetings and conferences include several different kinds of programming - public service, affiliate outreach, bar leadership, member service, professional development, and continuing legal education - that benefit both affiliate organizations, and individual young lawyers. Our committee structure is extensive, with over 30 substantive and standing committees that generate programs on topics as diverse as health care law, family law, dispute resolution, and programs that promote child advocacy and protection, minorities in the profession, ethics, law practice management, and women in the profession. The Division also sponsors the YLD Center on Children and the Law, which works to improve children's lives through advances in law, justice, knowledge, practice, and public policy.

What Can We Do for You?
We can introduce you to young lawyers nationwide, involve you in our public and member service project development and presentation, provide you with substantive CLE and practical skills training programs, help develop your networking skills, and generally help you gain a professional advantage in your law practice. As an ABA member, you'll also receive valuable discounts on computers, publications, long-distance services, office supplies, mortgages, group health and life insurance, copiers and fax machines, in addition to many other benefits!

How Can You Get Involved? Simply contact the YLD for more information at younglawyers@abanet.org.