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The mission of the ABA 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.

1878. On August 21, 75 lawyers from 20 states and the District of Columbia meet in the town hall courtroom in Saratoga Springs, New York, to establish the American Bar Association. James Overton Broadhead of Missouri is the first president of the ABA.

As the voice of the legal community, the ABA offers career-building resources, networking opportunities and benefits, while advocating for the profession and promoting the rule of law worldwide. Set yourself up for success with membership.

The ABA's scholarly journals are frequently cited in briefs and major decisions. Additionally, many ABA Sections, Divisions and Forums also publish regular print/electronic journals, some exclusively available to members.

The profession we share with Lincoln is much more than a job or a trade. In the South, we say lawyers are ?called to the bar.? Our call to the bar unites us on our common core values of access to justice, independence, diversity, and the rule of law?and they enable us to make a difference as a profession.

Serve as a national leader in rededicating adherence - within our profession and within all the Nation's justice systems - to the highest standards of professional conduct and competence, fairness, social justice, diligence and civility.

A lawyer has two main duties: to uphold the law while also protecting a client's rights. To carry out these duties, a lawyer should understand the law and be an effective communicator.