Since our origins in the 1700’s, when John Adams and other prominent Boston lawyers organized meetings in Beacon Hill taverns and coffeehouses, we have been the hub of Boston’s legal profession — a community of lawyers and others committed to professional excellence, public service, the rule of law and access to justice.
Today, more than 15,000 members – including large-firm partners, solo and boutique firm lawyers, affinity bar leaders, judges, in-house counsel, regulators, legal aid attorneys, court personnel, law faculty, and others – participate in BBA programs and projects and enjoy the benefits of membership.
Exclusive discounts on law practice management services, subscriptions to nationally recognized publications, access to an unparalleled legal network and opportunities to bolster your credentials, expand your expertise and build your brand.
The BBA has provided a wonderful opportunity to not only connect and engage with stakeholders within my individual practice and industry but also fostered rich relationships with peers cross-industry that I would not have otherwise met. I am grateful to have a supportive network of peers at the BBA that I can tap in to for insight and guidance and also share my own feedback and experiences with in furtherance of their development and growth.
What Our Members Say
In these times especially, I am always on the lookout for opportunities to get out of my office and connect with other lawyers in town. This might mean catching up with a law school classmate, talking with an adversary in a more causal setting, or meeting someone new. There is no better platform for this in Boston than the BBA. The work that the BBA does to bring lawyers of all backgrounds together to find common ground in our professional development and shared success is more critical now than ever.
What Our Members Say
I like that the BBA is not stagnant, but it is a constantly evolving entity. It is willing to take a look at the legal profession and then look at itself and see how they can do better to help the legal profession progress.
Member Dues
Standard Membership
Annual Rate By Year Admitted to Any Bar
Lawyer Categories
2017 or before
2018–2019
2020+
Regular Member
A lawyer in private practice who resides or practices inside Route 495.
$500
$320
$180
In-House
A lawyer working in the legal department of a corporation or other private-sector organization.
$500
$320
$180
Solo & Small Firm
$500
$320
$180
Government Lawyer
A lawyer who is solely employed by a federal or state governmental agency.
$300
$200
$150
Legal Services
A lawyer who is employed solely and full-time by a legal services agency.
$300
$200
$150
JD Professional*
Someone who is licensed to practice law but is not engaged in the practices of law.
$320
$220
$170
Retired/Inactive
Any member admitted to any U.S. state or territory bar who is 65 years or older and retired from the practice of law.
$320
N/A
N/A
Law School Faculty Member
A lawyer who is employed solely and full-time by a law school.
$310
N/A
N/A
A lawyer in private practice who resides or practices inside Route 495.
Premier Membership
Annual Rate By Year Admitted to Any Bar
Enhanced Membership Categories
2017 or before
2018–2019
2020+
Premier
Premier membership is a full-access pass to the very best that the BBA has to o er. In addition to all of the bene ts of other types of regular memberships, you will also receive public recognition for your support of the Boston Bar Association, unlimited FREE CLEs, and more!
$630
$450
$310
Solo & Small Firm Premier
$630
$450
$310
Legal Services & Government Premier
Premier membership is a full-access pass to the very best that the BBA has to o er. In addition to all of the bene ts of other types of regular memberships, you will also receive public recognition for your support of the Boston Bar Association, unlimited FREE CLEs, and more!
$400
$300
$250
Premier membership is a full-access pass to the very best that the BBA has to o er. In addition to all of the bene ts of other types of regular memberships, you will also receive public recognition for your support of the Boston Bar Association, unlimited FREE CLEs, and more!
Out of Area Categories*
Annual Rate By Year Admitted to Any Bar
Member Type
2017 or before
2018–2019
2020+
Out-of-State Member
$300
$200
$150
Western MA & Cape Cod
$350
$220
$170
In-House Outside 495
$350
$220
$170
Other
Annual Rate By Year Admitted to Any Bar
Member Type
Business Professional*
A non-lawyer who is not employed by a law rm or law department.
$500
Law Firm Professional*
A non-lawyer who is employed by a law rm or law department.
$220
Law Student*
A student currently enrolled in a law school pursuing a degree in law. A member is only quali ed for this category for four years.
$95
Lifetime*
$0
Judicial Member
$170
Honorary Judge*
$0
A non-lawyer who is not employed by a law rm or law department.
*Indicates non-voting membership category. **LRS is an optional add-on in this category.
Experiencing technical issues? Not sure if you’re currently a member? Please email us or call (617) 778-1934 and we’ll be happy to assist!
How do I renew my membership?
You can renew your membership online or by calling us at 617-778-2040 ext. 2 to pay over the phone. If you have questions, please email membership@bostonbar.org.
Do I receive membership through my law school?
We partner with all five Boston area law schools, providing free membership to students at Boston College Law School, Boston University School of Law, New England Law | Boston, Northeastern University School of Law, and Suffolk University Law School. Our Law Student Forum provides career advancement programming and networking opportunities for students both on campus and at the BBA. with any questions.
Do I receive membership through my firm or company?
If your firm, corporation, law school or organization is a sponsor of the BBA, your membership is free! Contact Member Services at membership@bostonbar.org today to access your free membership, or to learn more about how your firm or company can become a sponsor.
How do I become a premier member?
Become a Premier Member to demonstrate your steadfast support for the BBA’s mission and enjoy enhanced benefits such as unlimited free CLE’s, exclusive discounts on conferences and recognition on the website and other publications. You can upgrade your membership to become a premier member online or call 617-778-2040 ext. 2.
How can I change my address or other information?
Visit Manage Membership to update your name, address, phone, etc., change your subscription preferences, update your password, make a payment and more.
Can I get help paying my dues?
We strive to make membership as affordable to as many attorneys as possible. If you need us to waive a portion of your dues, please fill out and submit a request for our Dues Assistance Program.
How do I add a section to my BBA membership?
With dozens of practice area & industry sections, as well as member forums for every practice setting and career stage, section and forum membership is a great way to tailor your membership to your interests. You can add sections and forums to your membership online at Manage Membership.
What is the cancellation policy?
CLE Programs
If you’re unable to attend a CLE program for which you’ve registered, please contact the BBA by 5pm the day before the program in order to receive a full refund. Registrants who are unable to attend may send a substitute attendee by providing the full name, work address and email address of the substitute attendee in advance of the program. Please contact Ashley Young at 617-778-1934 or ayoung@bostonbar.org, regarding all CLE cancellation matters.
Conferences and Workshops
If you’re unable to attend a Conference or Workshop for which you’ve registered, notice of cancellation must be received by the BBA at least four (4) business days before the Conference in order to receive a refund (less a $25 administrative fee). Registrants who are unable to attend may send a substitute attendee by providing the full name, work address and email address of the substitute attendee the day before the program. Please contact Ashley Young at 617-778-1934 or ayoung@bostonbar.org, regarding all Conference cancellation matters.
BBA/F Events
Event ticketholders with questions about cancellations, refunds, and substitutions should contact Erica Southerland, esoutherland@bostonbar.org, 617-778-1930.
Membership Dues
Membership dues are generally non-refundable. If a dues refund request is received within a week of the receipt of payment and no membership benefit has been utilized, a refund may be possible less a processing fee of $25. Please contact Ashley Young at 617-778-1934 or ayoung@bostonbar.org with questions.
Are my dues tax-deductible?
Payments of dues, gifts or other contributions to the Boston Bar Association are not tax-deductible contributions for income tax purposes. They may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense to the extent not allocated to lobbying. The BBA estimates that the non-deductible portion allocable to lobbying is 5%.
What is the BBA's Covid Policy?
For the safety of our members, staff, and the community, BBA programs are open only to those who are up to date with their COVID vaccines. “Up to date” currently means that you have received all doses recommended by the CDC in their primary series vaccine, and a booster dose when eligible.
If you have a religious or medical exemption from vaccination, you may attend a BBA event, but you are required to wear a mask. All others should feel free to wear masks if they chose to do so.
By registering for an event, you are attesting that you are up to date with your COVID vaccines and that you will follow all local and venue specific rules regarding masking and social distancing.
By registering for and/or attending an in-person BBA program, you affirm:
I am up to date with my COVID vaccines as defined by the CDC. (“Up to date” currently means a person has received all doses in their primary series COVID vaccine, and a booster dose when eligible.)
I understand that ONLY those who are up to date with their COVID vaccines are permitted to attend BBA programs.
I will wear a mask if required by local public health guidelines and venue rules.
I am currently not experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory problems).
I do not currently have COVID and have not tested positive for COVID in the past 10 days.
To my knowledge, I have not been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID in the past 10 days.
If I have a religious or medical vaccination exemption, I will wear a mask.
Boston’s Largest Legal Network
As the premier legal association in Massachusetts, we bring stakeholders together to advocate for the issues that matter most to our profession.
