Ballots for 2025 Philadelphia Bar Association elections were emailed to all members in good standing on Monday, November 24. Participating in the elections is your chance to have a say in the future leadership of our community. Use the guide to make an informed decision and cast your ballot.

A proposed amended version of the Philadelphia Bar Association bylaws were adopted by the Board of Governors at the September 16, 2025, meeting (pursuant to Section 12.1.1.1 of the current bylaws) and are being submitted to the membership per Section 12.1.2. The amended bylaws will be presented to the membership for approval as part of our upcoming Bar election.

The Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service helps you expand your client base with a trusted service that has been serving the City for more than 70 years

• Get prescreened and vetted referrals in your practice area(s), with the flexibility to fit your schedule and caseload
• Make thousands of dollars extra each year
• Expand your reach, while also growing access to justice for all Philadelphians

Take advantage of our free trial period for new LRIS panel attorneys now until 12/31! We especially need attorneys for the Employment (especially union and wage & hour) and Insurance (especially health insurance) panels!

 This year, CORA Services honored the Philadelphia Bar Association at their signature event, 2025 Love in Action Celebration, on Thursday, November 20, 2025. At this annual event, CORA recognizes individuals and organizations who have selflessly dedicated their time, talent, voice, and resources to empowering families, transforming communities, and effecting positive and lasting change. 

The Philadelphia Bar Association invites you and your guest(s) to join our journey through Portugal’s Old-World allure and New World splendor. Our immersive program will engage with local attorneys, scholars, and artists offering poignant commentary on the Portuguese and E.U. legal and political systems, U.S.-Portuguese trade relations, Portuguese constitutional law, art, history, architecture, religion, and much more. You do not want to miss this opportunity to experience the heart of Portugal with the ability to earn up to 7.0 substantive CLE credits**.

DEADLINE APPROACHING – Sign up by Feb. 1! New: Discounts available for public interest attorney members!

Travel with us to Alabama and Georgia and listen as participants in the Civil Rights movement tell their stories. Hear from insightful faculty about how legal cases and doctrine from the time still resonate today. Be inspired to continue the fight for equal access to justice. 

The Philadelphia Bar Association is now on Bluesky! If you'd like to follow us, you can create a FREE account to keep up with the latest news and updates!

We take pride in supporting legal professionals in Philadelphia at every stage of their careers. Our members' experiences highlight the value of the Philadelphia Bar Association's resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a recent law school graduate, or a law student preparing for the future, our community is here to help you thrive. Read what our members have to say about how the Philadelphia Bar Association has positively impacted their professional journeys.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were cut off Saturday, November 1 due to the federal government shutdown. This means no new funds will be added to the EBT debit cards that 40 million Americans and approximately half a million Philadelphians use to pay for groceries.

We are sharing resources below for those who would like to donate food or who may need food assistance:

• Philabundance 
• Share Food Program
• Feeding America
• Greater Philadelphia Area Community Fridges

Members have access to HeinOnline archive collection of Philadelphia Bar Association publications. To access the archive, you must be a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

We want to hear from you! Do you have a legal analysis article idea or a story to share about a memorable case, social issues, travel or even pop culture, fiction or poetry? Share your submission with us to be featured in a future issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine!

Email communications@philabar.org with the subject line: Magazine submission

If you have a moment, we’d truly appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. Share how your experience with the Bar Association has helped you to make connections and grow your career! It only takes a minute, and your insights can help others know what to expect. Your positive feedback helps our Association grow and continue providing the best service possible for members. 

Thank you for your support—it means the world to us!

Google: Philadelphia Bar Association -> Give us a star rating -> Write a review -> Hit Post

The Fall 2025 issue includes a part two of stories from members of their experiences as children of immigrants. You can also get to know the new executive director of the Philadelphia Bar Association, Christie Jones. Members also shared their favorite hobbies outside of work to help them feel rejuvenated and prevent burnout.

Our Annual Partners and other benefit providers give Bar Association members access to discounts from local and national retailers, for legal and professional services and more!

DISCOUNTS INCLUDE:

• Wireless and data services discounts from Verizon, including 22% off your monthly bill for eligible members
• Travel discounts and planning services from Mondee
• Up to 35% PC computers and printers from HP
• Up to 20% off on gifts from 1-800-FLOWERS, Harry & David, and Cheryl’s Cookies
• Additional discounts on products and services, including performances at the Kimmel Cultural Campus, rental cars through Avis and Budget, and more

Decisis is a fast, reliable legal research tool powered by LexisNexis - free for Philadelphia Bar Association members - a $1788 value! Search all courts and jurisdictions (Need a case outside Pennsylvania? Find it with Decisis™.)

To access the benefit login with your member account.

Join us on Tuesday, December 2 at 5:00pm as we celebrate Public Interest Law Day with drinks, food, and great company among your Public Interest Section colleagues. We are proud to honor our 2025 awardees — Judge Gerald A. McHugh with the Hon. Louis H. Pollak Award, and Wesley Allen with the Bending the Arc Award.

Join the Philadelphia Bar Association's Wellness Committee for an inspiring evening of candle making and positive affirmations at State of Being Candle Store!

This BYOB candle-making class invites you to design two custom affirmation candles. Explore the curated scent wall, learn to blend your own signature fragrance, and uncover the science behind affirmations. You’ll leave with two beautifully handcrafted candles, each infused with your personal intention and positive energy.

Join us on Wednesday, December 3 for our 2025 Workers' Compensation Section Holiday Celebration! We will be collecting toy donations for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in Philadelphia. Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to help brighten the holidays for children in our community.

Join the Probate and Trust Law Section for it's Annual Meeting and Reception on Thursday, December 4, at the Westin Philadelphia. Connect with colleagues, reflect on the year's accomplishments, and enjoy an evening of conversation.

Celebrate the season with us! On December 9, the Family Law Section Annual Reception returns to the elegant Arts Ballroom. Reconnect with friends, enjoy good company. We will also recognize the Honorable Deborah Canty, our 2025 recipient of the Herbert R. Weiman Sr. & Jr. Award 

Celebrate the holiday season with the State Civil Litigation Section at the Pyramid Club, where you can enjoy an evening of camaraderie, an open bar, and hors d'oeuvres as we recognize this year’s honorees. The event will feature an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award given in remembrance of Judge Angelo J. Foglietta, as well as the presentation of the Bonavitacola Award to Justice Kevin M. Dougherty.

The Criminal Justice Section invites you to its Annual Holiday Gathering and Awards Ceremony. Join colleagues and friends for an evening celebrating the presentation of the Thurgood Marshall Award, the Henry Czajkowski Award, and the Honorable Frederica Massiah-Jackson Community Justice Engagement Award, recognizing outstanding service and commitment to justice.

Join the Young Lawyers Division on Thursday, December 17 at 6:00pm! This year's holiday party will be held in the Burnham Ballroom at the Kimpton Palomar. We will welcome our 2026 YLD Chair and celebrate Damali Martin, recipient of the Craig M. Perry Service Award; Elizabeth Perez, recipient of the F. Sean Peretta Service Award, and the Community Legal Services - Justice Rising Advocates, 2025 recipients of the the Vision Award.