The next Philadelphia Bar Reporter newsletter will arrive in your inboxes by Mon. January 5, 2026. Happy holidays!

For the better part of a decade the Family Court Help Center, staffed by Philadelphia Legal Assistance, has provided help to pro se litigants in family court. That vital assistance is in jeopardy due to the impending expiration of dedicated funding that will not be renewed. A working group from the Bar Association's Civil Gideon and Access to Justice Task Force has been meeting regularly for several months to secure short-term funding for this important resource and planning efforts to obtain reliable support for years to come. You can do your part by donating to PLA!

Thank you for attending our Annual Meeting and year-end Section and Committee events throughout November and December!

We hope you enjoyed these opportunities to network with your colleagues and celebrate your fellow legal professionals! More events to come.

A Research Project examining mental wellness of women lawyers was recently launched under the direction of the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession, which must be completed before the extended deadline of Dec. 17, 2025. As a part of the research, a virtual Survey has been launched and the results from the Survey will be helpful in not only determining experiences of men and women who are or have previously practiced law in the U.S. but also, will provide the researchers with valuable information to formulate recommendations for developing solutions for those experiencing mental wellness challenges and creating more equitable workplaces for all attorneys. The primary purpose of this survey is to collect perspectives from women/females and men/males in the legal profession about stressors in their workplace, what they do for self-care, and ways their employer responds to these situations and promotes wellness. 

Thanks to Kathleen Wilkinson, Special Advisor to the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession and a co-chair of its Mental Wellness Committee for bringing this to our attention. Kathleen previously served as Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar and President of the Pennsylvania Bar. 

Please view the Philadelphia Bar Association's statement of operations.

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!

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 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**.

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.

Law School Career Resources is a new resource for prospective employers is available. This resource is meant to provide employers with all the information they’ll need to enhance their access to law students through engaging with law school career services offices. The page includes instructions on how to connect with career services offices, utilize their tools, engage with students, sign up for recruiting programs, and advertise an event.

This resource is available on the Committee on Academic Engagement page, linked in the upper right under Law School Career Resources, and is similarly situated on the Mid-Size Firm Committee page.

A roundup of the latest activity taking place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

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.

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

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.

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

Volunteer for La Salle Mock Trial Association's 2026 Blue & Gold Annual Invitational and Drexel University’s 12th Annual Dragon Mock Trial Invitational.

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.

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.

This year’s holiday party, planned by the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA-PA) and the Philadelphia Bar Association Diversity in the Profession Committee (DIPC), has us celebrating in a venue “where food and culture mix with socialization and the best people.” Ladder 15 offers a diverse menu and a lively atmosphere. Ladder 15 promises an unforgettable experience where diners savor, sip, and soak in the city's vibrant spirit. Bring your best moments to life at a venue tailored for those who appreciate classic comfort.

A perfect place to mingle, sip cocktails, laugh, listen and take pictures with friends, and enjoy mouthwatering cuisine. Come in your best UGLY Sweater to win a gift card courtesy of our sponsor, FTI Consulting. We will also have QR codes to donate to a few charities to celebrate the giving of the season.

Join us as we celebrate another year of community and collaboration!

Space is limited, so REGISTER now!

Thanks to our sponsor:  

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.