As Philadelphia prepares to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we also celebrate 55 years since Pennsylvania became the first state to amend its constitution to add an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The ERA passed overwhelmingly and was adopted on May 18, 1971. In it, Pennsylvanians sought to enshrine sex-based equality in our state Constitution with the words: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because of the sex of the individual.”   

It's time to vote for Philly Bar CLEs in The Legal Intelligencer's annual 'Best of' survey!

Look for Philly Bar CLEs at category #38 and #39. Voting ends May 29. Anyone who screenshots and submits proof that they voted to cle@philabar.org will be entered into a drawing for one free 1.0 credit course!

We encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who has made a positive impact. Your nomination can shine a light on contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed and help build a culture of appreciation for fellow members.  A few thoughtful words can go a long way in honoring their efforts and motivating others.

Let’s come together to recognize the great work happening all around us! Click the links below to submit a nomination. All nominations are due Monday, August 3, 2026. 

• Nominate Someone Today: 2026 Justice Sonia Sotomayor Diversity Award

• Nominate Someone Today: 2026 Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Award 

• Nominate Someone Today: 2026 Cheryl Ingram Award

• Law Students: Enter the 2026 Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg "Pursuit of Justice" Legal Writing Competition

• Nominate Someone Today: David M. Rosenblum Award Student Leader Award - Deadline: Friday June 19, 2026

Don't miss the opportunity to build a more perfect practice: Join us September 17-18 at the 2026 Philadelphia Bar Association Bench-Bar & Annual Conference!

This year, we are holding Bench-Bar in Philadelphia, to celebrate the unique history of our city and to highlight the lasting legacy of Philadelphia lawyers in our country's 250th year. Hone your skills with relevant and timely CLEs, hear from insightful and prominent speakers, and build relationships with your fellow legal professionals.

As the fight for justice continues, we all have a unique role to play. We hope you will join us to celebrate history, to affirm our commitment to democracy, and to enjoy learning and socializing with our community.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

This year is a special one as the country celebrates its 250th birthday – with Philadelphia, as the birthplace of our nation, stepping into the spotlight. Last fall, Kathryn Ott Lovell, executive director of Philadelphia250, shared the vision, priorities, and progress of the city’s Semiquincentennial celebration.

Watch the video to learn how the legal community can meaningfully support and amplify the initiative. Gain insights into the strategic goals and civic impact of Philadelphia250, opportunities for engagement by firms and other legal organizations, sponsorship, and storytelling, and ways to align organizational values with the celebration’s themes of equity, innovation, and community.

If you have an ethics question, please call (215) 238-6328 and a member of the Professional Guidance Committee will assist you. 

The Board of Governors met on May 21, 2026. The board approved several resolutions, including one in support of state pardon reform; a resolution supporting legislation that would allow individuals convicted of felony offenses to serve on juries; two resolutions endorsing bills in support of LGBTQIA+ rights, and a resolution opposing a bill barring transgender athletes from competing in school sports.

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

The Spring 2026 issue includes a conversation with the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, Zane David Memeger, the 2025 Hon. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “Pursuit of Justice” Legal Writing Competition winning essay, the 25th anniversary of Marshall Dennehey’s Advanced Trial Advocacy & Mock Trial Program, and much more.

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

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.

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!

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Philadelphia’s civil legal aid community has always been stronger because of collaboration. While each organization has its own mission and constraints, we share a common goal: connecting low-income Philadelphians to free legal help. At Philadelphia VIP and Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA), we have spent more than two decades building a close partnership rooted in that shared purpose. As both organizations celebrate milestone anniversaries this year, we have reflected on how this “sister act” of justice has evolved. 

This is deputy director level Human Relations work directing the operations of a major division within the City’s commission charged with eliminating discrimination in employment, housing, city services, and public accommodations. The deputy director in the Compliance Division evaluates the impact of appropriate laws and regulations and ensures compliance within the City of Philadelphia. Work includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and coordinating operations, recommending the establishment and modification of policies and procedures, and providing public information support to the Commission and outside agencies, when applicable.  Work also includes interacting with Commissioners of the Human Relations Commission, City Council, attorneys, governmental and private agency officials, complainants and respondents, and the general public. Work is performed under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Commission on Human Relations.

The ABA Litigation Section invites you to attend a local, in-person reception welcoming our Class of 2026 JIOP Philadelphia/Delaware summer interns.

The 2026 Philadelphia JIOP Reception will take place at the James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse on Monday, June 1 from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM. Please contact gail.howard@americanbar.org with any questions.

Your firm can also donate to the JIOP program at ambar.org/donateJIOP or send a check made out to the ‘ABA Fund for Justice and Education - JIOP’ to the attention of ‘ABA Section of Litigation - Jessica Urban--JIOP’ at 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654. For invoices, please send an email to Gail Howard gail.howard@americanbar.org with the subject line: PHILADELPHIA JIOP SPONSORSHIP

JIOP is a 501(c)(3) organization. As such, all JIOP contributions are considered a charitable contribution and are tax deductible.

The Served with Love Program provides complimentary hot meals every day to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their children receive medical treatment at one of Philadelphia’s pediatric hospitals. Volunteers work alongside a member of the House’s food service team to help prepare and serve meals to more than 300 individuals each day.

This summer associate initiative offers Philadelphia law firms and organizations a wonderful opportunity to plan a hands‑on, high‑impact team‑building event for their summer associates while giving back to families who truly need support.

If you are interested, please contact Susan Campbell, (215) 387-8406, susan@rmhcphilly.org or Nicholas Guerrino at (267) 609-7584 or nicholas@ronaldmcdonaldhousephilly.org.  

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.

Come celebrate with us at the Family Law Section Summer Social at Uptown Beer Garden on Thursday, June 4th! It's a great chance to unwind, connect, and enjoy the company of your colleagues. With delicious food and refreshing drinks, we’ve got everything you need for a great time.

*advance registration is required*

Thank you to our sponsor, All State Investigations!

Get ready for an evening of connection and celebration at the Downtown Club! Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a premium open bar, a generous reception-style menu, and music to set the mood. We'll be recognizing our 2025 section chairs and proudly presenting the prestigious Irvin Stander Award to our 2026 recipient.

Enjoy live music from Tribute To The Legends and experience the creativity of Marshall Marshall James Kavanaugh, the Dream Poet For Hire, who will be crafting personalized poetry live during the event.

*advance registration is required*