News and policy impacting the legal profession from City Hall, Harrisburg and beyond.

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. 

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

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

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.

As we prepare to celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial, and having turned 50 myself a few weeks ago – I was born precisely two months before the Bicentennial – my thoughts keep returning to our City and its history, especially in and around 1976. 

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.  

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation has announced that nationally recognized civil rights and criminal defense attorney Michael Coard, Esq. will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Philly Justice Ball, A Legacy of Liberty, A Promise of Justice, taking place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).

President of Jenkins Board, Theodore 'Ted' Simon invites members of the bar for "Legends & Lunch" to share their best legal stories: From tactics, techniques, strategies, to anecdotes, achievements, triumphs, and the unforgettable, unbelievable, humorous, magical and inspiring stories from years of practicing law for ALL to SHARE -(no minimum age requirement!)

LOCATION: JENKINS LAW LIBRARY: LAWYERS' LOUNGE 1801 MARKET STREET, SUITE 900

WHEN: Wed. June 3rd

TIME: NOON TO 2:00PM

To register, email RSVP@jenkinslaw.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.

Save up to 41% OFF select major appliances

Plus, receive FREE DELIVERY on orders over $299.

Save an additional 15%^† with code SPRING15.

Offer valid 5/14/26 - 6/3/26 on GE Appliances Store purchases only. Excludes small and countertop appliances. See Store for details.

Adrianna Buckingham-attorney, social worker, and founder of AB In-House Counseling-is pleased to offer free 20-minute executive coaching sessions to members of the Philadelphia Bar Association. These sessions are designed to support attorneys seeking clarity, balance, and professional fulfillment.

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*