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bar association

A bar association is a professional organization for lawyers. For example, in the United States, one such organization is the American Bar Association . It is an organization composed of licensed attorneys who share common interests.

State bar associations , which are usually created by state statute , often require membership for anyone desiring to practice law in that state. These organizations have the authority to regulate the legal profession by disciplining lawyers or formally bringing lawsuits against them. Bar associations ensure that the lawyers admitted in that jurisdiction adhere to the Code of Professional Responsibility .

Local bar associations, which have voluntary membership, are organized at the county or city level.

[Last reviewed in July of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team
]

Keywords

• lawsuits-court

Wex

• THE LEGAL PROCESS

• legal practice/ethics

• wex definitions

• courts and procedure

• legal education and practice