Building Connections and Careers: The Benefits of Joining Bar Associations

The Bencher—March/April

By Faith N. Watson, Esquire

Joining a bar association can feel overwhelming, with the influx of emails asking for monetary contributions, mentors, continuing legal education (CLE) participation, and the pressure to attend monthly meetings. The events, ranging from social gatherings to legal clinics, often require a level of commitment that can feel like a second unpaid job. For attorneys on bar association boards and committees, responsibilities expand even further, encompassing event planning, CLE coordination, and soliciting support from peers—all on top of managing careers and personal lives.

However, despite these demands, bar associations play an essential role for both seasoned attorneys and newly licensed ones. These associations are invaluable because they provide critical community resources, foster networking and mentorship opportunities, and cultivate a collegial legal environment.

A core mission of bar associations is serving the public through access to legal resources. Almost weekly, bar associations issue calls for attorneys to volunteer at various legal clinics, which range from expungement to probate and general legal consultations. While it may seem burdensome to donate one’s free time to offer pro bono advice, these clinics provide vital assistance to community members who may lack the financial resources or connections to secure the legal support they need.

Legal clinics are one of the few ways attorneys can directly assist people in their communities with significant, often life-changing, support. For an attorney, spending an hour advising someone at an expungement clinic might seem minor, but for the citizen who has struggled to clear their record to secure employment, it can mean everything. Similarly, for a person with a disability who is seeking a divorce, or a bereaved spouse unsure of how to proceed with probate, or someone overwhelmed by complex legal forms, these clinics are a lifeline. These brief encounters often leave lasting impressions, empowering individuals with knowledge and options to take control of their situations.

Beyond legal advice, bar associations also play an educational role, dispelling misconceptions and providing accurate legal information to the public. Misinformation is rampant in today’s media, and many citizens struggle to identify reliable sources. As lawyers, we are positioned to help educate the public on legal matters, especially during elections, where citizens without legal training must make informed decisions on judicial appointments and other legal issues. By partnering with community organizations or hosting informational sessions, bar associations support a more informed and engaged public.

Another key benefit of bar association membership is the opportunity to foster connections among attorneys, particularly for new lawyers. A frequent concern among judges is many newer attorneys lack proper mentorship, which can lead to unnecessary mistakes early in their careers. Although law schools cover the theory and doctrine of the law, the practical aspects of lawyering are often left out. After graduating and passing the bar, new lawyers may find themselves lost in their roles without a clear road map for practicing effectively.

Bar associations bridge this gap by connecting attorneys of all experience levels and facilitating mentorship opportunities. While some new attorneys may have mentors within their own firms, bar associations provide access to a broader network across various practice areas. This is especially beneficial for those in solo or small firm settings, where mentorship might not be as readily available. Many bar associations host events such as bench bars, galas, happy hours, and recreational tournaments, allowing newer attorneys to meet mentors in less formal settings. Events such as the Memphis Bar Association’s annual bench bar conference exemplify this approach, bringing together judges and attorneys to discuss relevant legal topics, network, and foster professional relationships in a relaxed environment.

Moreover, bar associations can serve as valuable resources for job placement and career growth. The saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” holds particularly true in the legal field. Through bar association events and connections, attorneys can meet practitioners from various specialties and levels of experience, creating a professional network that can prove invaluable over time. A well-connected bar association colleague might know of an opening in a sought-after practice area or be able to make a referral that aligns with an attorney’s interests.

Experienced attorneys also bear a responsibility to mentor and share their knowledge with the next generation. Those with several years of experience can offer guidance that helps new attorneys avoid common pitfalls and navigate the nuances of practice. As mentees grow, they too can pay it forward, fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration that strengthens the profession as a whole.

One of the most impactful benefits of bar associations is the environment they create, fostering relationships among attorneys that extend beyond the workplace and courtroom. Without bar associations, lawyers and judges might only see each other in adversarial settings, with little opportunity for interaction outside a professional context. Bar associations change this by offering forums for attorneys to interact in a less formal, more collegial setting, which can facilitate quicker settlements, prevent unnecessary litigation, and ultimately benefit clients.

For example, the collegiality fostered in bar association settings can ease communication between opposing counsel. Knowing the lawyer on the other side of a case personally can make a difference in how cases are handled, often leading to more efficient resolutions. While attorneys are always encouraged to communicate effectively, having established relationships through bar association events can make these interactions smoother and more productive.

Bar associations also host events tailored to specific interests, making it easier for attorneys to connect with like-minded peers. Whether it’s a golf or pool tournament, a wine tasting, or a CLE session on a niche legal topic, these gatherings offer common ground for attorneys who may not otherwise have an opportunity to connect. Such events not only build camaraderie but also create a shared support system, especially important for young lawyers who may be adjusting to the demands of practice. These relationships provide emotional and professional support, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable career.

While bar association involvement can sometimes feel like an additional burden on top of an already demanding profession, the benefits far outweigh the perceived inconveniences. Bar associations play an essential role in supporting community access to legal resources, fostering mentorship and networking opportunities for attorneys, and creating a collegial environment that enhances the profession as a whole.

For new lawyers looking to find their footing, bar associations are invaluable resources, offering access to mentors, career opportunities, and a community of peers. Experienced attorneys, in turn, have the chance to give back by mentoring newcomers and using their skills to assist the community. Despite the emails, meetings, and volunteer commitments, the connections, career development, and personal satisfaction gained from bar association involvement make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Faith N. Watson, Esquire, is an assistant professor of law at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. She is a Barrister member of the Leo Bearman Sr. American Inn of Court in Memphis, Tennessee.