Why the MBA?

• Build collegiality and camaraderie -- Many attorneys say that practicing law in Memphis is different than in other cities...there's still a high level of professional courtesy and collegiality that makes practicing more enjoyable and less stressful. 

When I think of the MBA, I think first of the relationships that I have made throughout my years of practice - from YLD happy hours to Mock Trial to innumerable CLEs. Invariably when I work on a case, there is another lawyer or judge involved whom I have gotten to know through my participation in bar association activities. I am convinced that it helps me serve my clients when I know the other participants in a way that goes beyond the confines of that particular case file. - Tommy Parker, MBA Past President

• Make connections & relationships that can help develop and sustain your practice.

Through my active work with the MBA, I have met many attorneys who specialize in areas of law different from my practice. These connections provide a great source of information and referral options. - Abby Webb, Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh

Being a member of the MBA has allowed me to meet and network with attorneys outside of my area of practice which is important to me. - Damon Griffin, U.S. Attorney's Office

• Stand up for the profession in the legislature and community. When a bill was introduced in the legislature to abolish two divisions of Circuit Court, the MBA joined other individuals and organizations to defeat it.  When judicial elections were held last year, the MBA conducted a Judicial Preference Poll that was widely shared among voters.

I am a member of the MBA because it is THE representative organization of the Bar in Shelby County. The organization is dedicated to supporting the practices of lawyers in our community and helping to restore the public’s trust in our profession. - Emily Landry, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz

• Keep up-to-date on the latest legal developments and events in the legal community through numerous CLE seminars, the quarterly Memphis Lawyer magazine, the weekly Bar Bulletin e-newsletter, and the MBA website.
   
• Tap into resources to help you in your practice. Section membership gives you access to those who practice in the same area, and the MBA's many sponsors offer information and services that can make your practice more efficient and effective.
   
• Develop your leadership skills by getting involved in the YLD, being a section officer or chairing a committee.
   
• Give back to the community. The MBA offers many opportunities to help people get access to lawyers and the legal system who otherwise would be on their own. In addition, the MBA puts on the Summer Law Intern Program that gives minority high school students a chance to find out what practicing law is like, and to encourage them to consider law as a career. The YLD sponsors the annual High School Mock Trial Competition, the largest in the state.

How to Join

Membership dues are based on the number of years in practice and range from $85 to $230. Newly admitted attorneys receive their first year of membership free. Sole/small firm practitioners who make less than $50,000/year and public interest attorneys can opt to pay a rate of $85.

To join, click here. Or contact the MBA office at 901.527.3573; membership@memphisbar.org