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Introduction to Bar Associations

Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jul 14, 2026

Introduction to Bar Associations

Bar associations are where mentoring relationships flourish. Whether you're a new attorney seeking guidance or an experienced lawyer ready to give back, bar associations provide the structure, community and opportunities that make mentoring meaningful and sustainable.

Bar associations are natural mentoring hubs. Mentees will find access to experienced professionals who can guide your career. Mentors will find value in structured opportunities to give back and shape the next generation of lawyers.

There are varying levels of bar associations to consider. National bar associations often provide broader networking opportunities and resources while local bar associations offer more direct, community-focused engagement. State bar associations usually bridge these entities, offering a balance of broader scope and community involvement.

New to the bar? Here's what you should know and do:

  • Ask your mentor or a colleague which bar association(s) they are active in and why
  • Join!
  • Attend at least one event per quarter to build recognition
  • Join a Section or Committee within your first year — it's the fastest way to form meaningful connections!

How Mentors Can Leverage Bar Associations:

  • Encourage mentees to join relevant sections/committees
  • Make introductions at bar events
  • Co-attend CLEs or networking events with a mentee
  • Nominate mentees for awards or recognition
  • Share insights about which associations align with mentees' career goals and practice interests
  • Help mentees identify leadership opportunities

How Mentees Can Maximize Bar Membership:

  • Don't just join — actively participate by joining sections/committees and contributing
  • Attend events with your mentor when possible
  • Volunteer to build visibility and make personal connections with staff and other attorneys
  • Use bar association mentoring programs in addition to informal mentors

Benefits of Bar Association Membership

Joining a bar association is not simply about membership, it is about engagement. Here are some additional benefits to bar membership:

  • Professional Development — Access CLEs, workshops and skills trainings. Many bar associations also offer formal mentoring programs or events that pair newer attorneys with seasoned practitioners.
  • Network Building — Build relationships across practice areas and experience levels by engaging with sections/committees.
  • Community Engagement — Engage with community members by supporting legal clinics, volunteering for events and drafting newsletter and article submissions.
  • Leadership Opportunities — Serve on committees, boards or task forces. Mentees can gain leadership experience with mentor guidance; mentors can sponsor and train mentees for committee positions.
  • Referrals — Explore ways to connect with lawyers across your geographic area.
  • Job Opportunities — Bar associations often have job databases as a member benefit which helps with staying in the know about future opportunities.
  • Practice Advancement — Gain access to resources such as free legal research, sample legal forms, law practice management recommendations, daily court updates and more

About TBA Membership

As a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, you have access to a wealth of benefits, ranging from legal publications to discounts on CLE. To learn more about any of these benefits, explore here or contact the TBA Membership Director. If you are not a member, you can join here.

Additional Bar Associations for Consideration

Provided by TBA Mentoring Committee, November 2025

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