New York State Bar Association

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), with 76,000 members, is the largest voluntary bar association in the United States. The State Bar’s objectives, originally stated in its constitution adopted in 1877, are the same today. They are: to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, professional skill and courtesy in the legal profession.

Through the years the State Bar has: sought legislation to simplify and update court procedures; been instrumental in raising judicial standards; established systems for maintaining the integrity of the profession; advocated providing enhanced, voluntary pro bono

Pro bono

Pro bono publico is a phrase derived from Latin meaning "for the public good". The term is generally used to describe professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment as a public service. It is common in the legal profession and is increasingly seen in marketing, technology, and...

legal services to the poor; been in the vanguard of efforts to elevate the standards of practice; and achieved national recognition for its continuing program of public education.

The control and administration of the State Bar is vested in the House of Delegates, the decision and policy-making body of the Association.

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), with 76,000 members, is the largest voluntary bar association in the United States. The State Bar’s objectives, originally stated in its constitution adopted in 1877, are the same today. They are: to cultivate the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and elevate the standards of integrity, honor, professional skill and courtesy in the legal profession.

Through the years the State Bar has: sought legislation to simplify and update court procedures; been instrumental in raising judicial standards; established systems for maintaining the integrity of the profession; advocated providing enhanced, voluntary pro bono

Pro bono

Pro bono publico is a phrase derived from Latin meaning "for the public good". The term is generally used to describe professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment as a public service. It is common in the legal profession and is increasingly seen in marketing, technology, and...

legal services to the poor; been in the vanguard of efforts to elevate the standards of practice; and achieved national recognition for its continuing program of public education.

The control and administration of the State Bar is vested in the House of Delegates, the decision and policy-making body of the Association. The House meets four times a year (January, April, June and November). Action taken by the House of Delegates on specific issues becomes official State Bar policy.

The State Bar's current structure includes 25 specialized substantive law sections, and more than 60 standing, special and other committees.