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About Us
The ABA was founded in 1878 on a commitment to set the legal and ethical foundation for the American nation. Today, it exists as a membership organization and stands committed to its mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice.
Founded in 1878, the ABA is committed to advancing the rule of law across the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, law school accreditation, model ethics codes and more.
ABA Standards for Legal Education
The ABA adopts standards for legal education, which leads, in 1952, to law school accreditation.
ABA President Charles Rhyne Envisions National Law Day
At Rhyne’s urging, President Eisenhower proclaims first national Law Day for May 1, 1958.
ABA Key in Creating Legal Services Corporation
The ABA is instrumental in passage of federal legislation to create the Legal Services Corporation.
Advancing Rule of Law Around the World
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the ABA establishes what will become the Rule of Law Initiative.
A First of Many Firsts
The ABA saw a series of leadership firsts: Roberta Cooper Ramo as the first female ABA president (1995), William G. Paul as the first Native American male ABA president (1999), Dennis Archer as the first African American male ABA president (2003), Stephen N. Zack as the first Hispanic male ABA president (2010), Paulette Brown as the first African American female ABA president (2015), and Mary Smith as the first Native American female president (2023).
William R. “Bill” Bay serves as the ABA President.
