Why Join the VBA, You Ask?   

When you join The Virginia Bar Association, you join a vibrant community of candid, optimistic colleagues dedicated to helping each other improve our profession and uphold the Rule of Law in Virginia. We enjoy many time-honored traditions formed over nearly a century and a half as Virginia’s first and largest voluntary statewide bar group. But today’s VBA is so much more! Today’s VBA is focused on the future and actively leading our profession forward.

Future forward

Our newest endeavor is the VBA Lawyer Development Council, overseeing the VBA’s initiatives in leadership, service and well-being—including the annual VBA Leadership Academy launched in 2025 and a mentoring program for young lawyers. Other recent additions to the VBA are timely task forces exploring the longterm effects of dwindling bar exam applications and how AI can improve access to qualified legal assistance and to the courts.

For every lawyer

We’re not just for downtown, big firm lawyers. The VBA community attracts lawyers from firms of all sizes, in every corner of Virginia. Fully half the VBA membership hails from firms of 10 lawyers or fewer. Our Committee on Small Firms and Solo Practice works to ensure that the VBA provides the services and support that a smaller-firm lawyer needs to manage both a practice and a business.

What we’ve been up to lately

It’s an exciting time to be part of the VBA! In the past year or so, the VBA has accomplished a lot for our members and the legal profession. Here’s just a sampling, and just think what we can accomplish in the years to come with your help and support.  

• We adopted a VBA Statement on the Rule of Law
• We created Virginia’s first Model AI Policy for Law Firms
• We introduced our Lawyer Development Council, charged with marshaling efforts in lawyer well-being, career and leadership, and community service
• We premiered the prestigious VBA Leadership Academy for young lawyer members
• We formed a task force to address the future of the profession
• We formed a task force to explore AI’s growing influence in law practice
• The VBA Young Lawyers Division created a mentorship program 
• We launched a digital transformation (including ongoing improvements to this website)

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Your membership automatically includes VBA divisions

Every member is part of the VBA Law Practice Management Division, or LPMD. The LPMD offers management and administrative resources for practice success and a healthy work/life balance, especially important for lawyers in small firms and solo practices. The LPMD also sponsors a monthly virtual gathering of firm leadership called the Managing Partners Roundtable.

For members who qualify, the VBA’s award-winning Young Lawyers Division, or YLD, connects early-career lawyers with opportunities that balance leadership and career development education with community service and lively social opportunities. In the YLD, young lawyers build the personal and professional relationships that will help them succeed. They also build the confidence and leadership skills that help VBA young lawyers stand out in their own organizations and in ours. 

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Add value to your VBA membership with sections

Whether you want to change the game or just stay on top of it, add one of the VBA’s 19 law sections to your membership. Our sections are smaller: think hundreds, not thousands, of members in a section. This means your voice can be heard, your efforts can make a difference, your influence can be strong. Get acquainted and stay in touch with the top Virginia lawyers in your field, and turn to them for advice and referrals. Attend or help plan section-sponsored CLE conferences that provide legal updates and practice trends. 

VBA sections influence legislation: The VBA is devoted to continuing, unbiased improvement in Virginia Law. One critical function of VBA sections is to participate in the legislative process. Every year, sections and other VBA groups propose bills for the VBA’s legislative agenda. Those approved by the VBA Board of Governors go on to the General Assembly with assistance from our legislative team at Hunton. Learn more about the VBA’s legislative advocacy program.

Then, at the end of each General Assembly session, only VBA section members receive summaries of all new legislation related to their practice area. These summaries can alert you to legislative actions that will affect your practice and your clients—before changes in the law take effect. 

Committees & other groups

Our Committee on Special Issues of National and State Importance keeps in touch with the latest topics affecting law and policy across the U.S. and regularly sponsors critical programming at VBA statewide meetings. Our Pro Bono Council and Commission on the Needs of Children foster access and support for those in need. We partner with the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association in support of the Virginia Family Law Coalition and provide support to the elite Boyd-Graves Conference. The VBA also is active in recommending to the General Assembly the most qualified candidates for appellate judicial positions in Virginia, another embodiment of our commitment to the impartial Rule of Law. 

Looking for savings, convenience and support?

Save on VBA events and CLE: Throughout the year, the VBA presents CLE programming to keep you up to date, and CLE registration fees are discounted for members. The VBA holds two signature statewide meetings of general interest annually, sections host specialized conferences and the association also offers virtual and on-demand opportunities. Visit the VBA Calendar.

Make meaningful connections: Promoting collegiality is a core component of the VBA mission, and we appreciate a good gathering! Network with other lawyers while you build lifelong professional friendships in the VBA. Connect with the VBA and your peers at VBA gatherings, through section and committee projects and on LinkedIn and Facebook. Visit the VBA Calendar.

Find helpful resources: Turn to the VBA for the resources you need, on this website and in our meetings and publications. The VBA Journal comes to you in print twice yearly and its full archives are on this website. Our monthly Practice Management Advisor newsletter brings you curated content to support your practice. Our Young Lawyers Division publishes its Opening Statement newsletter quarterly. This website’s homepage news feed gives you up-to-the-minute updates on what’s happening in Virginia law and in the VBA.

Get partner discounts on services: VBA members are eligible for partner discounts on LawPay® digital payment software, Clio® firm management systems, Ruby digital receptionist and more. See the full list of VBA partners offering member benefits.

Access job search support: The VBA offers a legal Career Center on this site for your convenience. Job seekers can find new opportunities and employers can post openings. Visit the VBA Career Center. 

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Still not sure?

Browse our website to learn more, check out our FAQ or call the VBA office with questions at 804-644-0041. You belong in the VBA, and we’re here to help!

Membership dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution but may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. The VBA estimates that 12% of basic dues support lobbying activities as defined by Section 13222 of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. Therefore, 88% of your dues may be deductible.