As the nation celebrates America's 250th year, the Association invites you to join the us for the 2026 Bench-Bar & Annual Conference, 1776-2026: The Fight for Justice Continues, in the birthplace of democracy, our home, Philadelphia.
Earn up to 9.5 CLE credits and join us for two days of networking, top-tier speakers, and more.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, AUGUST 21! DON'T MISST YOUR CHANCE TO SAVE!
Make the most of your Philadelphia Bar Association membership by actively exploring and using the full range of benefits available to you! Engaging with these offerings not only enhances your experience but also helps you maximize the value of your membership.
News
Discover how the Philadelphia Bar Association is turning commitment into action through its Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) Division. From expanding leadership opportunities to fostering inclusive programming and community impact, DEBI is driving meaningful change across the legal profession. Stay tuned for more information on how to join the DEBI Division.
We encourage everyone to take a moment to nominate someone who has made a positive impact. Your nomination can shine a light on contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed and help build a culture of appreciation for fellow members. A few thoughtful words can go a long way in honoring their efforts and motivating others.
Let’s come together to recognize the great work happening all around us! Click the links below to submit a nomination. All nominations are due Monday, August 3, 2026.
The Philadelphia Bar Association is an accredited New Jersey CLE provider, making it easier than ever to earn your CLE credits in both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey jurisdictions.
If you have an ethics question, please call (215) 238-6328 and a member of the Professional Guidance Committee will assist you.
Features
A roundup of the latest activity taking place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The Spring 2026 issue includes a conversation with the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, Zane David Memeger, the 2025 Hon. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “Pursuit of Justice” Legal Writing Competition winning essay, the 25th anniversary of Marshall Dennehey’s Advanced Trial Advocacy & Mock Trial Program, and much more.
Members have access to HeinOnline archive collection of Philadelphia Bar Association publications. To access the archive, you must be a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
We want to hear from you! Do you have a legal analysis article idea or a story to share about a memorable case, social issues, travel or even pop culture, fiction or poetry? Share your submission with us to be featured in a future issue of The Philadelphia Lawyer magazine!
Email communications@philabar.org with the subject line: Magazine submission
If you have a moment, we’d truly appreciate it if you could leave us a quick Google review. Share how your experience with the Bar Association has helped you to make connections and grow your career! It only takes a minute, and your insights can help others know what to expect. Your positive feedback helps our Association grow and continue providing the best service possible for members.
Thank you for your support—it means the world to us!
Google: Philadelphia Bar Association -> Give us a star rating -> Write a review -> Hit Post
We take pride in supporting legal professionals in Philadelphia at every stage of their careers. Our members' experiences highlight the value of the Philadelphia Bar Association's resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts. Whether you're a seasoned attorney, a recent law school graduate, or a law student preparing for the future, our community is here to help you thrive. Read what our members have to say about how the Philadelphia Bar Association has positively impacted their professional journeys.
In March 2026, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania circulated a decision in Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company v. Heater, finding that a sole proprietor who suffers a work-related injury is not required to notify his workers’ compensation insurer within 120 days to preserve eligibility for benefits under Section 311 of the Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act). The decision reversed a unanimous decision of the Commonwealth Court and held that the plain language of Section 311 requires notice only to the “employer,” not to the insurer.
Perspectives
As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, it is worth asking a difficult but necessary question: How well have we fulfilled America's promise of liberty and justice for all?
Public Interest Spotlight
Today, preschools across Pennsylvania and the country are suspending and expelling our youngest learners at a rate three times higher than K-12 schools. This shocking statistic comes at a time when we know that children’s educational experiences in their first five years of life are critical to brain development, and the benefits of high-quality early childhood education (ECE) for both children without disabilities and children with disabilities are robust, intergenerational, and long-lasting.
Around Our Community
The Served with Love Program provides complimentary hot meals every day to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their children receive medical treatment at one of Philadelphia’s pediatric hospitals. Volunteers work alongside a member of the House’s food service team to help prepare and serve meals to more than 300 individuals each day.
This summer associate initiative offers Philadelphia law firms and organizations a wonderful opportunity to plan a hands‑on, high‑impact team‑building event for their summer associates while giving back to families who truly need support.
If you are interested, please contact Susan Campbell, (215) 387-8406, susan@rmhcphilly.org or Nicholas Guerrino at (267) 609-7584 or nicholas@ronaldmcdonaldhousephilly.org.
Benefits and Partner Spotlight
Our Annual Partners and other benefit providers give Bar Association members access to discounts from local and national retailers, for legal and professional services and more!
DISCOUNTS INCLUDE:
Decisis is a fast, reliable legal research tool powered by LexisNexis - free for Philadelphia Bar Association members - a $1788 value! Search all courts and jurisdictions (Need a case outside Pennsylvania? Find it with Decisis™.)
To access the benefit login with your member account.
Save up to 41% OFF select major appliances
Plus, receive FREE DELIVERY on orders over $299*
Save an additional 15%† with code SPRING15.
Offer valid 6/17/26 - 7/8/26 on GE Appliances Store purchases only. Excludes small and countertop appliances. See Store for details.
Featured CLEs & Events
Please join the LGBT Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Bar Association as we welcome incoming members of our profession, summer associates and law clerks, to the Philadelphia legal community. Graciously hosted by Ballard Spahr LLP, we hope that this event will provide opportunities for summer associates to network with established professionals and their peers.
In addition, we will be recognizing the 2026 recipient of the David M. Rosenblum Law Student Leader Award.
The award honors the memory of David M. Rosenblum, the late legal director of Mazzoni Center, a tireless lawyer and advocate, and an LGBTQ organizer while in law school.
**There is no charge to attend this event, however advanced registration is required**
Welcome to “The Inside Track,” a focused series of expert, peer-facilitated conversations illuminating the unique path of in-house counsel. Each session explores pivotal transitions, mindset shifts, and specialized communication strategies needed for lawyers to succeed in the corporate world. On July 16, the discussion will cover communicating and the key differences between in-house and outside counsel.
