THE ALBANY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION - These are challenging times for attorneys everywhere, particularly in the capital city of the State of New York. One of the ACBA’s missions is to enhance the image of the legal profession through the Community. The ACBA does this by providing continuing legal education at reasonable prices, committees and events to promote your professional growth and personal contacts.

ALBANY COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION - The Foundation was formed to provide grants and assistance in the administration of programs and projects dedicated to the promotion of social welfare, elimination of prejudice and discrimination, protection of human and civil liberties and insuring the availability of qualified legal assistance to the community. Members of the Association are strongly encouraged to contribute to the Foundation, which is tax deductible.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION- Supporting you in your professional development is a priority of the ACBA. Our Association is one of the first in the nation to offer continuing education programs to attorneys. The Association sponsors a variety of monthly luncheon forums and evening seminars which offer members an opportunity to obtain primary training and to keep abreast of current legal developments. The Albany County Bar Association has been certified by the NYS Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of Continuing Legal Education in the State of New York for traditional, as well as non-traditional CLE format courses; video-taping, audio-taping and group attendance.

LAW DAY PROGRAMS - A Pro Bono Day! Held on May 1st, this day allows the public access to a free consultation with attorneys. The ACBA also sponsors an Attorney in the Classroom and Shadow An Attorney Program’s which allows students to gain further insight into the practice of the legal system. ACBA instituted an Annual 5-K Run which benefits various domestic violence agencies within our community. In 2008, our 14^th Annual Run proved to be our most successful Run.  

LAWYER PLACEMENT SERVICES - Members seeking employment may announce their availability through our monthly newsletter. An active resume file is maintained and made available to those seeking employment. The ACBA sponsors a Diversity Internship Program which increases the number of minority Lawyers within the Capital District by soliciting individual law firms to hire a Minority Student Intern from Albany Law School. This program has been the recipient of awards from the New York State Bar and American Bar Association.

LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE - Participation in this Bar sponsored referral service provides assistance to more than 6,000 clients each year. The service is also an opportunity for solo practitioners and new attorneys to establish a specific client base.  This is a great public service for clients, the first half hour consultation fee is $25.

PRO BONO/ PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECTS - ACBA is committed to serving the public as well as the profession. The Association sponsors a variety of pro bono programs and offers free training sessions on a regular basis. Members wishing to provide legal assistance to those in need will find meaningful ways to do so by way of the following programs: Divorce, Bankruptcy, Landlord Tenant, etc. We receive funding from the New York State Bar Foundation and IOLA which enables us to continue to expand our pro bono services for the community.  We also sponsor a pro-se divorce program which enables our Pro Bono Coordinator to assist many victims of domestic violence and many low income clients to obtain a divorce.

PUBLICATIONS - Receive the ACBA newsletter, published 12 times a year. It includes a calendar of events, information about CLE programs, article of interest, pro bono opportunities, training sessions, luncheons, evening forums and more. ACBA publishes a pictorial directory of our membership every 5 years. We also offer an in-house mailing service for our members. Our CLE publication is also mailed out annually.

SPEAKERS BUREAU - Members of the ACBA are committed to serving the public in the finest tradition of community service. This free public education program is designed to provide Albany County residents and students (from grade school to high school) an understanding of significant legal issues, and explaining the intricacies of the law, at the same time affording member attorneys the opportunity to interact with the general public and make themselves known within the community

SPECIAL EVENTS - The Association and its Committees sponsor a variety of social functions to allow members to pursue professional growth and personal contacts. These social functions include Track Day and Testimonial Dinners. The highlight of our Association is the Annual Court of Appeals Dinner honoring the past and present members of the Court of Appeals. The Association also sponsors a Mock Trial competition for High Schools Students. At our Annual Memorial Service, members of the Bar Association who have passed are eulogized by their peers. The Annual Holiday Party benefits a local organization focusing on children.

*********

The Albany County Bar Association does not sponsor the products or services but will endorse them after approval by the Officers and Board of Directors.

ACCU-NETWORKS – Is pleased to offer discounted rates to law firms employing one or more ACBA-registered members. Accu-NetWorks is an Albany-based IT consulting firm which provides computer and network support services to a variety of organizations located throughout upstate New York. Among our other offerings, we are also currently providing a free network assessment to any interested business located within the Capital Region. Please see www.accu-networks.com for details on how this free assessment can benefit you and your organization. For more information, please call us at 518.449.3107 ext. 115, or just send an email to info@accu-networks.com.