With a NYSBA membership, the opportunities are endless!
Join a network with over 55,000 members in New York State, the nation, and the world! Law students receive free membership to the New York State Bar Association, allowing you access to award-winning professional development, resources and discount benefits. In addition, you’ll receive tools and networking opportunities that will help you succeed during your law school career.
For more than 140 years, the New York State Bar Association has been the voice of the legal profession in New York State, advocating for state and federal legislation while working tirelessly to promote equal access to justice for all. Your NYSBA membership shows you are committed to legal industry growth and excellence. Forge ahead on this noble career path and get involved with your legal community and the New York State Bar Association.
With your FREE membership (or you can upgrade to Premium ($45) for extra benefits) you will get:
- Perks and discounts with our membership benefits partners
- Student loan benefits and savings with SoFi
- Training and education – programming, publications, articles, and more!
- Career resources and guidance
- Access to scholarships, competitions and mentorships
- Section membership and networking
- Digital Subscriptions – monthly student e-newsletter, Bar Journal, State Bar News, New York State Law Digest and CasePrepPlus
- Four free counseling sessions a year with NYSBA’s confidential LAP Hotline
MEMBER RESOURCE CENTER
If you have questions please contact us at 800.582.2452 | mrc@nysba.org
Hours: Monday – Friday | 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Join NYSBA Sections and Make Your Mark Within Your Area of Practice and the Association
Sections are groups within NYSBA that focus on specific areas of practice or work settings. Section membership allows you to stay informed of developments in your interested areas of law, be part of a substantive group that addresses timely issues, and helps you make lifelong professional connections that will help you along your career path. Make an impact within your area of practice and join NYSBA Sections!
Antitrust Law
Business Law
Cannabis Law
Commercial and Federal Litigation
Corporate Counsel
Criminal Justice
Dispute Resolution
Elder Law & Special Needs
Entertainment, Arts & Sports Law
Environmental & Energy Law
Family Law
Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law
General Practice
Intellectual Property Law
International
Labor & Employment Law
LGBTQ Law
Local and State Government Law
Real Property Law
Tax
Torts, Insurance & Compensation Law
Trial Lawyers
Trusts & Estates Law
Women in Law
Young Lawyers
Upcoming Events
With your NYSBA membership, you gain free access to our extensive library of live programs and webinars. In addition to programs put on by NYSBA Sections and Committees, we also provide tailored programs specifically for law students to help you during your law school career and after graduation.
Below is a complete listing of upcoming programs specifically for law students.
April 24, 2023
Balance Without Burnout
April 28-29, 2023
Deep Dive Into The Metaverse And Web3: The First Global Law Symposium
May 2, 2023
From Graduation to Bar Preparation
May 11, 2023
Young Lawyers Monthly Pub Night (May)
On-Demand Programs
We have an extensive library of programs, webinars, and a diverse downloadable on-demand collection. In addition to programs put on by NYSBA Sections and Committees, we also provide tailored programs specifically for law students to help you during your law school career and after graduation.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Careers in Tax: A Law Student’s Guide To What Tax Lawyers Actually Do (2023)
Law Student Section Meet and Greets (2022)
- LGBTQ, Young Lawyers, International, and Women in Law
- Family Law, Elder Law and Special Needs, and Dispute Resolution
- Labor and Employment Law, Tax Law, and Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law
- Criminal Justice, Trial Lawyers and Local and State Government Law
- Health Law, Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law, and General Practice
- Trusts and Estates Law, Real Property Real, and Environmental and Energy Law
- Antitrust Law, Business Law, and Corporate Counsel
- Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Commercial and Federal Litigation
A Law Student’s Guide to A Career in the Criminal Justice System (2021)
BAR EXAM
The New York State Bar Exam: What Applicants Should Know About The Character And Fitness Process (2022)
Demystifying the Uniform Bar Exam (2021)
Maximizing Your Final Weeks of Bar Prep (2021)
CAREER PLANNING AND JOB SEARCH
Making The Most Of Your Summer Associate Position (2023)
After the Interview: The Do’s and Don’ts (2022)
Advanced Resume And Cover Letter Workshop For Law Students And Recent Graduates (2022)
Not Every Career Path is Straight (2022)
A View from the Other Side: What is Your Hiring Manager Thinking? (2022)
Ghosting and Other Interviewing Nightmares: Advice to Get Past the Scary Scenes (2021)
Strategies for Successful Virtual Interviewing (2020)
Alternative Careers in Business for Lawyers (2020)
MARKETING AND NETWORKING
Vocal Dynamics For Lawyers: Using Your Voice For Impact And Influence (2021)
Identifying And Leveraging Your Authentic Brand (2021)
Critical Career Skills For Lawyers Series Topic Three: Communicating (2021)
Critical Career Skills For Lawyers Series Topic Two: Developing Your Network (2020)
Critical Career Skills For Lawyers Series: Building Your Brand (2020)
STUDENT LOANS
Managing Your Law School Debt (2022)
Understanding How Student Loans Changed For 2022
Managing Your Debt In Public Interest: How To Repay Your Loans (2021)
How NYSBA Student Loan Borrowers Can Finally Catch a Break (2021)
COVID-19 And The Student Loan Landscape (2020)
TECHNOLOGY AND LAW SCHOOL RESOURCES
Time Management Tips for Law Students (2022)
Social Media Between Generations: The Do’s and Don’ts (2022)
Communication In The Workplace: From Professionalism To Cybersecurity, What New Lawyers Need To Know (2022)
Zoom Etiquette: A Guide For Law Students Post-Grad (2022)
LinkedIn For Law Students (2021)
How to Succeed in 1L Legal Writing Research (2021)
PDF: The Most Versatile Legal Tech Tool You’re Not Using Enough (2021)
Creating And Navigating A Rockstar LinkedIn Presence (2021)
WELLNESS
Quiet Quitting? Not On Our Watch! Why Law School Should Still Matter To You (2022)
Legal Wellness for Law Students: A Prevention and Early Intervention Approach (2022)
Breathe Into It: How Intentional Breathing Can Help You Manage Stress (2021)
Practicing Self-Care and Mindfulness for Your Wellbeing (2021)
Taking Care of Your Mental Health While in Law School: Fall Series (2020)
Scholarships, Fellowships, Writing Competitions and Mentorships
Are you looking to start your legal career? The New York State Bar Association has the resources to help you succeed.
From writing competitions and scholarship funding to fellowships and internships with Fortune 500 companies, esteemed organizations and government institutions, NYSBA offers a wide variety of opportunities to help law students build their resume while also developing critical legal skills. Additionally, NYSBA’s sections offer various mentorship opportunities giving you the chance to gain real-world advice and guidance, while ensuring you receive the mentoring you need to maximize your potential. Take advantage of these opportunities that can help guide you on your way to become one of New York’s leading attorneys.
Scholarships for Nomination
- Corporate Counsel Section- Jana Springer Behe Scholarship
- Elder Law and Special Needs – Honorable Joel K. Asarch Elder Scholarship
- Elder Law and Special Needs – T. David Stapleton Memorial Scholarship
- Intellectual Property Law Section – Diversity Committee 2022 Miriam Maccoby Netter Scholarship
- The Judge Bernard S. Meyer Scholarship
- Labor and Employment Law Section – Samuel M Kaynard Memorial Student Service Awards
- Local and State Government Law Section – Carol Van Scoyoc Scholarship
- Real Property Law Section Lorraine Power Tharp Scholarship
- Real Property Law Section Melvyn Mitzner Scholarship
Fellowships
- Antitrust Law Section – Diversity Fellowship
- Business Law Section – Fellowship Program
- Commercial and Federal Litigation Section – Kay Crawford Murray Commercial Division Diversity Fellowship
- Environmental & Energy Law Section – Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship
- Health Law Section – Diversity Fellowship Program
- Hon. Charles L. Brieant, Jr. Fellowship
- Hon. Judith S. Kaye Children and the Law Committee Scholarship
- Intellectual Property Law Section – Young Lawyer Fellowship
- The New York Bar Foundation Fellowships
- Trusts & Estates Law Section – Fellowship Program
Writing Competitions:
- Antitrust Law Section – Student Writing Competition
- Business Law Section – Annual Law Student Writing Competition
- Committee on Animals and the Law – Student Writing Competition
- Dispute Resolution Section- Law Student Writing Competition
- Elder and Special Needs Law Journal – Diversity Writing Competition
- Entertainment Arts and Sports Law Section – Phil Cowan – Judith Bresler Memorial Scholarship Writing Competition
- Environmental Law Section – Professor William R Ginsberg Memorial Essay Contest
- International Section- Albert S Pergam International Law Writing Competition Award
- Labor and Employment Law Section- Dr. Emanuel Stein and Kenneth Stein Memorial Law Student Writing Competition
- Real Property Law Section Annual Student Writing Competition
Mentorships:
Articles
Section’s, NYSBA members, and legal professionals curate substantive articles that are peer-written, relating to specific areas, for law students during school and beyond graduation. Check out our collection of articles to help you during your law school career.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
10 Tips for Practicing in Dispute Resolution
10 Tips for Practicing in Torts, Insurance, and Compensation Law
10 Tips for Practicing in Real Property Law
10 Tips for Practicing in Family Law
10 Tips for Practicing in General Practice
10 Tips for Practicing in Health Law
10 Tips for Practicing in Antitrust Law
10 Tips for Practicing in Commercial and Federal Litigation
BAR EXAM
NYSBA: Bar Admission Application Question on Police Interactions, Sealed Records, Juvenile Delinquency Is Illegal, Must Be Revised (2022)
T. Andrew Brown: ‘Bar Application Question Does Harm to People Who Look Like Me’ (2022)
CAREER PLANNING AND JOB SEARCH
Life Insurance for the Young Single Adult
Life Insurance for Young Professionals
After New York State Bar Association Career Fair, Job Candidates Discuss What’s Next (2022)
MARKETING AND NETWORKING
What To Do on LinkedIn in 2023
5 Reasons to Join a Bar Association
Top Ten Reasons for Law Students to Join the Women in Law Section (“WILS”)
10 Reasons Why Law Students Should Join the Young Lawyers Section
10 Reasons Why Law Students Should Join the International Section
Best Practices for Networking Success in Law School and Beyond
STUDENT LOANS
Get Noticed: How NYSBA Student Scholarships, Fellowships, Writing Competitions and Mentorships Can Help You Succeed
TECHNOLOGY AND LAW SCHOOL RESOURCES
12 Things I Wish I Learned in Law School
Outline for Survival – A FIRST-YEAR LAW STUDENT TIP SHEET
Preparing Students for a 21st Century Law Practice
Tips for Law Students During the #StayAtHome Semester
WELLNESS
What Makes Lawyers Happy
Our Law Student Spotlight series features NYSBA law student members, the inspiration behind their decision to go to law school, how they are involved in their law schools, their accomplishments and achievements, and advice on why other future lawyers should get involved in NYSBA. If you would like to be featured in this series, please fill out and submit the form linked below.
Law Student Spotlights
Key Titles for Law Students
NYSBA New York Rules Of Professional Conduct
The must-have title for any law student or attorney in New York.
Bundle: The Legal Writer Books I & II
Purchase both of these titles by the Honorable Gerald Lebovits at a 30% discount.
The Legal Writer: Writing It Right
Practical, real-world legal writing suggestions that apply to all aspects of an attorney’s practice.
The Legal Writer: Drafting New York Civil-Litigation Documents
A master class in drafting civil-litigation documents that gives New York attorneys the tools they need to make their best case to the court.
Attorney Escrow Accounts
Understand the legal and ethical issues encountered when attorneys handle client funds.
Foundation Evidence, Questions and Courtroom Protocols
Learn how to prepare the appropriate foundation testimony for the introduction of evidence and examination of witnesses.
A Guide To Diversity & Inclusion In The 21st Century Workplace, Second Edition
This book is a guide for attorneys, judges, and businesspeople regarding the major issues of diversity and inclusion in the 21st Century.
The Courts Of New York: A Guide To Court Procedures, Second Edition
Providing an explanation and breakdown of the New York state and federal court system, The Courts of New York is a useful educational tool for the press and the public.
Attorney Professionalism Forum
The Forum answers thought-provoking questions by blending analysis of applicable law and the Rules of Professional Conduct with practical guidance on how to best act as a professional.
Downloadable Forms
Browse our online store of downloadable forms to help you during and after your law school career.
Free Legal Research With Fastcase
For attorneys who can’t afford big data pricing, Fastcase legal research is available to New York State Bar Association members. Get free and unlimited access to Fastcase’s New York library, including New York and Second Circuit cases and New York statutes and regulations. Upgraded content subscriptions are also available.
NYSBA Virtual Career Fair
Whether you’re a recent law school graduate, newly admitted attorney, or have been a practicing attorney for years, NYSBA’s virtual career fair can connect you with employers looking to hire.
Career Center and Job Alerts
NYSBA Career Center is the leading online hub for legal professionals, serving more than 55,000 members. It’s where legal professionals go to find the right legal jobs and where employers go to find highly-qualified legal talent.
Kenneth G. Standard Diversity Internship Program
Since its inception in 2006, more than 100 interns have participated in the Program. The students complete a 10-week internship with an assigned host company and are paid a minimum of $7,000. Host companies have included, among many others in the private and public sectors, Ayco, Con Edison, Pepsi Co., Salesforce, TakeRoot Justice, Unilever, and Urban Justice and Visiting Nurse Service of New York.
Corporate Counsel Section Internship Opportunities
The NYSBA Corporate Counsel Section has an ongoing list of internships opportunities for law students to take advantage of.
Real Property Law Section: Student Internship Program
Second and third year law students interested in transactional real estate (including environmental and sustainability issues) and real estate litigation can have the opportunity to do a semester of work experience in a law firm or corporate law department.
NYSBA Law Student Connection
Join the NYSBA Law Student Connection group on LinkedIn and be a part of a community where you can connect with other law students and receive up-to-date information, content, and resources tailored to you while you’re in your law school career.
Kaplan Bar Review
NYSBA student members may receive a $200 discount off the seasonal sale price of Kaplan’s New York State Bar Review Course at time of purchase. This discount may not be combined with other promotional discounts or offers beyond the public seasonal sale price.
SoFi Student Loans
SoFi refinances your student loans into one low-rate payment – both federal AND private qualified student loans are eligible. Competitively low variable or fixed rate options with a $300 welcome bonus!
StudyBuddy Pro
NYSBA student members may receive up to a 20% discount off their lifetime StudyBuddy Pro membership by using the unique NYSBA / StudyBuddy Pro coupon at the time of checkout. StudyBuddy Pro is the leading platform for law school success. This discount may not be combined with any other discount offers provided for StudyBuddy Pro.
Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP)
The New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Program provides several important services to the legal community across New York State, including law students. Services include the LAP hotline, programming, articles and resources, peer support, volunteer opportunities, well-being, and much more.
Lawyer Assistance Program Hotline
The LAP Hotline is a free confidential service provided to members who are seeking assistance with challenges such as depression, anxiety, burnout, alcohol or drug related concerns, and other mental health issues. All communications with the LAP Hotline staff are strictly confidential.
Student Loan Debt Relief Resources
Providing greater student loan relief for attorneys and non-attorneys is a legislative and policy goal of the New York State Bar Association. The resources and articles linked here provide useful information on current student loan debt relief programs. This resource page was prepared by the President’s Committee on Access to Justice Public Interest Loan Repayment Subcommittee.
Travel and Rental Car Discounts
As part of your NYSBA membership you receive discounts on travel and rental cars through Avis and Hertz.
Sports and Entertainment Offers
NYSBA members receive discounted offers and tickets to the Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, Radio City Music Hall, NYC Zoos and Aquariums, the New York Yankees, and more!
New York State Bar: Pro Bono Requirements
Find Out More About Pro Bono Requirements for New York State Bar Admission
If you were enrolled at an ABA-approved law school and you are seeking admission to practice in New York on examination, you will need to complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono work before you apply for admission to the New York bar. Only eligible pro bono work performed on or after May 1, 2012 will satisfy the Rule. The Requirement need not be fulfilled before a law student applies to take the New York bar examination; rather, the 50 hours must be completed before filing an application for admission.
Explore Resources
New York State Bar Pro Bono Requirement (NYU Public Interest Law Center)
The New York State Board of Law Examiners does both. You can contact them at 518.453.5990 orwww.nybarexam.org
No. The NYSBA is not the official New York Bar and is not responsible for attorney licenses or registration. Please contact the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA), the official licensing/registration unit: 212.428.2800, or visit NYCourts.gov
NYSBA membership dues are voluntary and are paid annually. Licensing fees with the NYS Office of Court Administration (OCA) are mandatory and are paid biennially by all attorneys engaged in the active practice of law. For information regarding NYSBA membership dues, call 800.582.2452. For information regarding OCA licensing fees, call 212.428.2800, or visit NYCourts.gov
No. You can however search for an attorney at the NYS Office of Court Administration’s (OCA) Web site: NYCourts.gov
No. Upon admission to the bar, the Appellate Division does not furnish an ID card, nor does New York have bar numbers. However, Secure Pass ID card applications can be picked up at any New York state courthouse and are available to any attorney in order to gain access into New York courthouses.
Anyone who is studying for their J.D. or the LL.M., is in good standing, and is enrolled in an ABA accredited law school can be a law student member and may join as a free Basic Law Student or a $45 Premium Law Student. For a complete list of ABA accredited law schools please visit the ABA website.
