Boston Bar Association facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Boston Bar Association

Founded	Incorporated 1861
Type	Bar Association
Location	Boston, Massachusetts
Area served	Law
Website	www.bostonbar.org

The Boston Bar Association (BBA) is a group of lawyers in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It's a volunteer organization, meaning people give their time to help. The BBA is located in a historic building called the Chester Harding House on Beacon Hill.

This association has about 13,000 members. These members are lawyers from different areas. They come from private law firms, companies, government offices, and even law schools.

The BBA has a very long history. It started even before the American Revolution. Famous early lawyers like Jeremiah Gridley and James Otis Jr. were part of this group. John Adams, who later became the second president of the United States, was also a lawyer from this time. He even helped defend British soldiers after the Boston Massacre.

The Chester Harding House, a National Historic Landmark, is where the Boston Bar Association is located.

The John and Abigail Adams Room inside the BBA building.

The Boston Bar Association is managed by a group of 30 members called the Council. It has 24 different sections and over 100 committees. These groups focus on different areas of law. They also work on important issues like making sure everyone can get legal help.

How the BBA Helps with Public Policy

The Boston Bar Association often shares its ideas on important public issues. They do this in several ways:

• They write amicus briefs. These are special papers given to courts to share their expert opinions on a case.
• They help write new laws.
• They give official comments on plans from the government.

Here are some examples of what the BBA has done:

Helping People Stay in Their Homes

In March 2012, the BBA suggested new ways to help people facing eviction (being forced to leave their homes). They wanted to see if providing lawyers could help prevent homelessness.

Supporting the Legal Profession

In October 2011, the BBA looked at how the legal world was changing. They released a report about the future of being a lawyer.

Making Sure Courts Have Enough Money

The BBA has often spoken out about money for courts. In May 2011 and March 2010, they warned that cutting funds for courts would make it harder for people to get justice. They said it would hurt real people.

Protecting Privacy Rights

In November 2006, the BBA joined other bar associations. They filed an amicus brief in a case about government surveillance (watching people). They argued that the government should not watch people without a warrant (permission).

Ensuring Fair Juries

In September 2005, the BBA worked to make sure juries were fair. They asked a court to change its rules. This was to make sure that juries included people from all backgrounds.

Speaking Out Against the Death Penalty

In June 2005, the BBA's leader spoke to the Massachusetts Legislature. They urged lawmakers not to bring back the death penalty in Massachusetts.

Supporting Equal Rights for All

In September 2002, the BBA filed an amicus brief in a very important case. They supported the idea of gay marriage as a civil rights issue. They believed that everyone should have equal rights.

Publications from the BBA

The Boston Bar Association publishes a few things to keep its members and the public informed.

Boston Bar Journal

Four times a year, the BBA publishes a magazine called the Boston Bar Journal. This magazine is online. It has articles written by lawyers, judges, and others. They share information, ideas, and opinions about the law. Members of the BBA can read it for free.

BBA Week

The association also sends out a weekly email newsletter called BBA Week. This newsletter shares news about volunteer opportunities for lawyers. It also gives updates from law firms and courts. Plus, it previews upcoming legal education programs and special events.

Section Newsletters

Many of the BBA's different sections and committees also publish their own online newsletters.

Public Service Programs

The Boston Bar Association runs several programs where lawyers volunteer their time. These programs help the community in different ways:

• The M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program: This program teaches high school students about money. They learn about budgeting, making smart credit choices, and avoiding financial problems.
• The Boston Bar Association Summer Jobs Program: This program helps high school students get paid summer jobs. They work in law firms, legal departments of companies, or public legal agencies.
• The Lawyer-for-the-Day Project: At the Boston Housing Court, volunteer lawyers help people who don't have their own lawyer. They assist both tenants and landlords.
• The Volunteer Lawyers Project: This project provides free legal help to people who have low incomes.

Famous Past Presidents

Many important people have led the Boston Bar Association over the years. Here are a few:

• John Adams (1761-1766) – He became the second President of the United States.
• Ebenezer R. Hoar (1879) – He served as the United States Attorney General.
• William Gaston (1880-1881) – He was the Governor of Massachusetts.
• Moorfield Storey (1909-1913) – He was the first President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
• Gene D. Dahmen (1987-1988) – She was the first woman to be President of the Boston Bar Association.
• Rudolph F. Pierce (1989-1990) – He was the first African American to be President of the Boston Bar Association.
• Hon. Sandra L. Lynch (1992-1993) – She was the first woman to be a chief judge for the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Hon. Margaret H. Marshall (1991-1992) – She was the first woman Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.