Dear Fellow Bar Member,
The Mecklenburg Bar Association (MBA) is the hub for many of the connections we seek as we navigate through our careers. I invite you to foster those connections by joining our colleagues in supporting the community, our profession, and each other.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community has over 6,200 members and there are numerous ways to get involved!
Continuing Legal Education - More than 250 hours of accredited CLE programming is offered annually by the MBA and more than 200 online CLE programs are available on-demand at MeckBar.org. Throughout the year, the MBA offers at least six hours of CLE credit included with your membership level, spanning all of the required credit types including Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Ethics and Technology hours. We concentrate on local trends and developments and are responsive to members’ requests for training and delivery methods.
Networking & Social Events - Networking and social activities are scheduled throughout the year for MBA members including Annual Meeting, Law & Society, Holiday Party and the Legal Eagle Charity Golf Tournament. MBA Sections and Divisions also offer additional events.
Committee Involvement & Leadership Opportunities - The goals of the MBA, 26th Judicial District Bar (26th JD Bar) and the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation (MBF) are accomplished through the work of established, energetic committees. There are numerous committees on which to serve.
Section Membership - The MBA offers 15 sections through which you can network and develop skills with attorneys and legal professionals who practice in the same area. Each section sponsors CLE programs on topics requested by their membership and hosts social, networking and educational opportunities for its members.
Young Lawyers Division (YLD) - If you are 36 years of age or younger, or within your first 10 years of practicing law, you are eligible for membership in the MBA YLD. MBA’s YLD is an excellent platform for new layers to connect, network, and engage with colleagues through social events and community volunteering opportunities in and around the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community. By joining YLD you’ll build lasting relationships, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the legal community.
Senior Lawyers Division (SLD) – New this year is the SLD! If you are over 60 years of age or have been in practice with any jurisdiction for 30+ years, you are eligible for membership in the MBA SLD.
Lawyer Referral Service - The MBA LRS is an ABA-accredited service that has provided client referrals to its lawyer panel members for more than 60 years. The LRS is a robust online system operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week providing members more referrals than ever before.
MBA Mentorship Alliance - This program provides a broad and flexible opportunity for mentorship within the MBA. Whether you are starting out as a new attorney, amid a career transition, seeking to expand your network of peers, or looking to give back, the Mentorship Alliance provides an avenue in which to connect with experienced attorneys, enhance your professional skills, and contribute to a supportive legal community. In addition to the list above, we invite you to check out the variety of vendors and other benefits listed on MeckBar.org.
If you are already involved, invite a colleague to join you at the next MBA event. We are eager to help you do what matters to you.
If you have any questions or ideas on how the MBA can better serve its members, please contact Executive Director Leah Campbell or me at clballar@gmail.com.
With Warm Regards,
Courtney L. Ballard
2024-25 President, Mecklenburg Bar Association