Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Join the Community & Build Relationships

State Bar Associations

Law students are encouraged to join their state bar associations to connect with local practitioners and access resources, events, training and volunteer opportunities, job boards, and more. Membership is often free for law students, and attorneys are eager to connect with and support aspiring practitioners!

Minnesota State Bar Association (FREE for Law Students)

Once you’re a member…

  • It is particularly advantageous to join a section of the Bar Association, which can lead to even more connections, resources, and professional development opportunities in the area(s) that interest you. Even if you are still exploring practice areas, it is helpful to sign up for 1-3 sections to help facilitate your exploration. We recommend considering at least one substantive law section in addition to joining the “New Lawyers” Section.
  • Sign up to receive email notifications about useful events and information (with the MSBA, go to My Account > Communication Preferences > Email Electronic Version of “Bench & Bar” + Send Section CLE Notices + Send Section Newsletters).
  • Join the Bar on Social Media (MSBA Facebook Page and MN Legal Event Calendar)

County/District Bar Associations

Local bar associations can often facilitate connections, events, and resources close in proximity to your community.

In MN, join a county bar association by registering with MSBA:

Affinity Bar Associations

Twin Cities Diversity in Practice (also on Facebook)

MN Women Lawyers (also on Facebook)

More MN-based affinity bar associations: http://diversityinpractice.org/affinity-bars/

Not in Minnesota? Search for affinity bar associations through your local bar association or find local affiliates through national organizations.

Other Professional Associations

American Bar Association for Law Students (also on Facebook)

Student Organizations

Learn about Student Organizations at Mitchell Hamline