These Membership Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern membership in the Federal Bar Association (“FBA” or “Association”). By applying for, renewing, or maintaining membership in the Association, you agree to these Terms, as well as the FBA Constitution, Bylaws, and policies, each as amended from time to time. References to “members” includes members and associates, unless the context requires otherwise.
1. VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the Federal Bar Association is voluntary. Membership in the Association is not required for admission to practice law in any jurisdiction and is not a condition of maintaining any state, federal, territorial, tribal, or other law license.
2. ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for membership is governed by Article IV of the FBA Constitution and applicable provisions of the FBA Bylaws. The Association reserves the right to verify eligibility and good standing where applicable.
The Association may approve, deny, suspend, terminate, or modify membership status in accordance with the FBA Constitution, Bylaws, and established policies.
3. MEMBERSHIP TERM
The Federal Bar Association membership year runs from October 1 through September 30. Unless otherwise specified, all memberships expire on September 30 of the applicable membership year, regardless of the date of enrollment or renewal.
Membership rights, benefits, and privileges are available only during the active membership term and while the member remains in good standing.
4. DUES AND FEES
Annual dues and section/division dues, and any other applicable fees are established by the Association’s Board of Directors in accordance with the FBA Constitution and Bylaws.
All dues and fees are non-refundable except where required by law or expressly authorized by the Association.
The Association may adjust dues and fees from time to time as permitted by its governing documents.
5. AUTOMATIC RENEWAL AUTHORIZATION
If a member elects automatic renewal, the member authorizes the Association to automatically charge the payment method on file for applicable membership dues and any selected section or division dues at the beginning of each renewal term on or around September 30.
By enrolling in automatic renewal, the member acknowledges and agrees that:
- membership will automatically renew unless canceled before the renewal date (September 30);
- the member’s payment method will be charged the applicable renewal amount then in effect;
- membership dues and fees may change from time to time; and
- the Association will maintain information regarding renewal terms and cancellation procedures on its website.
An email reminder will be sent prior to the automatic renewal date, providing an opportunity to review or update membership and payment information or to cancel automatic renewal before the renewal date.
6. CANCELLATION OF AUTOMATIC RENEWAL
A member may cancel automatic renewal at any time before the next renewal date by:
- logging into the FBA membership portal and disabling automatic renewal; or
- contacting the Association through the contact methods identified on the FBA website.
Cancellation of automatic renewal prevents future renewal charges but does not terminate the current membership term or entitle the member to a refund of dues already paid.
The Association will make cancellation available through methods that are at least as accessible as the method used to enroll in automatic renewal.
7. PAYMENT AUTHORIZATION
The member represents that all payment information provided to the Association is accurate and that the member is authorized to use the selected payment method.
If a payment is declined or cannot be processed, the Association may suspend membership benefits until payment is successfully completed.
8. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Active members may be eligible to receive certain benefits and services offered by the Association. Membership benefits are provided as a benefit of membership and are subject to change. The Association reserves the right to modify, add, suspend, or discontinue any membership benefit, program, service, publication, discount, section, division, or resource in its discretion and subject to applicable governing documents. The availability of any particular benefit shall not create a contractual right or guarantee that such benefit will continue for any specific period of time.
9. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Members agree to:
- maintain accurate contact information with the Association;
- comply with the FBA Constitution, Bylaws, policies, and applicable codes of conduct;
- provide truthful information regarding eligibility and membership status; and
- refrain from using Association membership in a misleading or unauthorized manner.
10. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION
Membership may be suspended, terminated, or otherwise affected for reasons including:
- non-payment of dues or other lawful indebtedness to the Association;
- failure to maintain eligibility requirements;
- conduct resulting in disciplinary action under the Constitution, Bylaws, or applicable Association policies; or
- other grounds authorized by the Association’s governing documents.
11. COMMUNICATIONS
The member consents to receive membership-related communications electronically, including renewal notices, receipts, membership updates, governance notices, and other operational communications.
The member is responsible for maintaining a current email address and contact information with the Association.
12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
The Association’s name, logos, insignia, trademarks, publications, and other intellectual property remain the property of the Federal Bar Association. Membership does not grant any ownership interest or license except as expressly authorized by the Association.
13. PRIVACY
The Association’s collection, use, and protection of personal information is governed by the FBA Privacy Policy, as amended from time to time.
14. AMENDMENTS
The Association may revise these Terms periodically. Updated Terms become effective upon posting or other notice provided by the Association. Continued membership after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
15. GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
In the event of any conflict between these Terms and the FBA Constitution or Bylaws, the Constitution and Bylaws shall control.
16. CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions regarding membership, dues, renewals, or cancellations should be directed to the Federal Bar Association through the contact information provided on the Association’s website.