Membership: A Tradition of Excellence
Being an attorney is more than writing briefs and making court appearances. It is a career, which impacts your clients, other attorneys, and the community at large. Membership in the San Mateo County Bar Association can help achieve a level of excellence in your career while giving you opportunities to better serve your community and clients. Founded in 1916, the San Mateo County Bar Association strives to implement programs that serve its members and the community.
The San Mateo County Bar Association has a tradition of excellence in developing programs, which serve its members as well as the public. The well-attended Members Only Annual Judges Night and the Annual Installation of Officers enhance the outstanding working relationship between the Bar Association and the local judiciary. The Association’s Committees and Specialty Sections offer a wide opportunity to fulfill MCLE requirements, provide educational service to the community or expand your law practice.
Attorney Membership is open to all attorneys who either practice in San Mateo County or have an interest in the legal community of San Mateo. Any active member of the State Bar of California is eligible to be an active member of this Association. All active members of the SMCBA have the right to exercise one vote, be eligible for election as an officer or director of the Association, and have the right to serve on committees and sections of the Association as either members or chairpersons. Active attorney members may take advantage of all member benefits offered by the Association.
Attorneys whose membership has lapsed should use the reinstatement application form to reinstate their membership with the SMCBA. Membership that has lapsed may be subject to a reinstatement fee.
Associate Membership (also known as Non-Attorney members) are encouraged to join the San Mateo County Bar Association. The Association is open to anyone (over 18) whose business relates to attorneys and the practice of law, including but not limited to paralegals, court reporters, accountants, fiduciaries, forensic consultants, financial advisors, law firm administrators, law firm marketing directors and those employed in legal services industries. Non-attorney members shall have the rights and privileges of Active Members except that they may not hold the position of Committee or Section Chairperson, vote, nor serve as officers or directors of the Association. Further they may not have key card access to Court facilities nor may they use the member directory for any form of solicitation.
Law Student Membership is available to all students enrolled as a law student in good standing. Students must be attending an ABA accredited law school, or a California Law School or who are graduates of such a school who have not yet been admitted to practice in any State or Federal District, but who have applied for or taken the California Bar Examination, but have not received their exam results. Law Student members shall have the rights and privileges of Active Members except that they may not hold the position of Committee or Section Chairperson, vote, nor serve as officers or directors of the Association. Further they may not have key card access to Court facilities nor may they use the member directory for any form of solicitation. Legal Advice for Law School Students from the San Mateo County Bar Association.