About the Bar Founded in 1802, the Philadelphia Bar Association is America's oldest chartered metropolitan bar association. Originally created to provide a law library for the city's attorneys, the Association counts several of the nation's founders among its original members. Today, this non-profit, independent, voluntary membership organization serves 13,000 members from its spacious modern center-city headquarters and through its web site at www.philadelphiabar.org. The mission of the Philadelphia Bar Association is to serve the profession and the public by promoting justice, professional excellence and respect for the rule of law. In doing so, the Association strives to foster understanding of, involvement in and access to the justice system. The Association derives its revenue primarily from the dues of its members. Members receive a full range of professional services and support including education programs and award winning publications. Philadelphia lawyers and America's birthplace are virtually synonymous and community service is deeply intertwined with the term "Philadelphia lawyer." It was Andrew Hamilton who lent the term its original luster when he defended John Peter Zenger in 1735 and established the concept of freedom of the press. Since then, the city, state and nation have counted many Philadelphia lawyers among their most prominent leaders. These currently include Philadelphia Bar Association members John F. Street, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia and Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Civic pride and involvement are touchstones for Philadelphia lawyers. A three-time winner of the American Bar Association's Harrison Tweed Award for community outreach, the Philadelphia Bar Association has often been recognized nationally and internationally for its sustained commitment to social justice. Dating back to a period pre-dating our nation's founding, to be a Philadelphia lawyer has always connoted extraordinary talent, energy, professionalism, a keen understanding of the law and a willingness to provide every client with exceptional service. For our third century, the Philadelphia Bar Association's goal remains at once constant and kinetic — to be your partner for justice.

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