Bar operations were suspended when, following the surrender of Puerto Rico to the United States at the end of the Spanish–American War, the Military Government suppressed the profession of Attorney.

In 1932, following lengthy discussion, the voluntary association was converted to a mandatory association; since then all practicing attorneys must be members in order to practice law in the United States territory of Puerto Rico, with a number of exceptions, e.g. Federal judges may voluntarily withdraw from the organization.

The Bar Association, headquartered in the Miramar section of San Juan, Puerto Rico operates a number of programs, including a pro bono legal services program, offers life insurance to its members and makes its meeting rooms available to community organizations.

The association holds its annual convention in the month of September, when its president and board of directors are elected by those physically present.

Many criticize the bar because, notwithstanding its compulsory nature, it shows an activist tendency towards political matters, openly supporting specific candidates during elections.