State bar association

Their functions differ from state to state, but often include administration of the state bar examination for admission of attorneys to practice law, regulation of continuing legal education (CLE) and other requirements, collection and monitoring of attorney client trust accounts, collection of fees and discipline of attorneys for ethical or other violations.

Some state bars also provide services for members such as maintaining a directory of attorneys in the state, facilitating networking and social events for attorneys, publishing a bar journal and providing classes to fulfill CLE requirements.

The rules of most state bar associations require members to complete continuing legal education (CLE) requirements,[1] and also offer courses for lawyers in their area, with discounts to members of the particular bar association.

A great many organizations offer CLE programs, including most or all state bar associations.

Uniquely, the Kentucky Bar Association offers a two-day program known as Kentucky Law Update, conducted in at least seven locations throughout the state, that allows its members to satisfy their annual CLE requirement without a registration fee.