Our Membership |
Membership with The Iowa State Bar Association is one of the best investments you can make in your career. Your membership provides you with the tools, research, and professional network that help you stay on top of your practice.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN TODAY
Becoming a bar association member and participating in events (i.e., committee involvement and continuing legal education classes) is an excellent way to make connections with the local legal community, build a network, and learn more about a particular practice area. Here are five reasons to join one today:
-
Build your network. Now, more than ever, professional networking is a key component if you are new to the area or looking to meet attorneys who specialize in a particular area of law. The ISBA is a perfect place to make connections. Bar activities such as section meetings, mentor programs, and social events provide excellent opportunities to meet lawyers and get your name circulating in the legal community.
-
Expand your knowledge. The ISBA offers a variety of educational programs to sharpen your skills with more than 40 live seminars, telephone, and webinar sessions as well as free or discounted continuing legal education (CLE) classes.
-
Gain access to members-only resources. You will have access to the membership directory, job postings, Fastcase, and other resources not available to non-members. Benefits to becoming a member also include discounts on a wide variety of services – health insurance, IowaDocs, Clio and professional liability insurance. The complete list is extensive.
-
Stay informed. The Iowa Lawyer, Iowa Lawyer Weekly, section listservs, and other ISBA activities keep you up to date on the latest news and developments within the legal community.
-
Show your professionalism. Joining the ISBA as a law student or recent graduate demonstrates your commitment to becoming lawyer. Becoming active in sections or other activities not only builds your leadership skills but also increases your visibility as a responsible member of the legal community that will pay off for years to come.
Your Iowa State Bar Association is always searching for the latest tools to keep you ahead of the game. Throughout your career, the ISBA will be here to support you in your professional needs.
For more information, contact the ISBA membership department at 515-697-7870 or membership@iowabar.org.
Membership Categories
During the first-year after admission to practice law in the state of Iowa, lawyers automatically receive a one-year complimentary membership. After that, ISBA provides several membership categories to serve the needs of all lawyers. Activation of membership required by new attorneys to activate complimentary membership.
Members of the legal profession licensed to practice who either reside or practice in Iowa.
Admittance year (membership type)
Admitted to practice after 3/1/2026
(YLD Year 1)
Dues: Free
Admitted to practice between 7/1/2024 - 2/28/2026
(YLD Years 2 - 3)
Dues: $75/yr
Admitted to practice between 7/1/2022- 6/30/2024
(YLD Years 4 - 5)
Dues: $140/yr
Admitted to practice between 7/1/2018 - 6/30/2022
(YLD Years 6 - 10)
Dues: $285/yr
Admitted to practice prior to 7/1/2018
(Standard)
Dues: $285/yr
Out of State Members
Members of the legal profession in good standing with the State of Iowa who neither reside nor practice in the state. Dues: $140/yr.
Retired Members
Attorneys holding either a (1) Certificate of Exemption (including those accorded legacy status) or (2) Certificate of Retirement in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 39.7. Dues: $65/yr.
Fifty Year Members
Any ISBA member who has paid membership dues for fifty years. Dues: Waived.
Active Military Members
Dues-paying members of the ISBA who are actively serving in the Armed Forces (Title 10, full time AGR, full time technician). Dues: Waived.
Department of Defense Full Time Employees
Dues-paying members that are Department of Defense employees (full time). Dues: $65/yr.
Student Members
Any full time student in good standing enrolled in the College of Law of either the University of Iowa or of Drake University, or who is a bona fide Iowa resident attending an American Bar Association accredited Law School in a state other than Iowa is eligible to law student membership in this corporation. Law student members shall not vote nor hold any elective position in the corporation. Membership is free. Please use your law school email address when applying for membership.
Non-Attorney Affiliates
The non-attorney affiliate classification is available to paralegals, legal assistants, office administrators, and other legal support staff who are employed by and sponsored by a current ISBA attorney member. The new category provides access to a range of professional development opportunities, training resources, and communications designed to support the broader legal team. Dues: $75/yr.
