Glossary
Bar association
A professional organization for lawyers. Each state has a bar association (mandatory in some states, voluntary in others), and there are local bar associations at the city or county level. Bar associations often offer lawyer referral services.
State bar associations regulate the practice of law in their state: administering bar exams, handling disciplinary complaints, and setting ethical standards. In some states, all licensed lawyers must be members ("integrated bars"); in others, membership is voluntary.
Local bar associations offer continuing education, networking, and often lawyer referral services where the public can call and get matched with a lawyer in their area who handles the relevant kind of case. Many of these referral services screen lawyers for malpractice insurance and good standing.