The Washington Bar Association, one of the first African American Bar associations in the country, was formed in 1925 by such legal luminaries as Charles Hamilton Houston, George E.C. Hayes, Ulysses Simpson Garnes, Isaiah Lisemby, Louis Rothchild Mehlinger, Charles E. Robinson, and J. Franklin Wilson. The WBA was created simultaneously with the National Bar Association and is an affiliate chapter of that organization. Like the NBA, the WBA is concerned with the advancement of jurisprudence, self benefit, group enhancement in a racially exclusive society and judicial system, and group protection.
The Young Lawyers Division was established in 1997 as a division of the Washington Bar Association. WBA members qualify for YLD status if they are 36 years of age or younger, or have been licensed to practice for five years or less, regardless of age. This group of approximately 200 young attorneys practicing in the Washington metropolitan area provides networking and professional development opportunities for its members and encourages community awareness and a commitment to service and civil rights.
YLD Traditions. In addition to its professional and community endeavors, YLD provides many opportunities to its members for developing a social network through hosting happy hours, retreats and professional events with law firms and other bar associations. YLD is also committed to mentoring law students through our bar mentorship program for 3Ls and our annual career fair for law students.
