What’s the Value of an NBA Membership? Let Us Count the Ways | Gulam Zade

The Nashville Bar Association has close to 2,500 members, and each of these professionals receives access to many diverse benefits. Our members are judges, in-house counsel, law students, paralegals, educators, and everything in between, spanning from public and private sectors, large multi-state firms, to small firms and solo practices.

So, what does the benefit of NBA membership really look like for this diverse group? I recently asked several friends and longtime members what they find most valuable about their NBA membership. Here’s what they said:

“My NBA membership gives me the ability to connect with my colleagues in the Nashville area. The networking opportunities we have through the NBA help, in my opinion, to maintain the collegiality we enjoy in the Nashville bar community. I am proud of the service projects the NBA supports, especially through our Young Lawyers Division. Projects such as Brews for Backpacks, collecting costumes for underprivileged children, and our support of various pro bono projects shows the community that we are more than just ‘suits’ but an integral part of our community.”

Sherie, renowned lawyer and mentor extraordinaire

“I value the CLEs and collegiality with other attorney members.”

Jeff, man of few words

“I appreciate that the NBA provides opportunities to make new friends and see old ones. I especially enjoy the ability to see colleagues in non-adversarial environments.”

Bart, social butterfly

“The NBA is a great network of individuals to help provide access to legal information or services to members of the community seeking assistance. The organization also creates a unique support system and community of professionals dedicated to the betterment of the bar and the community at large. My honorable mention is the community of members willing to help educate and assist younger members of the bar to help foster their success, whether it be in law or other endeavors.”

Bruce, community champion

“One of the biggest benefits to my membership is the Nashville Bar Journal and the weekly updates on what is happening, when and where. I enjoy being part of the collegiality of the bar.”

McLemore, man, myth, legend

These comments speak to the varied benefits that NBA membership provides. In addition to creating opportunities for networking and new friendships, our members are better equipped to keep up with colleagues and access resources that will help them advance in their careers.

Perhaps one opportunity that didn’t get mentioned but should be highlighted is the ability to join a practice or service committee to better connect with people in the same area of law. I encourage you to visit the Practice and Service Committees section of the NBA website to learn more about these opportunities.

This spring, the NBA will be launching the “My NBA Why” campaign to highlight the benefits of NBA membership and share why our members join and stay involved with the NBA. We would love to hear from you! What member benefits do you use? What do you get out of being an NBA member? What is your NBA Why? Share why you are an NBA member by emailing our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Adrienne, at Adrienne.BennettCluff@nashvillebar.org. We’ll be featuring member responses on the NBA’s social channels and weekly email newsletters throughout the year.