Membership in the Lawyers Club of Chicago provides the opportunity to interact and network with local practitioners and judges in a relaxed atmosphere. The Club’s social focus allows for members to get to know one other personally as well as professionally, and to share engaging discourse on a broad variety of topics. Many members of the Club are active in other bar associations as well, and welcome the chance to spend time together in a fun, social setting. Membership is also a chance to be part of history. We are Chicago’s second oldest bar association, founded in 1883. For over 120 years, the Club has hosted distinguished speakers.
Our events typically consist of a speaker and a meal, usually lunch or dinner, at the Union League Club of Chicago or a comparable establishment. The speaker topics are varied and diverse, ranging from law, politics, and government to arts, pop culture, and sports. For example, the Club recently has featured speakers discussing the Syrian political crisis, traumatic brain injury in athletes, social justice initiatives on Chicago’s south side, and the evolution of legal news website Above the Law. Past speakers include Supreme Court justices, journalists, and academics. View a complete list of past speakers.
Membership in the Club is by application. Lawyers who are engaged in active practice in the Chicago metropolitan area and are in good standing may be admitted to membership in the Club. Nominations for membership are made to the Board of Directors pursuant to procedures set by the Board. Self-nominations are welcome. Prospective members may submit an application here. The Lawyers Club is very committed to diversity in its membership. Any questions regarding membership may be directed here.
There are five classes of membership: Active, Honorary, Non-Resident, Senior, and Young Lawyers. Complete membership descriptions and requirements are available here. Annual dues are $200 per year for Active Members, $100 per year for Young Lawyers, and $50 for Non-Resident Members. Honorary and Senior Members pay no annual dues. Annual dues cover the Club’s operational costs, and each event is priced separately.
Non-members and prospective members are welcome to attend our events as guests of a current Club member. If you are interested in attending an event but do not know any current members, please contact the Club.
The Lawyers Club welcomes inquiries from potential speakers whose subjects may be of interest to our membership. Potential speakers please contact the Club’s Secretary-Treasurer.