From the Multnomah Lawyer - MBA Membership: Good for Members, Good for the Profession, Good for the Community
I have now been a proud member of the Multnomah Bar Association for over 30 years. The MBA has served to be instrumental in my development as an attorney and was a catalyst for helping me integrate into the Portland area bar. Back in 1988, I was a young attorney who had recently moved back to the Portland area from Bend. Through the volunteer opportunities and social events provided me by the MBA, I was able to establish relationships with many attorneys, with whom to this day I still enjoy collegial relationships. A prior slogan of the MBA was “The Bar That Matters.” From my personal experience, I very much believe that is still the case today.
Besides the somewhat intangible benefit of networking and relationship building, the MBA also offers a vibrant array of tangible benefits through the MBA’s business partners. The aggregate dollar value of these benefits far exceeds the $140 annual fee for MBA membership for regular members. It’s also important to note that the MBA’s annual dues for members are the lowest in the nation for voluntary bars with membership of 2,000 or more.
So, what are the benefits currently available to MBA members?
Health Insurance PlansMembers have access to negotiated group health, life, disability and long-term care insurance, structured specifically for lawyers and law firms. This is an employer-based program, and the firm must have at least one W-2 employee in addition to the attorney.
Free CLE Content
In addition to discounts on all MBA CLE programming, members receive access to a rotating selection of MCLEaccredited webcast seminars, a $360 value annually. Visit www.mbabar.org/member-center to view the latest offering.
CLIO provides case and practice management software. Members are provided a 10 percent lifetime discount, as well as a free seven-day trial.
Columbia Bank offers a wide array of services specifically designed to assist MBA members and their law firms. The annual benefits to members are valued at approximately $700.
LawPay provides credit card processing specifically intended for client/attorney transactions. MBA members enjoy discounted processing rates.
NAEGELI Deposition and Trial provides court reporting, video conferencing, legal copying and scanning, transcription and language interpreters to MBA members at discounted rates.
Legal Northwest provides staffing recruitment services for paralegals, legal secretaries, and support staff at discounted pricing on direct hire positions for MBA members.
Office Depot provides MBA members an average of 10 percent off retail for their items.
Ruby Receptionists provides professional and flexible reception service for attorneys for which MBA members receive an eight percent discount.
UPS provides shipment and logistics service to MBA members with up to 26 percent savings on express shipping.
The Bar Plan provides online and streamlined court bond services for MBA members.
In addition to the benefits provided by our business partners, the MBA also offers its members free use of the MBA conference room when it is not in use for MBA business. To reserve the conference room, simply call the MBA at 503.222.3275.
The MBA also sponsors fun and worthwhile social events throughout the year, including: WinterSmash in February, the MBA Annual Dinner in May, the Battle of the Lawyer Bands in the summer (this year on July 25), the MBA golf fundraiser (September 19), and the Absolutely Social in October. These events all provide plenty of opportunity for MBA members to enjoy themselves and meet other MBA members and future friends. Furthermore, volunteer and leadership roles provide additional options to network while serving the legal community.
I encourage you to take advantage of the many benefits of MBA membership today.
Between June 1 and September 16, 2019 Regular and Affiliate memberships are available at a 50% reduction from full-year dues. This marks an excellent opportunity to sample the programming and discounts enjoyed by MBA members at a fraction of the cost. To take advantage of this offer, join online or print and return a prorated membership form. Questions? Contact the MBA for assistance at 503.222.3275.
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