Over 100 years of representation

About the NBA

The National Bar Association (NBA), the nation’s oldest and largest network of Black American attorneys and judges, represents 67,000 legal professionals worldwide. For over a century, the NBA has championed justice, expanded opportunity, and empowered future generations at home and abroad.

3 Pillars

  • Civic Action and Voter Education
  • Financial Power and Independence
  • Family Health and Wellness

Upcoming Events

REGISTER TODAY

37th Annual Wiley A. Branton Issues Symposium, Subpart Conferences

October 15-17, 2026
Atlanta, GA

The Wiley A. Branton Issues Symposium is where history and the hard questions collide. Named for the legendary civil rights lawyer who never blinked in the face of injustice, this Symposium refuses to play it safe. We take on the issues shaping our communities, from the courtrooms to the boardrooms, from the ballot box to the bank vault, and we do it with unapologetic clarity.


 

46th Annual Midyear Conference and Gertrude Rush Awards Gala

March 11 – 13, 2026
New Orleans, LA

Join legal professionals from across the country for the National Bar Association’s Midyear Conference, featuring timely CLE programs, networking opportunities, leadership meetings, and the prestigious Gertrude Rush Awards Gala honoring outstanding leaders and champions of justice.

 

International Affiliates Meeting

April 21 – May 1 2027
Côte d’Ivoire

This is more than a meeting…it is an experience of a lifetime that blends professional growth, global advocacy, and world-class adventure.

 

102nd Annual Convention

April 21 – May 1 2027
Tampa, FL

Join us in Tampa as we move forward with purpose and build the next chapter of Black legal excellence together.

 

National Bar Association

83rd President

Ashley Upkins

On July 16, 2024, Ashley became the first woman from Tennessee elected President-Elect of the National Bar Association (NBA), the nation’s largest network of Black legal professionals. A life member of the NBA and National Bar Institute, she has served in nearly every major leadership role.

Professionally, Ashley leads complex litigation at Silicon Ranch, the nation’s largest independent solar energy producer, and formerly served as Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm – Nashville. A Vanderbilt and Belmont Law graduate, she founded Belmont’s Black Law Students Association. An award-winning advocate and “Tennessee Attorney for Justice” honoree, Ashley’s proudest role is mother to her son, Braylin.

Join Us

Now more than ever, we must strengthen our pipeline programs, support laws that protect marginalized communities, and equip our attorneys with the resources to stand for justice.

Become a Member

NBA members enjoy exclusive discounts, career-enhancing benefits, and access to a national network of 67,000 legal professionals, with membership options tailored to every stage of the profession.

Memberships

Partner with Us

Explore the many upcoming opportunities to partner with the National Bar Association and join us in advancing justice, leadership, and lasting impact.

Partner with Us

Thank you to some of our previous sponsors

The NBA has been a surreal experience thus far. It has exposed me to the legal community in ways I never thought possible so early in my career. It has put me in rooms I would not have otherwise been invited to as a junior associate. This experience has made me realize the value in big law and my value in the legal profession as a whole. Thank you!

Stephanie Bolden