Page 517 - 2024 Orientation Manual

It is important to keep these Objects and Purposes and this Mission

Statement in mind in considering the impact of the Keller decision on unified state

bar associations.

II. Unified Bars

A unified bar, also known as an integrated or mandatory bar, is defined as an

association of attorneys in which membership and dues are required as a condition

of practicing law in a state. The unification movement began in 1921 when the

State Bar Association of North Dakota became unified. There are currently

thirty-two unified state bars and eighteen voluntary bars. In addition, unified bars

exist in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

Some jurisdictions, such as North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, have both

unified and voluntary bar associations. [See attached Map.]

The Louisiana State Bar Association became unified in 1941.

In 1992, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reinstated the integrated bar, stating

that a unified association composed of all persons licensed to practice law in the

state is best suited to meet the lawyers’ professional obligations to the public and

to the legal profession itself. Members of the legal profession have a duty to

promote the public interest, as well as the interests of their individual clients. A

significant aspect of the public’s interest is the efficient and effective

administration of justice. It is necessary that lawyers join in a common effort to

carry out this duty. "Acting as one," the Court said, "the members of the legal

profession constitute a powerful force to further the improvement of the legal

system, its courts and its practitioners." 1

1 In Matter of State Bar Of Wisconsin, 169 Wis.2d 21, 485 N.W.2d 225, 226 (1992).

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