If you are already a member and received this nonmember edition of the Bar Bell in error, please let us know. T he Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association works tirelessly to advocate for the profession and promote the image of lawyers. Need more reasons to join? See below, and join by December 31 and get a $30.00 discount.
  Our CLE program is active, comprehensive, and affordable. Members taking advantage of SMBA CLE programming save hundreds of dollars with member discounts. Our SMBA CLE offerings include:               

• Monthly CLE Lunch: In 2016 this members- only series will include presentations by Tom Strong, the Honorable Douglas Harpool and other leaders from the Bench and Bar. 
• CLE Seminars: 2016 seminars will include the annual SMBA CLE Hour by Hour, ethics offerings and “Hot Topics in Federal Practice & Lunch with Federal District Judges.”  Member savings on these SMBA CLE seminars exceed annual dues by attending only one seminar.
• SMBA Bar Brew - Thirdsty Thursday: New in 2016. SMBA members can join their colleagues for an after work CLE at the Brew Co. from 5:10-6:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Bar Brew is hosted by the Young Lawyers of the SMBA, but they hope all SMBA members will take advantage of this networking and continuing education opportunity. Topics will range from legal issues in the headlines to judges panels to nuts and bolts practice primers. After the presentation, Springfield Brewing Co. provides the perfect venue to enjoy dinner and a bit of good cheer with your colleagues, and to sweeten the deal, the Brew Co. is offering a 10% discount to SMBA members. Member registration for the Bar Brew series is half the nonmember price. 

  Members receive our print newsletter,  The Bar News, and complimentary member directories on request (next printing scheduled for early 2016)

The SMBA receives hundreds of calls and online inquiries every week from individuals needing legal assistance. SMBA members can sign up in one or more of the 64 referral panels for only $75.00 a year with discounts on enrollment for multiple panels. learn more/ panels and rules of service

As a member, you have the advantage of meeting and networking with other lawyers and judges while attending association events, activities and committees. The bar is also offers law related community service for interested members.

SMBA members have access to the SMBA board and conference rooms for client meetings, depositions or mediation. ( more information)

SMBA members receive discounts on member mailing labels, ads in the Bar News and Bar Bell and other promotional opportunities throughout the year.