Puerto Rico Bar Association
Encyclopedia
The Puerto Rico Bar Association or Colegio de Abogados de Puerto Rico was founded in the 19th century and has evolved into an organization in which until 2009; all practicing attorneys must have been members in order to practice law in the United States territory of Puerto Rico
. Previously, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico
has carved out at least one exception by allowing several Federal judges to voluntarily withdraw from the organization.
The Bar Association, headquartered in the Miramar section of San Juan, Puerto Rico
operates a number of programs, including a pro bono
legal services program, offers life insurance to its members and makes its meeting rooms available to community organizations.
The Association holds its annual convention in the month of September, when its president and board of directors are elected by those physically present.
Legislation has been introduced to convert it into a voluntary membership organization, similar to the American Bar Association
or the Federal Bar Association
. Other bills have been filed to allow the election of the president by mail-in referendum, rather than an assembly where physical presence is required.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. Previously, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico
Supreme Court of Puerto Rico
The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico is the highest court of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, having judicial authority within Puerto Rico to interpret and decide questions of Commonwealth law. As the highest body of the judicial branch of the Puerto Rican government, it is analogous to one of the...
has carved out at least one exception by allowing several Federal judges to voluntarily withdraw from the organization.
The Bar Association, headquartered in the Miramar section of San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
operates a number of programs, including a pro bono
Pro bono
Pro bono publico is a Latin phrase generally used to describe professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment or at a reduced fee as a public service. It is common in the legal profession and is increasingly seen in marketing, technology, and strategy consulting firms...
legal services program, offers life insurance to its members and makes its meeting rooms available to community organizations.
The Association holds its annual convention in the month of September, when its president and board of directors are elected by those physically present.
Legislation has been introduced to convert it into a voluntary membership organization, similar to the American Bar Association
American Bar Association
The American Bar Association , founded August 21, 1878, is a voluntary bar association of lawyers and law students, which is not specific to any jurisdiction in the United States. The ABA's most important stated activities are the setting of academic standards for law schools, and the formulation...
or the Federal Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
The Federal Bar Association is the primary voluntary professional organization for private and government lawyers and judges practicing and sitting in federal courts in the United States.-Background:...
. Other bills have been filed to allow the election of the president by mail-in referendum, rather than an assembly where physical presence is required.