Young Lawyers Division
The YLD is a dynamic community and professional service organization of the State Bar of Arizona, specifically created for new lawyers who are under thirty-seven (37) years of age or have been in practice for five (5) years or less. Presently, the Division has approximately 4,000 active members in the state, which constitutes nearly 28% of the total in-state active Bar membership. With a membership this large, you may be asking yourself, "How do I get involved?" The answer is simple... join a YLD committee! Reach out to the YLD president for information. To view board member contact information, click here.
The YLD recently completed work on a Disaster Assistance Manual which, according to the manual's introduction, "was created to equip volunteer attorneys with the information they need to effectively provide pro bono services following a disaster. The manual may be read quickly and we encourage you to read the document in its entirety to familiarize yourself with the Young Lawyers Division's volunteer program."
vLex/Fastcase (Free online legal research)
Do you need tips on how to use vLex/Fastcase, your free member benefit?
Helplines - Answers to your questions are just a call away
Practice 2.0 - Practice Management Help
Whether you are just setting up your practice (alone or with others) or are now trying to grow your practice, make improvements or just have it run more efficiently, Practice 2.0, the Bar's practice management advice program, is here for you. Click here to check out our resources, forms, practice tools and more. Then call us at 602.340.7332 for our advice line or to book a consultation by phone or in person.
Another service offered by Practice 2.0 is a free, confidential review of your fee agreement with advice on how to improve it.
Trust Account Helpline
Learning how to operate a trust account for the first time can be intimidating. Attorneys experienced in handling trust accounts and doing three-way reconciliations are available to assist you and answer your questions. If you have questions about setting up or managing your trust account call the Trust Account Helpline at 602.340.7305 or email iolta@staff.azbar.org. Calls are free and confidential.
Also, find a comprehensive Trust Account manual, some basic FAQs and a list of Approved Financial Institutions.
Member Assistance Program
Wondering if you might have a problem? Whether it is substance use or mental health concerns that are interfering with your ability to practice and life your life to the fullest, we can help you find peer support, a 12-step group or resources to get back on track. Visit the Member Assistance Program page or helpline for free, confidential support, including A Lawyers Guide to Choosing a Mental Health Therapist, a list of resources or a list of peer support volunteers that are ready and willing to help. Call us at 602.340.7334 for our advice line.
Networking Events
Social nights are held about once a month at various locations throughout the valley. This is a great opportunity for new members to network with experienced lawyers, sister organizations, and corporate sponsors. To view upcoming events, click here.
Employment Assistance
Looking for the next step in your legal career? Find advice and tips to look for and secure the job.
Sample Résumé and Cover Letter
Mentorship Program
Learn from more experienced lawyers. Finding a good mentor is the #1 tip for succeeding in the practice of law. The State Bar of Arizona has a 6 month and 12 month formal volunteering program as well as a Lawyer Down The Hall program to ask a quick question in your practice area. Take advantage of the knowledge and skills of a senior lawyer by applying to be a mentee.
Pro Bono Service
Members of the State Bar of Arizona Young Lawyers Division give an exceptional amount of time and energy to pro bono legal services and other volunteer opportunities in Arizona.
Financial Wellness: Videos for Newer Lawyers
NEW! Tips for Managing Debt - New to the practice of law? Do you have law school debt? For some tips to get (and keep) you on the right track, please check out this video. (It's not CLE, but this information will help you!)
NEW! Bring Balance to Your Budget - Struggling with balancing your day-to-day needs with paying off law school debt? Check out these (non-CLE) videos: Part One & Part Two.
For more information about the YLD, please contact:
Sarah Schneider
4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85016-6266
602.340.7314