FAQs

How do I become a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA)?
How do I update my member information?
How do I add an additional section membership?
What kind of insurance is available to MBA members?
How do I know if an attorney is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
How do I know if an attorney is in good standing in Massachusetts?
As an attorney, where can I get a Certificate of Good Standing (usually needed to “waive in” to another state)?
Where do I call to find out if an attorney has any grievances/complaints filed against him or her?
How do I file a complaint against an attorney?
How does one get admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts?
How do I find an attorney?
Where do I get information on bar exams or bar exam results?
How do I obtain information on the Massachusetts IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Account) program?
How much does it cost to attend a Continuing Legal Education seminar?
Is Massachusetts a mandatory continuing legal education state?

How do I become a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA)?
Join online or contact the Member Service Center via phone at (617) 338-0530, toll-free at (877) 676-6500.
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How do I update my member information?
To update your address, telephone number, e-mail address, billing information, etc., e-mail [e-mail membership] or call (617) 338-0530.

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How do I add an additional section membership?
All members receive complimentary membership in one section of his or her choice. Members who are in practice 10 years or less also receive complimentary membership in the New Lawyers Section. Membership in additional sections is optional, at a fee of $50 per section. To join a section, call the Member Service Center at (617) 338-0530, or send an e-mail to membership.
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What kind of insurance is available to MBA members?
The MBA offers many insurance products. Visit the MBA Insurance Agency for details.
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How do I know if an attorney is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
The Board of Bar Overseers is the licensing entity for practicing attorneys for Massachusetts. The BBO can be reached online at www.state.ma.us/obcbbo/bboreg or by phone at (617) 728-8800.
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How do I know if an attorney is in good standing in Massachusetts?
Contact the Board of Bar Overseers online at www.state.ma.us/obcbbo/bboreg or by phone at (617) 728-8800.
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As an attorney, where can I get a Certificate of Good Standing (usually needed to “waive in” to another state)?
A Certificate of Good Standing can obtained by contacting the Supreme Judicial Court Clerk’s Office for Suffolk County online www.sjccountyclerk.com or by phone at (617) 557-1050.
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Where do I call to find out if an attorney has any grievances/complaints filed against him or her?
For lists of all current disciplinary decisions online, contact the Board of Bar Overseers (www.state.ma.us/obcbbo/decisions.htm). You also may find out if an attorney has any grievances/complaints filed against him or her by calling (617) 728-8800.
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How do I file a complaint against an attorney?
Contact the Board of Bar Overseers online at www.state.ma.us/obcbbo/complaint.htm or by calling (617) 728-8750.
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How does one get admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts?
Detailed information about admissions can be obtained online from the Supreme Judicial Court Clerk's Office at www.sjccountyclerk.com/admissions.html .
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How do I find an attorney?
The Massachusetts Bar Association can help you find an attorney or legal resource to meet your needs with the MBA’s Lawyer Referral Service. Contact the MBA LRS online or call (617) 654-0400 or toll-free in-state at (866) 627-7577.
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Where do I get information on bar exams or bar exam results?
Contact the Board of Bar Examiners online at www.state.ma.us/bbe/ or by phone at (617) 482-4466.
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How do I obtain information on the Massachusetts IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Account) program?
Attorneys interested in information on IOLTA accounts should look online at www.maiolta.org/. The Massachusetts Bar Foundation’s IOLTA Grants Program awards more than 100 grants to non-profit organizations in Massachusetts whose programs either provide civil legal services to the state’s low-income population or improve the administration of justice in the commonwealth.
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How much does it cost to attend a Continuing Legal Education seminar?
Continuing Legal Education seminars are sponsored by MBA sections and are offered throughout the year. Pricing is as follows:
- Sponsoring MBA section member - $80
- MBA member category: paralegal, law student, recently admitted - $40
- MBA member - $115; non-member - $160
Click here for a complete listing of CLE seminars/events.

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Is Massachusetts a mandatory continuing legal education state?
No, however you may obtain credits for some professional liability insurance programs or credits for requirements in other mandatory continuing legal education states.
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