FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I join the FBA?
Click HERE to get started! Note: Required information includes Original Date of Admission to Practice Law (first license).
When I renew, what will be my new membership expiration date?
The FBA membership cycle runs on an effective term of October 1 to September 30, so the 2024-2025 membership term will end on 9/30/2025.
What is the FBA membership year?
The FBA membership cycle runs from October 1st through September 30th. Annual dues for Professional membership categories are pro-rated by the month; membership dues for chapters, sections, and divisions are not pro-rated.
To better serve individuals who are joining late in the membership cycle, we offer extended membership terms starting from June through September that expire the following year.
How much does it cost to join the FBA?
Rates for Professional, Associate, and Student members can be found HERE.
Do I need to belong to the national organization in order to join an FBA chapter?
Yes, membership to the national organization is required, and includes membership to one local chapter or an at-large chapter if no local chapter is available. Members may only belong to one chapter.
How do I know if IL is a 50-minute or 60-minute state?
Illinois is a 60 minute state.
MCLE states determine CLE credit hours by dividing the running time of instructional programs by either 60 or 50 minutes. Each jurisdiction also has different rounding rules in determining credit calculations. Check your jurisdiction’s rule summary for specific details.
Are my FBA membership dues and/or Foundation contribution tax deductible?
Membership dues, contributions or gifts to the FBA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Membership dues may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense.
However, the deductibility of your membership dues is subject to the restrictions imposed as a result of the FBA’s lobbying activities as defined by the Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. The FBA estimates that the nondeductible lobbying portion of your 2024-25 membership dues is 5%.
Do I report my attendance to the state or does the FBA report it?
The Federal Bar Association (FBA) is responsible for diligently submitting attendance credit in the state of Illinois. This important task ensures that members receive due recognition for their participation in various legal education programs and events.
If you are seeking CLE for a state other than Illinois, we can provide you with a letter of attendance you will need to submit to your state’s bar. Reach out to info@fedbarchicago.org to request a letter of attendance. You must have attended the CLE and filled out the necessary forms to receive the letter.
How do I obtain CLE credit for attending a FBA webinar?
Before streaming, you will be directed to a Zoom entry page requesting attendee contact information and state bar information (state + ID #). Attendees must enter state bar information in the entry form, participate in the webinar’s live broadcast for a minimum of 30 minutes, and answer engagement polls during the live stream to receive credit.
The FBA does not administer credit for on-demand viewership, or for those who watch the webinar independent of the original broadcast date and time. Generic certificates will be issued via email within two business days.
When will I receive the Zoom link for a webinar that I signed up for?
Attendees will receive a Zoom streaming link via confirmation email on four separate occassions:
One week before the webinar date and time.
One day prior to the webinar date and time.
One hour prior to the webinar date and time.
10 minutes prior to the webinar date and time.
What do I do if I’m not receiving emails from the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter?
If you aren’t receiving emails from the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, please reach out to Lisa at info@fedbarchicago.org. Lisa will put you in touch with our marketing team at Rizzo Young Marketing, who will add your preferred contact email address to our Squarespace account. If you have previously unsubscribed, Squarespace will send a double opt-in confirmation message requiring your consent prior to resubscribing you to the Squarespace contact list.