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The new ACBA “bar year” is upon us with Section meetings, networking events and other ACBA action picking up. Have you renewed your membership? 

If you’ve let your dues lapse, no worries. The ACBA has granted a grace period for members to renew. But don’t wait, or you’ll miss out on all that ACBA membership has to offer.

All ACBA members should have received an email containing a link where you can renew your membership for the 2025-26 bar year. For a snapshot of the benefits of becoming an ACBA member, click below. If you do not receive the email or have questions, email staff@acba.org.

The ACBF Lawyers’ Fund Fellowship, the John A. Meehan Citizenship Institute Fund, and the John P. Gismondi Certified Law Student Fellowship are now accepting applications for the ACBF’s Law Student Summer Fellowship Program, which awards summer fellowships to second-year law students for work at participating public interest organizations that offer free legal services to residents of Allegheny County with low incomes.

All applicants must meet all eligibility criteria and have completed their second year of law school and must be eligible to be certified to appear in court pursuant to Pa. Bar Admission Rule 321. The program will run from May 25 to July 31, 2026. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Nov. 2.

Clients trust your firm to keep their data safe. With 8am LawPay, you (and your clients) can rest assured that data is protected with military-grade encryption. But 8am LawPay also understands that you may have questions about data security. In 8am LawPay’s “Secure Your Success” e-book, they’ll cover everything from cloud computing to tips for leveling up your cybersecurity and help answer any lingering questions you may have.

The Allegheny County Bar Foundation held its first meeting of the year last month, and in the below video, ACBF President Bryan Neft recaps various happenings within the Foundation. Specifically he covers IOLTA Funding, the upcoming Fall Foundation Reception, Pro Bono Rocks and Fellows GIVE events happening throughout the fall.

The Pittsburgh Legal Community’s most rockin’ tradition returns after a 12-year-hiautus. “Pro Bono Rocks” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the City Winery in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Enjoy as local rock bands featuring ACBA members perform a concert to benefit the ACBF Pro Bono Center, which provides crucial legal services to Allegheny County individuals with low incomes. The lineup includes: 

• Centralians – Featuring Alex Loverich Bernard
• The Dead End Streets – Featuring Alex Hershey
• Repo Man – Featuring Patrick Nightingale

The ACBA Partners at Key Bank are inviting members and/or their nonprofit clients free workshop – “Increasing Donor Engagement in Today’s Digital World” – on Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Duquesne Club. The program will explore ways to connect with donors in an increasingly virtual world. Click below for additional details, or contact Kim Cantalamessa at kim_cantalamessa@keybank.com.

All members are invited to a retention election campaign fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Omni William Penn Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. Organized by the ACBA Judicial Excellence Committee (PAC), the event is designed to support the retention election campaign for the following Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judges:

• Hon. Alan D. Hertzberg – Civil Division
• Hon. Beth A. Lazzara – Criminal Division
• Hon. Jennifer McCrady – Family Division
• Hon. Hugh F. McGough – Orphans’ Court
• Hon. Dan D. Regan – Civil Division
• Hon. Dwayne D. Woodruff – Family Division

During the ACBA’s annual elections this spring, members of the ACBA overwhelming voted to recommend these six judges for retention. These judges will face the electorate in a yes-no referendum during the Pa. general election on Tuesday, Nov. 4. This event is designed to raise funds for the campaign to keep these qualified judges on the bench.

The ACBF is accepting Letters of Inquiry for legal aid grants to fund programs that provide direct pro bono counsel to low-income clients and/or promote the public understanding, interest, and support of legal-related issues. This year, the program is offering six fixed-amount grant awards at $10,000 and asks applicants to submit a letter of inquiry; approved LOIs will be invited to deliver a live pitch to the Fellows for consideration.

Deadline for Letters of Inquiry is Thursday, Sept. 12. LOIs must be submitted online via the button below. For more information, contact Stephanie Selya at 412-402-6674 or sselya@acba.org.

The Allegheny County Bar Foundation’s annual Fall Foundation Reception is slated for Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Hotel Monaco. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and volunteer recognition in celebration of the work of the ACBF and its 45th Anniversary.