About Us

Greetings from Our President

As President of The Barristers’ Association, I’m honored to welcome you to a community rooted in excellence, advocacy, and connection. For 75 years, our organization has championed Black legal professionals, advanced justice, and cultivated spaces where tradition meets transformation.
As is our custom and the calling of our profession, in the face of challenges we do not flinch. We rise.
We rise by mentoring the next generation of legal minds.
We rise by curating programs that educate, empower, and inspire.
We rise by building coalitions, honoring legacy, and speaking truth to power.
This year, our events will reflect that commitment—from CLEs to sharpen our skills to discussions that challenge the status quo and gatherings that celebrate our resilience and brilliance. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or a new member finding your voice, there’s a place for you here.

Explore, engage, and stand with us as we continue to shape a more just and inclusive legal landscape.
In solidarity and service,

Samanatha J. Fitzpatrick, Esq.
2025-26 President

Our Mission

Today, The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. continues to provide a very important and unique role for its members by providing a forum for discussion and dissemination of information of matters of particular interest to Black attorneys and the Philadelphia Black community at large. Our membership now encompasses a network of approximately 1,000 lawyers and jurists who serve society at the highest positions in both the private and public sectors of the legal profession. As an affiliate of the National Bar Association, the Barristers’ Association is an active participant in a community of practicing Black lawyers, judges and law students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Our History

1950's

Establishment

Established in 1950 to address the professional needs and development of Black lawyers in the City of Philadelphia through programs such as seminars, cultural events and publications.

1950's

1973's

Racial Discrimination Elimination

Members of the Barristers’ Association served on the Liacouras Commission, which investigated ways to eliminate racial discrimination in bar admission procedures.

1973's

1978's

Addition to Voter Registration Pools

The Barristers’ Association joined other concerned groups in filing an action against the Philadelphia Registration Commission which resulted in the addition of 50,000 Philadelphians to the voter registration pools.

1978's

1983's

Merit Selection of Judges

The Barristers’ Association provided testimony before the Pennsylvania State Legislature on the issue of the merit selection of judges.

1983's

Today

Youth Awareness & Career Opportunities Promotion

In more recent years, the Barristers’ Association has sponsored or participated in activities that promoted youth awareness and career opportunities in the legal profession, and increased citizens’ awareness of their rights under the law. Scholarships to minority law students at local law schools are awarded annually to further encourage and support Black students in their pursuit of a degree in law. Continuing Legal Education seminars and political education forums have been offered to members of the Barristers’ Association to facilitate professional development and political awareness

Today