We join associations for a reason:
- To access their benefits e.g. health care or office supplies.
- To network and gain new business.
- To be a part of something positive
For lawyers, to practice law in the State of Michigan, you must be a member of The State Bar of Michigan. In full disclosure, I am an elected member of the Representative Assembly to the State Bar.
Organizations pass policies that not all their members will agree on. Even though those polices may be counter to one's own positions, it is important that an organization's members voices be heard and considered in crafting that position.
For the State Bar of Michigan, there are many positions the Bar takes that not all of its members will agree on. One issue I think most attorneys can agree on, is an organization that will be the standard-bearer of ethics, to hold lawyers accountable for their actions or a place for lawyers to turn to if necessary. See Bill would make State Bar membership dues optional in Michigan, Detroit News.
