• State bar associations help shape and improve the legal community. These organizations provide education for lawyers, networking opportunities and moral support when needed. State bar associations also work to ensure that lawyers are practicing law in an ethical manner and are sometimes involved in disciplinary action when lawyers violate rules.
  
  

The State Bar of California

• The State Bar of California, founded in 1927, is part of the California Supreme Court. The association boasts more than 200,000 licensed lawyers who have passed the bar exam. The group promotes the ethical practice of law within the state. The association has an ethics hotline, which allows members to receive advice based on the rules, opinions and case law that applies to their problem. In addition, lawyers who have substance abuse or other problems can receive help from the association's Lawyer Assistance Program. When lawyers do not practice law in an ethical manner, the State Bar of California is charged with investigating their conduct and, when appropriate, recommending sanctions. In some cases, these lawyers may avoid being suspended or disbarred and can attend the organization's ethics school, where they become re-educated about the ethical standards that govern the profession.
  
  

Ohio State Bar Association

• The Ohio State Bar Association is made up of legal professionals around the state, including practicing lawyers, judges, law students, paralegals and paralegal students who have been sponsored by a lawyer member of the association. The association was founded in 1880 and has more than 31,000 members. Members of the association benefit from an online legal research service, continuing legal education courses, publications, such as the Ohio Lawyer and the OSBA Report, Internet discussion groups and insurance benefits. In addition, the association also offers publications specifically for their paralegal and law student members.
  
  

New Jersey State Bar Association

• The New Jersey State Bar Association, also known as the NJSBA, works to enhance the practice of law around the state and advocates on behalf of its members' interests. The organization provides continuing legal education seminars and support groups. In addition, members receive discounts on services and products such as Internet seminars, magazine subscriptions, computer software, shipping services and office supplies.