Getting Started as a New KBA Member
The Knoxville Bar Association is dedicated to serve the needs of attorneys beginning the practice of law. Involvement in the Knoxville Bar as a new attorney in the legal profession is a great opportunity to build your practice, network in your local community and become a strong lawyer. There is no charge for KBA membership for new lawyers for the first two years of admission. If you are not already a member, please join to take advantage of the many benefits of the Knoxville Bar.
Download a copy of the New Member Guide!
Make the Most out of knoxbar.org
Navigate the KBA's award-winning website, www.knoxbar.org with ease by exploring these simple steps that will show you the ins and outs of the KBA's website. Review the MyKBA Tutorial to take advantage of all of the members only quick links and e-community options.
Get Involved Now!
Continuing Legal Education
CLE FAQs
New Member FAQs
Solo/Small Firm Checklist
Small Law Firm Practice Mentors
The KBA Offers Ample Opportunity
The Knoxville Bar Association has made a point to provide as many methods as possible to keep new lawyers involved and to ensure you grow in your practice. For new lawyers, the Knoxville Bar Association's expertise is a valuable and indispensable asset. We're working hard to ensure that new lawyers have the access to the best of what bar membership can offer, whether it's meeting colleagues, mentors, or developing professionally in the practice of law. Your membership includes an invitation in many exciting networking events and continuing legal education programs, designed to help you feel at home in your new profession. Get involved today! Join a Committee or Section today!
Growing Pains Articles
Type A Personality Traits
By Maegan Carr Martin, Kizer & Gammeltoft, P.C.
The Briefcase
By Courtney Epps, Watson, Roach, Batson, Rowell & Lauderback, P.L.C.
Knoxville Barristers, The Young Lawyers Division
The Knoxville Barristers are lawyers who are members of the Knoxville Bar Association and who are under 36 years of age or who have been practicing law less than five years. Probably no other local bar association and group of young attorneys work harder or have a more diverse list of public service opportunities than those right here in Knoxville. While providing valuable and appreciated public service, these young lawyers have fun enjoying each other and enjoying serving others. Become involved in many membership and community service projects, such as the Hunger & Poverty Relief Committee, Volunteer Breakfast, Habitat for Humanity, Mobile Meals, or the Mock Trial competition for high school students. Or join the Barristers for the regular monthly happy hour open to KBA members. Click here for more information about the Knoxville Barristers and its upcoming events and resources.
New Lawyers Section
Created in January 2018, the New Lawyers Section is comprised of attorneys in their first 3 years of practice. The section will allow attorneys to connect with other attorneys who may not be in the same practice area, but who are new to the legal field and facing similar experiences. The New Lawyers Section includes educational opportunities, networking events, community service projects and e-community options with a comprehensive file-sharing system. Learn more.
Education for You and Your Practice
The Knoxville Bar Association strives to offer quality continuing legal education at discounted member rates so that you can earn quality education while satisfying your CLE requirements. The Knoxville Bar Association offers more than 65 hours of “live” CLE programs each year — all at a discounted price for members. Online CLE options offer KBA members the opportunity to fulfill their CLE requirements from the convenience of their computer at any time of the day. Save on CLE with the KBA's CLE Season Pass exclusively offered to attorneys licensed in the past five years. The CLE Season Pass offers KBA members licensed within the last 10 years the opportunity to get all of their required CLE hours for just $300. Any live or online CLE program sponsored by the KBA is included in the Season Pass. For only $300, the best value in town, you can pay for CLE credits in advance and earn quality CLE through the KBA! Learn More!
Best Educated Bar
KBA members have the option of watching any pre-recorded online CLE program for FREE. More than 85% of our live CLE programs are recorded and are available on the KBA website for viewing. Members who wish to receive CLE credit will be required to pay for the online CLE program but if you just wish to view the program for educational purposes, feel free to watch the recording and even download the course material at no charge. This is a great opportunity for newly licensed attorneys and law student members who wish to view programs on a variety of topics that will help as they settle in to new practice areas. It is also a great chance for members who miss a live program or have to leave early, to watch the program for FREE. The registration process is simple. Go to www.knoxbar.org and click on the CLE tab. Search by course type "Online Videos". Complete the normal registration process and choose the payment option "KBA MBR - No CLE Credit".
Make sure to check out the online courses recorded for the New Lawyers Section. If you do not want CLE credit, just click on the Free-KBA member registration option.
Behind the Clerk's Counter: Tips for Interacting with Court Clerks: Local Rules & Practices
Recorded on July 30, 2018. Approved for 1 hour of General CLE Credit
Drafting Pleadings & Motions to Win
Recorded on March 26, 2018. Approved for .75 hours of General CLE Credit
It's All a Game: How to Win at Trial
Recorded on September 24, 2018. Approved for 1 hour of General CLE Credit
Tips for Avoiding Deposition Disasters
Recorded on June 25, 2018. Approved for 1 hour of General CLE Credit
Starting a Law Practice
Find highlights and important tools, resources and services that you will use throughout your professional career to assist your clients and build your practice. There are several KBA members available through the Mentor for the Moment program who can assist you questions regarding small firm law practice.
Court Appointment Contacts
Learn more about how to accept court appointed cases in Knoxville.
Photo IDs - Security Access - Public Building Authority
Photo IDs Permit Attorneys to bypass security at the City County Building: Attorneys are encourage to obtain a photo ID in order to avoid long waits at the secured entrance to the City County Building. IDs are available through the Public Building Authority at the PBA Access Control/Photo Room, located on the L-1 level of the City County Building. For attorneys, the card is free and requires only a photo ID and BPR Card. For more information contact the Public Building Authority Access Control Room at (865) 215-4203.
Networking Opportunities for You
The Knoxville Bar Association provides various social and networking events to keep you connected. Gain direct access to the latest in legal issues, continuing legal education and networking opportunities through the KBA's Committees and Sections. Learn, share and grow at the KBA's networking events, including the Annual Supreme Court Dinner, Law Practice Today Expo, Annual Meeting, Barristers Golf Tournament, Committee & Section meetings & socials, and much more! Frequently visit our event calendar so you won't miss upcoming events!
Client Development
As a newly licensed attorney you can take advantage of discounted membership in the KBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS). Pay only $50.00 for your LRIS annual membership fee for the first five years you are licensed. We can help customize your panel listings so that you receive the best referrals possible. Your membership dues will allow you to list on up to four separate panels so that you can focus on the practice areas that interest you most. Complete a LRIS application today. If you have questions, please contact LRIS Intake Specialist, Tracy Chain at (865) 522-6522 or tchain@knoxbar.org.
Search and Post to the KBA Classifieds
Looking for a new position or legal services? Search the KBA Career Classifieds! KBA’s Career Classifieds continues to be one of the top hit spots on knoxbar.org. Employers can advertise position openings and search through online résumés to find qualified candidates. Attorneys, legal administrators and legal management support staff can post their résumés online, and job seekers have the ability to search through job advertisements placed by employers. Members can post for free.
Make Yourself at Home at the KBA Office
Downtown and need WiFi access? No problem! As a KBA member, you are welcome to visit the KBA headquarters to access the Internet, use an empty conference room or work in one of our private offices. Make sure that every minute counts! We know you may find yourself downtown with time to spare between hearings or meetings. Use your "free" time between court appearances to keep your practice going.
Member Benefits for KBA Members
In addition to the many resources that are free or discounted with KBA membership, the KBA is pleased to provide you with discounts from vendors that will help cut your expenses. Our support for your law practice begins here with these exclusive member benefits. Save your firm money by taking advantage of discounts from merchants and vendors in the community who offer our members a needed service. The KBA has partnered with local merchants to provide discounts on products and services exclusively to KBA members. We plan to keep adding and updating our benefits to give you the greatest value for your membership. Download a PDF version of the Member Benefits Program.
Questions?
Contact the KBA Office at (865) 522-6522.