Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

Member Eligibility

In accordance with AILA Bylaws, any attorney, excepting a person in the employ of the Government of the United States (but for attorneys in the employ of the Federal Public Defenders, or federal court-appointed private counsel) or of the labor department, employment service or like body of any state, territory or subdivision thereof, is eligible to be a Member of this Association if such attorney:

Review and Admission

Once the AILA National Office receives a completed application and payment, the applicant's eligibility is determined, and his/her name will be entered onto a roster of Pending members. National Office review normally takes between two and four weeks, and Pending applicants are notified by the National Office. If the application is deemed ineligible for membership, dues are fully refunded. Pending applicant information is forwarded to the local chapter, which has 90 days to raise an objection to any applicant. If no objection is raised after 90 days the applicant is accepted as an Approved Member of AILA. If the local chapter raises an objection, the applicant will be notified, and his/her information will be forwarded to the Membership Committee for further review.

Law Student Eligibility

• Law student membership is open to full-time law students that attend an accredited law school.
• Applicants must provide proof of their current student status with a full course of study in a law program at an American Bar Association accredited institution (e.g. a letter from the Registrar's office or a transcript) with the application.
• Once an application is received the processing time can take up to two weeks.

Paralegal/Support Staff Eligibility

• Paralegals and other support staff who work for AILA member attorneys are eligible to create an account on AILA.org to gain access to the AILA paralegals portal on AILA.org.
• Access is good for one year, then must be renewed each year thereafter.

International Associate Eligibility

• Persons residing and practicing outside the United States who are otherwise ineligible for membership in the Association may apply for International Associate status.
• Applicants must prove their eligibility to become an International Associate of the association by submitting a certificate of good standing of the attorney licensing body of the country in which they reside and practice.
• International Associates shall also sign a renewal eligibility attestation each year.
• Once the AILA National Office receives a completed application and payment, the applicant's eligibility is determined, his/her name will be entered onto a roster of International Associates. The National Office notifies International Associate applicants of acceptance, usually within 30 days of receipt of application. If the application is not approved, dues are fully refunded.
• According to AILA bylaws, eligible individuals include, any attorney, at the time of application is in good standing with, and for three years immediately preceding application has not been suspended or disbarred by, any court, mandatory bar association, administrative agency or other disciplinary authority; is licensed to practice law and is a member in good standing of the bar of any state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia and, if engaged in the practice of law, is so engaged in compliance with the law applicable in every place where the attorney maintains an office for the practice of law.

Government Eligibility

• Government employees are not eligible to join under AILA Bylaws but can register for access to certain documents on AILA’s website.