Cook County Bar Association

In 1896, a group of Black lawyers held informal meetings to address discrimination in public accommodations and other racial issues facing Freedman and women during that time. The group later focused on electing representatives, housing and employment. Responding to the need for professionally trained legal minds to challenge civil and moral violations of the law and to promote the principles of equality and justice for all regardless of race, the Cook County Bar Association was born in 1914, making us the oldest bar association of African-American lawyers in the country. For over 100 years, the CCBA has remained steadfast to its origins by opposing injustice, promoting and protecting the civic and legal rights of African-Americans. Fiat justitia.

Since its inception, the Cook County Bar Association (the “CCBA”) has been at the forefront of legal issues of concern to the Black community. During the 1919 Chicago race riots, CCBA members defended Black residents who were unlawfully arrested and initiated civil lawsuits for damages. For over 100 years, the CCBA has aggressively supported the civil, political, and economic rights of the Black community and its members. Through organized activities and individual contributions from its members, the CCBA has held various legal clinics and community forums at various sites and supported by renowned civil rights organizations including Rainbow PUSH, local chapters of the NAACP, and other local groups and churches. The CCBA Foundation provides legal information, resources, and referrals through its monthly legal clinics.