History of the Bucks Bar

The Bucks County Bar Association (BCBA) is one of the oldest bar associations in the United States of America. The first courts held in Bucks County were those established by William Penn, as early as 1683 when the first Provincial Assembly divided the state into Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester counties.

In 1853, seventeen members of the Bucks County bar met and formed the Association of the Bar of Bucks County, an organization comprised of legal practitioners.

Incorporated in 1883 with 40 charter members, the Bucks County Bar Association initially concerned itself with the welfare of the judicial system, the courts, the administration of justice, service to the public and the betterment of the profession. As the population of the county grew at a dramatic rate, so too did the number of members in the Association.

Today, the BCBA has over 800 members. Since the mid 1900’s the BCBA has established a legal journal, The Bucks County Law Reporter,  created a lawyer referral and information service program; sponsored a local chapter of the Legal Aid Society; implemented a mock trial program for local high schools, and  founded the Bucks County Bar Foundation, a charitable arm of the BCBA. At present, the BCBA has over 30 different committees, sections and divisions each actively working to further the purposes of the bar association.

The mission of the BCBA is to promote and support programs, organizations, and individuals throughout Bucks County who are engaged in activities designed to foster respect for the rule of law, the advancement of rights, liberties and protections under the law as well as activities which have as a principal purpose the advancement of social justice for the individuals, families and communities of Bucks County. The BCBA aims to uphold legal and ethical standards in the legal community. For members, the BCBA offers an important platform for education, professional development and networking.  For the community, the BCBA serves as a resource offering education, legal assistance and financial resources for community members demonstrating need.