About

Founded in 1982, the National Bar Institute (NBI) was established to advance the understanding and practice of law by expanding access to legal education and strengthening pathways into the legal profession.
In advancing its mission, the National Bar Institute (NBI) focuses on strengthening legal education and supporting students at key stages of their academic and professional development. Through thoughtfully designed programs and partnerships, NBI works to expand access, encourage early engagement with the legal profession, and promote long-term success within the legal education pipeline.

Since its founding, NBI has developed and implemented a variety of impactful initiatives, including:

  • Educational grants that support regional high school students and their chaperones in attending the National Bar Association Annual Convention and participating in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition, providing early exposure to advocacy, critical thinking, and legal education pathways.
  • Strategic support for affiliated legal education and professional development organizations, including national and regional programs that offer academic resources, professional training, and leadership development opportunities for students and emerging legal professionals.
  • Programmatic initiatives and partnerships designed to reduce barriers, strengthen academic preparation, and connect participants with resources that support success throughout their legal education journey.

Together, these efforts reflect NBI’s commitment to cultivating future legal professionals, reinforcing educational excellence, and supporting meaningful engagement across the legal profession.