The Young Lawyers Section headed south to the land of bourbon and horse racing to attend the American Bar Association Mid-year Conference in Louisville. Those who attended from this group also represented Michigan at the 2024 Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Delegation. The Delegation serves as the legislative body for young lawyers in the ABA and, as a body, considers various resolutions representing positions to be taken by the YLD.

One of the resolutions considered was HOD177C, proposing an ABA general dues increase of $45, was by far the most controversial of the day. While the resolution passed by a narrow margin by the YLD and a wider margin by the ABA House of Delegates, the question brought debate about the value the ABA brings to its members.

While opposition to the resolution focused on a perception that the benefits received under the current pricing scheme are insufficient, proponents focused on the fact that proposed increase was the first in a decade and would provide an additional $3 million to the ABA coffers. Half of the funds are expressly dedicated to improving member experience.

The price increases vary based on the number of years of experience.

• $120: For members practicing less than five years.
• $195: For members practicing between five and nine years.
• $295: For members practicing between 10 and 14 years.
• $395: For members practicing between 15 and 19 years.
• $495: For members practicing 20 or more years.

It remains to be seen whether the increase will substantively impact the member experience but the additional funding will bring a much-needed pace correction after more than a decade of fixed costs. With inflation on the minds of many Americans, the ABA is not immune to increases in operational costs—and such costs are necessarily passed onto its members.

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Alex Thibodeau (Council Member District III) is a civil litigator, advisor, and community leader in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He currently serves as Director of Gubernatorial Appointments for the Whitmer Administration.