Have you ever wondered why our organization was originally called a "Society" rather than an association?  Among the reasons was because the term implied something more than just a common interest. It implied a societal friendship that involved interaction with each other.  Today, nearly 49 years later, we must take great pains to avoid losing that perspective for, in that significant way, CLS is unlike many other organizations.  So how can you and I maintain this great benefit of membership?

First, make plans to meet with Christian colleagues or fellow students for fellowship, life-changing speakers, spiritual growth, and professional continuing legal education, locally, regionally and/or nationwide.  In fact, the 2009 Christian Legal Society Annual Conference in San Diego, California from October 15-18, 2009 promises to be a great event. If you've never attended a conference, what better way to start to interact with others from around the country.  Check the website for more information.

Secondly, Attorney chapters and law student chapters provide the growing grass-roots network of attorneys and law students committed to CLS’ mission of "loving and serving Jesus Christ through all they do and say in the practice of law and advocating public justice, biblical conflict reconciliation, religious freedom and the sanctity of human life." CLS local chapters receive all the resources they need to organize, affiliate with CLS, obtain tax-exempt status, and learn how to daily minister to one another and their communities in the context of legal practice.  Join your local chapter.  If you do not have one, why not start one?  We'd like to help.

Finally, many other ministry opportunites exist.  Among those of importance is the opportunity to support CLS’s ministries to the poor and the defenseless (legal aid) or to reach out to local law students to encourage them during a time in their lives that would not otherwise be possible without the voluntary service and charitable support of CLS members.

We are grateful for the love and the good work your presence among us encourages us to accomplish together in the name of Christ.  May He help us all, in our law practices, studies, and daily lives, to follow Him and look out for one another--a high calling that is possible only as we abide in Him. Thanks for standing with others as a member of the Christian Legal Society.