How to Become a BPDA Member

We work to serve the needs of the Black defender community, their clients, and the Black community at large. We are always looking for those eager to give back to the Black defender community to join our membership.

The Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) is a section within the National Legal Aid & Defender Association. We are dedicated to the recruitment, support, and development of Black defenders that advocate on behalf of indigent populations in the legal system. We recognize the extreme over-representation of low-income Black people in the legal system, and the under-representation of Black advocates in the public defense profession. Our goal is to promote diversity and inclusion within public defender community.

Here’s a few ways you can become a BPDA member:

  • Online: Register and pay for your membership on NLADA’s website: www.nlada.org/become-a-member. You must first become a member of NLADA and then select “BPDA” under Section Affiliation.
  • Mail: Submit your individual membership application with payment via check. You can also pay online at nlada.org/eweb.
  • Special conference rate: Your NLADA membership fee is included in the conference registration fee and you can add a BPDA membership for only $50.

Cost:

  • BPDA membership: $50
  • NLADA individual membership:
        • Attorney: $100
        • Non-Attorney Professional: $60
        • Student/Fellow: $35
        • Client: $20

Questions? 

Contact membership@nlada.org to find out if your agency is a program member of NLADA, or for any other questions related to your membership!