Joining the CMBA

CMBA membership is open to attorneys and judges, paralegals, law students and other affiliates.
You must log in to join or renew online.

Why should you join?  Please watch our member testimonials and let our members speak on our behalf.

Join online or check below for the appropriate PDF application for your member type. Some restrictions apply. Contact our Membership Department with any questions.

Yearly membership runs from July 1 thru June 30.

 *The CMBA offers reduced dues (see Schedule B above) for judges, non-residents (living and working outside Cuyahoga County), government attorneys, attorneys practicing part-time, employed by nonprofit organizations or law schools.  To affirm your eligibility, please click  here and complete the form and return it to the CMBA.

Qualifying retired attorneys are eligible at a rate of $50 per year. Retired members are defined as an individual who has been a member of the Bar Association for the last ten years and is now retired from the practice of law.

There is only ONE organization that uniquely supports all Cleveland-area lawyers and brings us together. We look forward to welcoming you. For specific questions, contact the CMBA at 216-696-3525.

You must log in to join or renew online.

If you don't have a login, simply choose "create an account" at the bottom of the login screen. When creating an account, the system will walk you through 3 steps to see if it can locate you in our database. For help or questions, please contact the membership department at 216-696-3525.

Lawyers   (PDF Application)
From solo practices to large firms to courtrooms, membership is available for attorneys practicing in a variety of settings. Membership dues vary depending on the number of years of practice, practice setting and other factors.

Paralegals   (PDF Application)
The CMBA offers a joint membership with the Cleveland Association of Paralegals (CAP). Through this agreement, paralegals enjoy TRIPLE membership for one rate: CMBA, CAP and The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA).

Multiple types of paralegal membership are available, including voting ($105), associate ($85), student ($50), sustaining ($210) and educator ($75). You can sign up for membership using a printable application or online by signing in above. Learn more on our paralegal resources page, or check out CAP directly here.

Law Students   (PDF application)
Current law students enjoy FREE membership. They can participate in various networking opportunities, programs and activities. Students also can join the Young Lawyers Section and/or Women In Law Section at no charge. 

Affiliate Member   (PDF application)
Any person who is not admitted to practice law before the Bar of Ohio or another state or territory of the U.S. and is engaged in employment or self-employment of a law-related nature may apply for status as an affiliate member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association. Two types of affiliate membership are available: professional (non-lawyer who is employed by a law firm, law department, law school, etc.) and adjunct (non-lawyer, not employed by a law firm or department, consistently conducts business with attorneys and legal entities).

The CMBA also has a partnership with the Lorain County Bar Association (LCBA), offering LCBA members the opportunity to join the CMBA at a discounted rate. LCBA members who live and work in Lorain County can join the CMBA for a discounted rate of $100. In turn, CMBA members who live and work in Cuyahoga County can join the LCBA for a discounted rate of $100. Attorneys living in one county but working in another are not eligible for the discounted dual membership. If you are interested in learning more about dual membership, please contact the CMBA at 216-696-3525.