The following tiers are available for the 2026 calendar year:

• New Admittee: $0
• Law Student: $0
• Hardship: $0
• Recent Graduate: $50
• Government, Non-Profit, or Public Interest: $50
• Emeritus / Retired Bar: $50
• Minority Bar: $90
• Affiliate: $90
• Non-Attorney: $120
• Regular: $130
• Lifetime: $1,350 (one-time)

Start with our two-minute Membership Quiz, which will recommend a tier based on your answers. You can also review the tier-by-tier questions on this page. If you're still unsure — or your situation doesn't fit neatly into one tier — email the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org for personalized guidance.

Membership provides immediate financial savings, exclusive access, and long-term professional value. For most members, dues are fully offset or exceeded by the value of membership benefits.

Discounted Event Pricing

Members receive reduced pricing on all Queen's Bench events. Members, on average, save up to $50 per year on business development events such as networking mixers compared to the general public. For our spring and fall signature events such as our Galas and dinners, members receive presale access and lower ticket pricing not available to the general public. Most members recover their annual dues through one or two events alone.

Presale and Early Access

Members receive exclusive presale access to high-demand events before tickets are released to the public, enabling members to gain priority admission to limited-capacity events.

Free or Low-Cost MCLEs

Members receive free or significantly discounted MCLE programming. On average, members pay 75% less than the general public on MCLEs. Most of our MCLEs are also “funky credit” MCLEs — credits that are traditionally difficult to readily register for due to specialty requirements for MCLEs imposed by the State Bar of California.

Member-Only Opportunities

The bar association also offers benefits available exclusively to members, including access to our members-only job board, the ability to join and lead our committees, participation in our mentorship program as a mentor or mentee, and priority consideration for speaking, writing, and panel opportunities at Queen's Bench programs. Members are also eligible for leadership service, including committee chair positions and, in accordance with our bylaws, service on the Board of Directors.

Business Development & Networking

Throughout the year, Queen's Bench hosts networking mixers, business development programs, and signature events — including our Judges' Dinner and Past Presidents Dinner — that connect you with women attorneys, judges, and law students across the San Francisco Bay Area. These relationships generate referrals, mentorship, and professional visibility that pay dividends across a career.

Long-Term Membership Value

As one of the first ten women's bar associations founded in the United States, membership enables you to directly be part of an over-a-century-old tradition of promoting equality and opportunity in the legal profession and the San Francisco Bay Area legal community.

No. Queen's Bench welcomes all members of the legal community — of every gender — who support our mission of advancing women in the legal profession and promoting equality in the law.

Membership follows the calendar year, January 1 through December 31. Annual tiers with dues renew automatically on January 1, while the New Admittee, Law Student, and Hardship tiers do not renew automatically, and Lifetime memberships never require renewal. Renewal reminders are emailed to all members and contacts each December and January, and you may review your membership at any time through the Member Portal.

An email is sent to all Queen's Bench members and contacts in December and January of each year regarding membership renewals and status. Direct membership inquiries may also be sent to the Membership Committee at any time at membership@queensbench.org.

Queen's Bench Bar Association is a 501(c)(6) organization, so membership dues are not deductible as charitable contributions. Depending on your circumstances, dues may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense; please consult your tax preparer. If you wish to make a charitable gift, the Queen's Bench Foundation is our 501(c)(3) sister organization and would be honored by your support.

To be eligible for a New Admittee membership in 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

• You were admitted to the State Bar of California;
• You are in good standing with the State Bar; and
• Your admission date was during either the 2025 or 2026 calendar year.

Members are required to provide their State Bar number at the time of joining/renewing their membership to verify their eligibility status.

Your membership lasts from the date you are formally admitted to the State Bar of California through the end of your first full calendar year of practice.

For example, if you passed the July 2025 California Bar Exam and took your attorney's oath in December 2025, you would be a New Admittee through December 31, 2026. If you pass the February 2026 California Bar Exam and took your attorney oath in May 2026, you would be a New Admittee through December 31, 2027.

No. You are no longer eligible and will need to register for a different membership tier in 2026. Many former New Admittees qualify for the Recent Graduate tier.

Not yet. You must be fully admitted to the State Bar of California to register as a New Admittee. You should register as a Law Student member instead.

Possibly. New Admittee status with Queen's Bench is dependent upon your admission to the State Bar of California and not another jurisdiction's bar association. Please contact the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org to confirm your eligibility status.

You may join any committee like all other Queen's Bench members. However, the Board of Directors will automatically register you for the Mentorship Committee so you can meet our attorney mentors at the start of your career. We encourage New Admittees to attend Mentorship Committee meetings to learn more about our bar association.

To be eligible for a Law Student membership in 2026, you must generally be enrolled in a professional law degree program during at least one quarter or semester of the 2026 calendar year.

If you are studying to become an attorney, your Law Student membership commences upon your enrollment in law school through the date when the State Bar of California publishes the California Bar Exam Pass List featuring your name, subject to a grace period if you are becoming an attorney.

If you are studying to become a paralegal or legal assistant, your Law Student membership commences upon:

• Your enrollment in a high school or GED program, through completion of your third year of supervised legal work under an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of California;
• Your enrollment in an undergraduate program, through completion of your first year of supervised legal work under an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of California; or
• Your enrollment in a paralegal studies program (including certificate programs), through the date of conferral for your Paralegal Certificate or the end of your first year of supervised legal work under an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of California, whichever occurs first.

All three periods outlined above, like the attorney path, are subject to a grace period.

Any JD, LLM, or paralegal certificate program is considered a professional law degree program.

Undergraduate students who are pursuing a paralegal career track may also enroll as Law Student members if they are in the progress of completing their undergraduate degree, through the end of their first year of legal work supervised by an attorney licensed via the State Bar of California.

High school graduates who are pursuing a paralegal career track may also enroll as Law Student members if they are in the progress of completing their high school diploma, through the end of their third year of legal work supervised by an attorney licensed via the State Bar of California.

No, if you are a JD or LLM graduate. Graduates who have not yet passed the California Bar Exam should remain enrolled as Law Student members.

Potentially yes, if you are a paralegal studies graduate or have completed the requirements to become a paralegal under the alternate pathways available for high school and college graduates listed above. As there are multiple pathways to becoming a paralegal in the State of California without obtaining a certificate, please contact the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org for personalized guidance on an appropriate membership tier.

Yes. So long as you remain enrolled in the dual-degree program, and at least one degree in your program is a law degree, you may remain a Law Student member — even if none of your courses in a given quarter or semester are law-related courses. Your Law Student membership lasts through your enrollment in your dual-degree program, subject to the deadlines stated above.

Yes, you may enroll as a Law Student member during your period of enrollment in a California law school or degree program.

You may join any committee like all other Queen's Bench members. However, the Board of Directors will automatically register you for the Mentorship Committee so you can meet our attorney mentors at the start of your career. We encourage Law Student members to attend Mentorship Committee meetings to learn more about our bar association.

Anyone who would otherwise join under a paid tier but is currently unable to afford dues due to financial hardship — for example, a job loss or period of underemployment, a medical or family circumstance, or another significant financial constraint. Hardship memberships are offered at no cost so that finances are never a barrier to remaining part of the Queen's Bench community.

A brief statement of hardship submitted along with your application. A few sentences describing your circumstances is sufficient; supporting documentation is not required.

Yes. Statements are reviewed on a confidential basis by the Membership Committee and are not shared with the general membership.

Yes. Hardship members are full members of Queen's Bench and receive every membership benefit, including member event pricing, presale access, and free or discounted MCLEs.

Hardship membership lasts through the end of the calendar year and does not renew automatically. If your circumstances continue into the following year, you are welcome to reapply with a new statement of hardship. If your circumstances improve, simply select the tier that fits you at your next renewal — no mid-year adjustment is required.

Please don't hesitate. Careers in the law include transitions, and supporting members through them is exactly why this tier exists. Your request will be handled discreetly and without judgment.

You must be an attorney within two to five years of your law school graduation. For the 2026 membership year, this generally means members of the law school Classes of 2021 through 2024.

Because your first stretch of practice is typically covered by our free New Admittee tier, which runs from your admission to the State Bar of California through the end of your first full calendar year of practice. The Recent Graduate tier picks up where New Admittee status leaves off, easing you toward Regular dues. If you happen to qualify for both tiers in a given year, choose New Admittee — it's free.

Not yet. Recent Graduate membership is for admitted attorneys. If you are still awaiting bar passage, remain enrolled as a free Law Student member — see the Law Student questions above.

Either — both are $50. Many members in this position choose the Government, Non-Profit, or Public Interest tier because it is not time-limited, but the choice is yours.

You'll move to the tier that fits your circumstances at your next renewal — Regular for most attorneys, or a specialty tier such as Government, Non-Profit, or Public Interest; Minority Bar; or Affiliate if you qualify.

Yes, on January 1 each year. Please glance at your membership level each renewal season; if you have aged out of eligibility, select your new tier when renewing, or contact the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org and we will help you switch.

An attorney who works for a government agency, non-profit organization, legal services organization, or other public interest employer. This includes, for example, attorneys at federal, state, and local agencies; district attorney, public defender, city attorney, and county counsel offices; the courts; legal aid and legal services organizations; and non-profit organizations.

Yes, if you are an admitted attorney — courts are government employers. (If you are not yet admitted, please see the Law Student or Non-Attorney questions instead.)

Yes. Judges, commissioners, and other judicial officers are warmly welcome to join under this tier.

Yes. If your employer is a non-profit organization, you qualify regardless of your practice area.

Generally, your primary employment controls. If your situation is mixed — for example, part-time government work alongside a private practice — contact the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org for personalized guidance.

Your membership remains valid through December 31 regardless of a mid-year job change. Simply select the tier that matches your new position at your next renewal.

Not routinely, though the Membership Committee may follow up to confirm eligibility. We ask members to select this tier in good faith.

An attorney who (1) has been a Queen's Bench member for fifteen years and (2) has retired from the legal profession.

No — your fifteen years may be cumulative. If you're unsure how many years you've been a member, contact the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org and we will review our records with you.

Generally, that you are no longer actively practicing law — for example, you have transferred to inactive status with the State Bar of California or have otherwise concluded your legal career. If you maintain a limited practice, such as occasional pro bono work, contact the Membership Committee to confirm your eligibility.

Absolutely — we would be delighted to have you. You would simply join under another tier, such as Regular, or Hardship if your circumstances warrant.

Yes. A retired judge or judicial officer who meets the fifteen-year membership requirement is eligible for Emeritus membership.

Yes — including member event pricing, presales, and MCLE discounts. Many of our Emeritus members also serve as treasured mentors, oral history participants, and honored guests at our signature events.

Both are $90 per year and recognize your membership in a partner organization. Minority Bar membership is for attorneys who belong to a bar association affiliated with the Minority Bar Coalition. Affiliate membership is for attorneys who belong to another bar association that has an established affiliate relationship with Queen's Bench — for example, California Women Lawyers (including any CWL affiliate organization), the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations (including any NCWBA member or affiliate organization), or any Unity Bar organization.

You can look it up directly:

• Minority Bar tier: your organization appears on the Minority Bar Coalition's member organization roster.
• Affiliate tier: your organization is California Women Lawyers or appears on CWL's list of affiliate organizations; it is the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations or appears on the NCWBA's list of member organizations; or it is a Unity Bar organization.

These lists are maintained by our partner organizations and change from time to time, so if you don't see your organization — or you're just not sure — email membership@queensbench.org and we'll confirm.

Yes. You must be a current member of the qualifying organization at the time you join or renew each year.

You'll be asked to identify your qualifying organization when you join or renew, and the Membership Committee may verify it. Formal documentation is not routinely required.

Either — the dues are identical. Select whichever tier matches the organization you identify.

We'd love to hear from you. Please write to admin@queensbench.org and our Board of Directors will follow up.

Any person who is a law clerk, paralegal, or otherwise without a license to practice law but is nonetheless involved with the legal community. This includes, for example, paralegals and legal assistants, law clerks, legal operations and litigation support professionals, law librarians, court staff, legal recruiters, and others who work in or alongside the legal profession.

While you are enrolled in a qualifying program — and during the supervised-work grace periods described in the Law Student questions above — you may join free as a Law Student. Once those periods end, Non-Attorney is your tier. Because California offers several pathways to becoming a paralegal, contact the Membership Committee at membership@queensbench.org if you're unsure where you fall.

Non-Attorney. (Graduates who are still pursuing bar passage should remain Law Student members instead.)

No — you're an attorney! You would generally join as a Regular member, or under the Minority Bar or Affiliate tier if you qualify. Contact the Membership Committee with any questions.

Yes. Like all Queen's Bench members, you may join any committee. Questions regarding voting and leadership service are governed by our bylaws; contact admin@queensbench.org to learn more.

Any attorney. Regular is our standard attorney membership for those who don't fall within — or simply prefer not to use — one of our specialty tiers.

No. While most of our members practice in California, attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions are welcome to join as Regular members.

No. Our programming is centered in the San Francisco Bay Area, but membership is open to those everywhere.

Yes — and thank you. Some members deliberately choose Regular dues as a way of further supporting our programming and the Queen's Bench mission.

Regular memberships renew automatically on January 1 each year. You may review or update your renewal settings in your Member Portal profile, or email membership@queensbench.org before your renewal date for assistance.

Membership follows the calendar year (January 1 through December 31). If you are considering joining late in the year, contact the Membership Committee to discuss the best option for you.

A one-time contribution of $1,350 that secures permanent Queen's Bench membership. You will never receive another dues invoice, and your membership never lapses — a lasting statement of commitment to our mission and community.

A Lifetime membership equals a little over ten years of Regular dues. If you expect to be part of Queen's Bench for the long haul — and we hope you do — it pays for itself, while insulating you from future dues increases.

No. It covers membership dues only. Lifetime members enjoy member pricing, presale access, and all other member benefits for events, MCLEs, and programs.

Queen's Bench Bar Association is a 501(c)(6) organization, so dues and contributions to it are not deductible as charitable contributions; depending on your circumstances, a portion may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Please consult your tax preparer. If you wish to make a charitable gift, the Queen's Bench Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and would be honored by your support.

No. Lifetime memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Nothing — you remain a Queen's Bench member for life, wherever your path leads.

Please contact us at admin@queensbench.org to ask about payment arrangements.