The Birmingham Bar Association works to support its members in their practices, and to promote justice and public service. It accomplishes these goals by furthering the legal education of its members, promoting needed reform in the law, and encouraging camaraderie, integrity, and a spirit of courtesy and goodwill among its membership. Membership is open to all licensed lawyers, and voting membership is available to all practicing lawyers in the metropolitan Birmingham area, including Jefferson County and its contiguous counties. Founded in 1885, the Birmingham Bar is one of the oldest local bar associations in the United States.