Life at Duke Law

DBA is unique in that it is both a university student government and a professional bar association. As such, DBA performs a variety of functions at the law school, including promoting the student body's academic and professional growth, providing opportunities to strengthen the social and intellectual community at the school, and representing the student body to the Law School, the legal profession, and the greater Durham community.

One of the DBA's most significant functions is overseeing the majority of Duke Law’s student clubs and organizations. DBA provides assistance and funding to groups looking to hold events, from lunchtime talks to professional symposia. DBA also charters new student groups, to meet the changing needs and interests of the student body. The efforts of student groups are supplemented by DBA's own activities and programs, including athletic leagues, social events, and student fellowships. 

DBA also functions as the liaison between students, faculty, and the administration. To that end, advises the Dean’s Office regarding student representation on faculty committees, such as the Admissions, Faculty Appointments, and Curriculum Committees. This ensures that students are central to all major decisions at Duke Law, from faculty hires to grading system changes. DBA also sends representatives to the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association, and to Duke's Graduate and Professional Student Council.

- Duke University School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.

If you are interested in serving on DBA, please contact the Vice President of Administration, Addison Smith. Elections are held for 2Ls and 3Ls in February or March of each year for the following academic year, and early in the fall for 1Ls and LLMs. For any further questions or comments about DBA please contact President Natalie Leon.

DBA Executive Board 2024-2025

View the current Executive Board.

Duke Bar Association Mission Statement

The mission of the Duke Bar Association is to foster a collegial, engaging and professional educational environment at Duke Law School. To this end, the Duke Bar Association will:

1. Promote and support the principles of the Duke Blueprint to LEAD;
2. Cultivate an environment to foster academic growth;
3. Create a social community of students, faculty and staff;
4. Advocate on behalf of the student body;
5. Support student organizations in their diverse objectives; and
6. Engage in service to the greater Durham community.