Chicago Bar Association
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
BUILD UNDERLYING INFRASTRUCTURE TO CONTINUE TO OFFER SUBSTANTIVE PROGRAMS TO BENEFIT LAWYERS AND INTRODUCE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEMBERS TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE AND CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS ADVANCEMENT OF THE PROFESSION.
- Income
- $5.0 million
- Spending
- $4.5 million
- Employees
- 26
- Volunteers
- 500
- Highest pay
- $191,467, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $708,654 spent. General Bar Activities - organize relevant events to foster the goals of the Association. Several award ceremonies are held during the year to honor outstanding contributions and achievements made towards the legal profession. To serve public interest, a number of television programs for local access are produced each year covering different topics of the law and other worthwhile related interests featuring renowned guests considered experts in their field.
- $506,039 spent. Continuing Legal Education - on January 1, 2006, the Supreme Court of Illinois established minimum continuing legal education ("MCLE") requirements for Illinois attorneys under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 790-798. To help its members meet the plan's requirements, the Chicago Bar Association developed no-cost and low-cost programming by offering accredited committee meetings and discounted seminars. Additionally, it tracks and records members' attendance to its programs to make MCLE reporting easier.
- $275,104 spent. Lawyer Referral Service - as part of its community service, the Chicago Bar Association maintains a knowledgeable staff of phone interviewers to aid callers needing assistance in finding a suitable attorney. To meet the standards set by the American Bar Association, a panel of over 250 pre-screened, qualified lawyers experienced in almost every area of law are appropriately matched and referred for initial consultation at a predetermined low minimum fee.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending May 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending May 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1952.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.