If you are considering Senior, Temporary Inactive, or Emeritus status for 2025, the deadline to submit your application to the Chapter is November 15, 2024.

If you are considering Retired status for 2025, the deadline to submit your application to the Chapter is March 1, 2025.

The deadlines above are different than the National deadlines as the Chapter Executive Committee needs time to review and vote on the applications prior to being sent to National.

ABOTA offers the following discounted membership categories for those that are retiring or leaving the practice of law as a way to stay involved in the organization. Each has specific criteria as listed below.

MEMBERSHIP STATUS REQUIREMENTS:

Senior Status - Age 75+ OR no longer practicing/mediating due to illness, injury or, infirmity AND ABOTA member for at least 10 years

Temporary Inactive Status -  No longer practicings due to disability, absence from the country, employment in a position that prohibits the practice of law, or retirement from the practice of law. This status is only good for 3 years, then you must move to a different status.

Retired Status - member for at least 10 years OR on Temporary Inactive Status due to a disability for 3 years, AND no longer practicing law.

Emeritus Status - member for at least 10 years AND Fellow for 5+ years AND no longer practicing law AND service distinction (chapter/national leadership, substantial ABOTA involvement/leadership)

**Mediation, arbitration, and senior judicial roles are considered practicing law.

You are able to change your status at any time during the year, but the bylaws require you to be current on your dues before your application is processed. Therefore, if you apply in January (for all but Retired status), you must pay the full 2025 dues and the discounted dues would apply for 2026.

TO CHANGE YOUR STATUS FOR 2025:

• Complete the correct application (below)
• Email completed application to Nicole at nicole@abota-al.org by November 15th (or March 1 for Retired status).

Senior Status Application

Temporary Inactive Status Application

Retired Status Application

Emeritus Status Application

If you have questions about changing your status, please contact Nicole at nicole@abota-al.org.

New member nominations are accepted until May 1st of each year to allow the Membership Committee to fully vet the candidate. After this date, the nomination will be considered the following calendar year. 

To nominate a new member, fill out the New Member Nomination Form and submit it to nicole@abota-al.org. Nicole will reach out to the nominee for additional information for the vetting process.

Nominees who pass the vetting process will be voted on by the Chapter membership in the late summer. Those receiving at least 75% approval will be contacted to submit their application to National by the fall deadline.