Our Shared Responsibility

A Unique Place In History

Philadelphia is a city with a well-established reputation in the legal profession. Ever since Andrew Hamilton, a “Philadelphia Lawyer,” defended John Peter Zenger in 1735, establishing the principle of freedom of the press, Philadelphia lawyers have epitomized legal expertise and dedication to principle.

The Philadelphia Bar Foundation is the primary vehicle through which Philadelphia lawyers and their firms help guarantee the principle of access to justice for all Philadelphians becomes a reality.

Stewardship At Its Best

As trustees of our legal system, lawyers have a special role in ensuring justice is accessible to all. By joining together as a community through the Bar Foundation, we have the power to fulfill our nation’s promise. Equal access is central to our democratic society, integral to the effective functioning of our justice system, and essential to vulnerable members of our community.

We Have Much To Be Grateful For

The advantage of a law degree and our status as officers of the court call upon us to support legal services that improve the lives of low-income and disadvantaged people in communities where we practice. The Bar Foundation helps provide such legal services and has priorities and values shared by the legal community:

Ensuring a fair and just society
Helping the poor
Caring for our children and elderly
Addressing health and disability issues
Focusing on issues affecting women
Improving community welfare.