The Federal Bar Association (FBA), founded in 1920, is dedicated to the advancement of the science of jurisprudence and to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of all attorneys involved in federal law. FBA members run the gamut of federal practice: attorneys practicing in small to large legal firms, attorneys in corporations and federal agencies, and members of the judiciary. The FBA is the catalyst for communication between the bar and the bench, as well as the private and public sectors. Toward that end, the FBA undertakes public policy and advocacy work to address issues that affect the judicial system and is the collective voice of the federal bench and bar.

The FBA's New Orleans Chapter, which serves the Eastern District of Louisiana, was first chartered on October 11, 1937. The Chapter was reorganized in January of 1958 and has been in continuous and active operation since then. The New Orleans Chapter is currently the largest chapter in the FBA, serving nearly 1,200 members. The New Orleans Chapter overtook the District of Columbia chapter in size in December of 2003 and has held this remarkable (and, given Hurricane Katrina, improbable) lead ever since. The events of the FBA's New Orleans Chapter seek to provide quality education to local federal practitioners, pursue community service, and promote collegiality among our local bench and bar. The Chapter features numerous events, but its marquee programs include the Malcolm W. Monroe Federal Practice Seminar held annually in the Fall and the Judge Alvin B. Rubin Symposium, which focuses on ethics and professionalism issues, in the Spring. Two Chapter members have served as national Presidents of the FBA and€“ most recently, Ashley L. Belleau, for the 2010 - 2011 term, and previously, Malcolm W. Monroe for the 1992-1993 term.