Brooklyn Bar Association collection
Call Number
Dates
Creator
Extent
Language of Materials
Abstract
Publications and event materials from the Brooklyn Bar Association.
Historical note
The Brooklyn Bar Association was founded in 1872. In the wake of consecutive fraudulent elections in the City of Brooklyn and Kings County, followed by questionable investigations into the elections, many Brooklyn attorneys served on committees which brought about political reform in Brooklyn during the late 1870s. The Brooklyn Bar Association was formed to uphold honor and respectability in the profession, to aid in reforms and the investigation of misconduct, and to encourage positive professional and social relationships among attorneys in Brooklyn. In 1918, the Association moved to 123 Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights, where it remained until 2026. Modern activities of the Association include hosting continuing legal education courses and providing a Lawyer Referral Service to the public.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into two series by type. The contents of each series are arranged chronologically.
Scope and Contents
The bulk of this collection is comprised of issues of Brooklyn Barrister, the Association's monthly publication. Brooklyn Barrister contains programs of monthly meetings, reports from committees, and articles on legal decisions and new statutes. Also included are the organization's constitution and bylaws, programs and table assignments for events, and a centennial journal.
Subjects
Organizations
Topics
Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Brooklyn Bar Association collection, ARC.170, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Portions of this collection were the gift of William C. Mattison, Frederick Gross, and the Brooklyn Bar Association. Source and date of acquisition for remaining items in the collection are unknown.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Originally minimally processed to the collection level, this collection was reprocessed to the file level by Dee Bowers in July 2026.
Sponsor Note
Revisions to this Guide
Repository
Series 1: Publications
Constitution and by-laws booklet, 1872
Act of incorporation booklet, 1892
Scope and Contents
Also includes certificate of incorporation, by-laws, names of officers, trustees, and standing committees.
Custodial History
Inscribed on cover by George C. Brainerd.
Journal, August 1944
Brooklyn Barrister, 1953-1986, inclusive
Volumes 5-8, 1953-1957, inclusive
Volumes 9-10, 1957-1959, inclusive
Volumes 15-17, 1963-1966, inclusive
Volumes 18-19, 1966-1968, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Does not include Vol. 18, No. 4.
Volumes 23-25, 1971-1974, inclusive
Volumes 26-28, 1974-1977, inclusive
Volumes 29-37, 1977-1986, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Does not include Vol. 31, No. 1; Vol. 32, No. 2; Vol. 34, Nos. 1 and 3-4; Vol. 36, No. 1.
Centennial journal, 1972
Directory, 1977-1978
Series 2: Event materials
Reception and Dinner program, 1902
Golden Anniversary Dinner program, 1939
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Brooklyn Bar Association via Walter Bruchbusen, Secretary, 1939.
Dedication of new auditorium and renovated building program, 1953
Annual dinner table assignments, 1959
Reception for United Kingdom Lawyers program, 1960
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of William C. Mattison.
