NACDL - Deepen Your Commitment. Strengthen the Bar.

Deepen Your Commitment. Strengthen the Bar.

Enhanced membership is a statement. It says that you believe in what NACDL does, that you want to contribute more to its work, and that you are committed to the defense bar for the long haul. Three options are available — each representing a deeper level of investment in the organization and the community that sustains it.

Life Membership

Life membership is the ultimate expression of commitment to NACDL and the defense bar. When you become a Life member, you make a one-time investment of $7,500 in the organization's mission — and in return, you never pay NACDL membership dues again. Your rate is locked in permanently, guaranteed against any future increases.

The reason most members become Life members is simple: they believe in what NACDL does and want to make a long-term commitment to that work. The financial benefits are real, but the deeper motivation is the mission.

What Life Membership includes:

Permanent membership — pay once, never pay dues again
An expanded profile in both the member-to-member and public Find-A-Lawyer directories
Greater visibility for case referrals — Life members are more likely to refer cases to fellow Life members
Recognition as a Life Member on your badge at NACDL conferences and seminars
An elegant crystal sculpture engraved with the NACDL logo, your name, and the words "Life Member"

Payment options: Life membership dues are $7,500, payable as a one-time contribution or in five annual installments of $1,500. Any recent NACDL membership dues paid will be credited toward your first installment or the full payment.

Our Member Services team is ready to guide you through the process personally — call 202-872-4001 or email memberservices@nacdl.org.

Life Membership FAQ

"After more than 10 years as a Regular member, I made the decision that my professional career was committed to criminal defense and so converting to a Life Membership conveyed an important message to current and potential clients in Florida and beyond. It’s more challenging than ever to protect client’s rights at all stages of the cases, and there’s no better forum than NACDL to stay on top of effective strategy. It is an honor and a privilege to be an NACDL Life Member!" - Bruce Udolf, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"From my very first NACDL seminar, I knew that NACDL would always be an important part of my life. Simply put, I knew that NACDL would make me a better lawyer. Given this, I did the math: it made huge financial, as well as professional sense, to become a Life Member. This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made." - Elizabeth Kelley, Spokane, WA

Sustaining Membership

Sustaining membership, at $559 annually, is for active criminal defense attorneys who want to contribute more to NACDL's mission than a standard membership allows. It is a deliberate choice to invest more in the organization and the defense bar — and a signal to colleagues that you stand fully behind the work NACDL does.

Sustaining members receive an expanded profile with photo and bio in both the member-to-member and public Find-A-Lawyer online directories, increasing your visibility within the community and to potential clients.

Our Member Services team is ready to help you upgrade — call 202-872-4001 or email memberservices@nacdl.org.

Presidents Club

Presidents Club membership, at $789 annually, represents one of the highest levels of voluntary commitment to NACDL and the criminal defense community. For attorneys who want to go further than Sustaining membership, Presidents Club is a meaningful way to demonstrate that commitment.

Presidents Club members receive an expanded profile with photo and bio in both the member-to-member and public Find-A-Lawyer online directories, increasing your visibility within the community and to potential clients.

Our Member Services team is ready to help you upgrade — call 202-872-4001 or email memberservices@nacdl.org.

Ready to Upgrade?

We'll Help You Make the Switch

Transitioning to an enhanced membership is easy, and our Member Services team is here to guide you through it personally. Whether you're moving to Sustaining, Presidents Club, or Life membership, we'll make sure the process is seamless.

Contact Member Services
Or call us at 202-872-4001