- New & rejoining members
Join NACDL
First-time members and those rejoining the community — take a stand for a fair, rational, and humane criminal legal system.
- Current Members
Renew your membership
Keep your membership active and continue to access all benefits, discounts, and member resources.
More Than Membership
Criminal defense is demanding work, and no one should do it alone. NACDL membership connects you to a nationwide community of like-minded criminal defense professionals — public defenders, private practice attorneys, and criminal justice advocates — who share your values, your challenges, and your commitment to the accused. Along the way, you get the tools to do your job better: CLE discounts, practice resources, The Champion®, and more. And when you join NACDL, you add your voice to something larger. With members across the country standing together, NACDL advocates for the defense bar at every level of government — pushing back against a criminal legal system that too often prioritizes punishment over justice. You don't just gain benefits. You join a movement.
What Your Membership Includes
NACDL membership delivers value every year — here are the highlights.
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Savings $800+ in value
Save up to 45% on NACDL educational products and in-person seminars, up to 30% on travel and lodging, and more on medical and liability insurance and practice support services.
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Education & Training $500+ in value
Earn 6 free online CLE credits annually, and participate in the NACDL Engage & Exchange discussion series featuring expert speakers and defense-focused conversations.
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Publications $200+ in value
Every member receives a subscription to The Champion® magazine and enrollment in The Daily Criminal Justice Briefing — the essential defense news delivered directly to your inbox.
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Networking & Recognition Priceless
Save up to 45% on NACDL educational products and in-person seminars, up to 30% on travel and lodging, and more on medical and liability insurance and practice support services.
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Resources $1,000+ in value
Access the Resource Center for briefs, motions, and expert witnesses — saving thousands in research costs — plus the Lawyers Assistance Strike Force if you face threats while representing a client, and practice startup materials if you're launching your own firm.
Download the full Member Benefits Guide (PDF)
Ready to Join?
Find the Right Membership for You
NACDL offers membership categories for private attorneys, public defenders, law students, investigators, associates, and more — many starting under $200 a year.
View Membership Categories & DuesYour dues may be tax deductible. Annual membership dues may qualify as an ordinary and necessary business expense for federal income tax purposes. Note that 1% of dues is allocable to lobbying activities and not deductible, and $90 applies to your subscription to The Champion®. Contributions to the NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice are fully tax-deductible.
