The Puerto Rico Bar Association or Colegio de Abogados de Puerto Rico was founded in the 19th century and has evolved into an organization in which until 2009; all practicing attorneys must have been members in order to practice law in the United States territory of Puerto Rico. Previously, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico has carved out at least one exception by allowing several Federal judges to voluntarily withdraw from the organization.
The Bar Association, headquartered in the Miramar section of San Juan, Puerto Rico operates a number of programs, including a pro bono legal services program, offers life insurance to its members and makes its meeting rooms available to community organizations.[1]
The Association holds its annual convention in the month of September, when its president and board of directors are elected by those physically present.
Legislation has been introduced to convert it into a voluntary membership organization, similar to the American Bar Association or the Federal Bar Association. Other bills have been filed to allow the election of the president by mail-in referendum, rather than an assembly where physical presence is required.