Erie County Bar Foundation

In 1957, a small group of concerned lawyers who wanted to help a friend in need formed the Erie County Bar Foundation. Over the decades, hundreds of attorneys in Erie County have benefited from the timely assistance of the Foundation, the only bar foundation in the United States solely dedicated to helping members of the profession in times of crisis.

Today, funded almost exclusively by lawyers in Erie County, the Foundation remains committed to helping lawyers and their families who are in crisis or experiencing difficulty in their career, often due to change or unexpected life circumstances.

The Foundation provides confidential financial assistance to attorneys managing illness, substance use disorder, job loss, community or family trauma or similar difficulties.

In addition to providing confidential financial assistance to attorneys, the Foundation also underwrites the BAEC’s Member Assistance Program to provide attorneys access to mental health counseling, educational programs and other resources that support lawyer wellbeing. The Foundation also collaborates closely with the BAEC’s Lawyers Helping Lawyers program and Depression Support Group.

The Foundation partners with UB Law School and other community organizations to holistically support lawyer wellbeing. The Foundation sponsors continuing legal education programs for practicing lawyers and students. The Foundation generally does not provide direct financial aid to law students.

The 2022-2023 Campaign is Underway!

The Erie County Bar Foundation 2022-2023 Campaign has begun! Every donation, big or small, is needed and appreciated! Help your friends and colleagues in need by supporting the great work of the Foundation.

An Open Letter from a BAEC Member

A Message About Giving from a Bar Member

May 29, 2020

Dear Fellow Senior Members of the Bar Association: I write to my fellow bar members to urge you to consider making charitable donations to help