Wake County Bar Association/Tenth Judicial District Bar

What Wake County Bar Association/Tenth Judicial District Bar does

The Wake County Bar Association (WCBA), operating in tandem with the Tenth Judicial District Bar, is a 501(c)(6) professional membership organization founded in 1925 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. It serves the 3,000+ licensed attorneys practicing within Wake County and the surrounding Tenth Judicial District, providing member services including mandatory bar dues administration, voluntary membership programming, continuing legal education (CLE), and publications such as the monthly Wake Bar Update magazine. The association runs an Annual Bar Awards gala, affinity sections (e.g., the Wake County Family Law section), and a companion 501(c)(3) Wake County Bar Foundation that funds Legal Aid of NC and other community causes.

The organization's technology stack centers on a YourMembership.com association management system (AMS) that handles dues, events, and member records, supplemented by the recently launched Decisis legal research platform providing members with primary law and secondary source access. The combined Tenth JD / WCBA structure distinguishes mandatory regulatory dues (approximately $90/year for the Tenth JD bar) from voluntary WCBA dues (approximately $185/year), allowing members to opt into enhanced services.

Revenue mechanics combine mandatory Tenth JD bar dues, voluntary WCBA dues, CLE fees, magazine and event sponsorships, Annual Bar Awards gala revenue, and Foundation donations. With 11 employees, the operation is lean relative to its membership base, and the model is essentially dues-funded nonprofit membership economics rather than venture-style growth.

Name

Wake County Bar Association/Tenth Judicial District Bar

Legal name

Tenth Judicial District Bar and Wake County Bar Association

Website

https://wakecountybar.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Wake County Bar Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1925 in Raleigh, NC, serving 3,000+ attorneys in the Tenth Judicial District through mandatory bar dues, voluntary membership programming, CLE, publications, the Annual Bar Awards, and the Decisis legal research platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Raleigh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tenth Judicial District Bar Mandatory Dues: Mandatory annual dues required for all licensed attorneys who live or practice in Wake County, North Carolina. Fiscal year runs October 1 - September 30. Dues are $90 per year.
2. Wake County Bar Association Voluntary Membership Dues: Voluntary membership dues providing access to CLE programs, networking events, luncheons, social events, pro bono opportunities, and other member benefits. Annual dues are $185 for standard membership, $50 for those licensed in 2025, and free for law students and newly licensed 2026 attorneys within their first year.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Annual sponsorship arrangements at multiple levels (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Patrons, Supporters) providing brand visibility, event access, and advertising opportunities throughout the year. Sponsors include law firms, banks, litigation support companies, and professional services firms.
4. Bar Awards Event Revenue: Annual signature fundraising event featuring live entertainment, firm of the year award, and corporate sponsorships. Ticket sales at $50 each with various sponsorship tiers. All proceeds benefit Legal Aid of North Carolina's Raleigh office.
5. CLE Course Fees for Non-Members: Non-members and Tenth J.D. Bar-only members pay $45 per credit hour for CLE courses. WCBA members receive more than 60 hours of CLE programming annually at no additional cost.
6. WCBA Foundation Donations: Annual campaign and individual donations supporting access to justice initiatives, law student scholarships (since 1989), and community grants for local nonprofits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The organization operates a dual-entity bar association: the mandatory Tenth Judicial District Bar (required for all attorneys practicing or residing in Wake County, NC, with $90/year dues) and the voluntary Wake County Bar Association (WCBA, $185/year dues). Core offerings include mandatory bar governance, voluntary membership benefits (60+ hours of free CLE annually, monthly networking luncheons, social events, pro bono partnerships), the Campbell Connections Mentorship Program, BarCARES wellness support, and the Decisis legal research tool exclusive to members.

Product overview

The Wake County Bar Association (WCBA) and Tenth Judicial District Bar operate as a unified organization offering a suite of membership-based professional services to attorneys in Wake County, North Carolina. The core offerings consist of mandatory Tenth Judicial District Bar membership (required for attorneys practicing in the district, $90/year) and voluntary WCBA membership ($185/year). The WCBA provides over 60 hours of annual CLE programming, networking events including monthly luncheons and socials, and pro bono/public service opportunities. Supporting programs include the Young Lawyers Division (automatic for members in their first 10 years), BarCARES wellness support, the Campbell Connections Mentorship Program, Law Student Membership (free), and the WCBA Foundation supporting scholarships and community grants. A key member benefit is access to Decisis, a legal research tool exclusive to WCBA members. The organization also hosts the annual Bar Awards fundraiser benefiting Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WCBA Foundation: Foundation arm of the Wake County Bar Association focused on access to justice projects, scholarships, and community grants.
• Young Lawyers Division
• Connections Mentorship Program
• BarCARES

Products and services

• Tenth Judicial District Bar Membership Mandatory membership for all active North Carolina attorneys living or practicing in Wake County, providing grievance investigation support to the State Bar, fee dispute resolution (transitioned to NC State Bar as of July 2019), eligibility to participate in State Bar Council elections, and participation in judicial nominations. Annual dues: $90; fiscal year October 1 - September 30; newly licensed attorneys waived during first fiscal year.
• Wake County Bar Association (WCBA) Voluntary Membership Voluntary membership for Wake County attorneys offering 60+ hours of free CLE annually, monthly networking luncheons, social events, pro bono opportunities, family picnic, oyster roast, holiday party, and member directory access. Standard annual dues: $185; $50 for attorneys first licensed in 2025; free for newly licensed 2026 attorneys in their first year and for eligible NC law students.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Continuing legal education programming for WCBA members and non-members covering ethics, technology, professional well-being, substance abuse, and specialty practice topics. Includes monthly breakfast discussions, Learn Over Lunch series, and annual signature courses delivered in person at Raleigh venues and virtually via Zoom. WCBA members receive 60+ hours annually at no extra cost; non-members pay $45 per credit hour.
• Campbell Connections Mentorship Program Award-winning mentorship program in partnership with Campbell Law School connecting newly minted attorneys (3 years or less practice) with experienced bar member mentors (5+ years of active licensure) for ethical guidance, professional standards, and real-world learning experiences.
• Decisis Legal Research Tool Fast and reliable legal research tool exclusively for WCBA members, accessible through single sign-on integration with the member portal to enhance practice efficiency.
• Law Student Membership Free WCBA membership for law students attending ABA-accredited NC law schools, NC law students with Wake County internships, or students whose home/permanent residence is in Wake County. Includes access to YLD events, online member directory, and CLE resources.
• BarCARES Lawyer Wellness Program Confidential lawyer wellness and support program providing counseling and assistance to members, available via dedicated phone lines (919-929-1227 and 1-800-640-0735).
• Bar Awards Annual Fundraiser Annual signature fundraising event featuring live entertainment, firm of the year recognition, and corporate sponsorships; individual tickets at $50 each with various sponsorship tiers; all proceeds benefit Legal Aid of North Carolina's Raleigh office.
• WCBA Foundation Nonprofit foundation arm of the WCBA providing annual campaigns and individual donations supporting access to justice initiatives, law student scholarships for students with Wake County ties (since 1989), and community grants for local nonprofits including the NC Mock Trial Program.
• Pro Bono and Public Service Programs Pro bono opportunities coordinated with Legal Aid of North Carolina and Wake County Legal Support Center, including Lawyers in Your Library free 30-minute consultations at Wake County public libraries, Attorney on the Go remote consultations, domestic violence representation, expunction work sessions, Wills for Heroes, Lunch With A Lawyer, and school supplies drives.
• Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Automatic division membership for WCBA members within their first 10 years of practice, providing monthly socials, pro bono opportunities, food and clothing drives, Summer Clerk Orientation, speakers series, and CLE programming tailored to new lawyers.
• Joseph Branch Professionalism Award Highest honor granted annually by the local bar since 1991 to a Wake County lawyer of at least 25 years of experience who exemplifies the qualities stated in the professionalism creed.
• Member Directory and Online Portal Online member portal providing 24/7 access for member directory search, profile management, event registration, dues payment, CLE manuscript library access, and donation processing, powered by YourMembership.com association management software with Facebook and LinkedIn social OAuth login.
• Senior Lawyers Division Division for attorneys age 60 or older offering monthly luncheons, networking, mentorship, and community involvement with reduced membership requirements. Available as an add-on for $75/year for existing WCBA members or $150/year for non-WCBA members.
• Affiliate Membership Membership tier for licensed attorneys who live or work in North Carolina but outside Wake County, or attorneys licensed outside North Carolina, providing access to WCBA benefits including CLE, networking, and public service without voting rights or ability to hold office.

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor, moderate and major.

• Campbell Law School (Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Connections Mentorship Program objectives: fostering ethical and professional standards in newly minted attorneys, providing real-world learning experiences with respected bar members, and preparing new attorneys for professional transition. The program includes mentor training, mentee orientation, five activities, reflection memoranda, and end-of-year reception.
• Legal Aid of North CarolinacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary pro bono partner for the WCBA; offers domestic violence protective orders representation, expunction work sessions, wills and advance directives assistance, housing conditions advice, heir property assistance, disaster relief, and other referrals. Annual Bar Awards fundraiser has donated over $1 million to Legal Aid's Raleigh office.
• Wake County Legal Support CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Lawyers in Your Library program providing free 30-minute legal consultations at Wake County public libraries on second Saturdays; focuses on housing and family law including eviction, repairs, landlord-tenant disputes, custody, child support, divorce. Also runs Attorney on the Go remote consultation program.
• NC Mock Trial ProgramminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWCBA Foundation provides grant funding to support the NC Mock Trial Program, helping students develop courtroom skills and understanding of the legal system.
• Wake County Public LibrariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Lawyers in Your Library program hosting free legal consultations at public libraries across Wake County, expanding access to justice for county residents.
• Decisis (Legal Research Platform)coreTechnology or IntegrationFast, reliable legal research tool exclusively for WCBA members, accessible through member portal single sign-on integration, providing comprehensive research capabilities to enhance practice efficiency.
• YourMembership.comcoreTechnology or IntegrationAssociation management software provider powering the organization's website with membership database, event management, email marketing, online store, member directory, and donation processing capabilities.
• WakeEd PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for annual School Supplies Drive supporting Wake County students and educators, coordinated through WCBA YLD Public Service Committee.
• City of Raleigh Parks DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Day of Service park cleanup events, providing community engagement opportunities for WCBA members to serve the local community.
• North Carolina Bar AssociationmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level bar association offering lawyer referral service and CLE resources; WCBA connects members to NCBA services and collaborates on professional development initiatives.
• Lawyers Mutual of North CarolinamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond-level sponsor and professional liability insurance provider for NC lawyers since 1977; provides coverage to more than 7,500 lawyers; supports WCBA events and professionalism programming including Bar Awards sponsorship.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• American Bar Association: National voluntary bar with much broader scope (sections, accreditation, policy advocacy); competes for voluntary membership and CLE attention but is not geographically or operationally aligned with a local bar like WCBA.
• State Bar of California: Statewide mandatory bar governing all California attorneys with parallel regulatory, admissions, and discipline functions to those historically performed by the Tenth J.D. Bar at local level; relevant as a regulatory benchmark.
• North Carolina Bar Association: Statewide voluntary bar association serving all NC attorneys; offers overlapping CLE, networking, and member services but operates at state level rather than the local Tenth Judicial District, making it a broader incumbent with partial functional overlap.

Direct peers

• Durham County Bar Association: Local NC county bar serving Durham/Orange counties with overlapping CLE, networking, and pro bono programming; operates at the same jurisdictional level as WCBA with directly comparable membership and event model.
• Chicago Bar Association: Voluntary city-level bar with CLE, networking, and member benefits targeting Chicago practitioners; directly comparable in structure, pricing tiers, and member-services orientation.
• Philadelphia Bar Association: Voluntary metropolitan bar serving Philadelphia attorneys with CLE, networking events, and section programming; comparable in operating model and member value proposition to WCBA, though at different scale and geography.
• Mecklenburg County Bar: Local voluntary bar association serving Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), NC attorneys with similar CLE programs, membership tiers, and section-based structure; the closest direct functional peer within North Carolina.
• New York City Bar Association: Large voluntary metropolitan bar with comparable CLE programming, committee structure, and member tiers; serves a similar urban-attorney base but at much larger scale, making it a relevant structural peer if not a direct geographic competitor.
• Hillsborough County Bar Association: Local voluntary bar serving Tampa-area attorneys with CLE, networking, and pro bono programming; similar mid-size local bar model comparable in scale and member-services mix to WCBA.

Others

• National Association of Bar Executives: Professional association for bar association executive leaders (including WCBA's Executive Director, a past president); relevant industry body shaping best practices for bar management rather than a direct competing organization.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/wakecountybar
• Instagraminstagram.com/wakecountybar
• Xx.com/wakecountybar
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/wakecountybar

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wake County Bar Association/Tenth Judicial District Bar