Annual Events

The 26th JD Bar, Mecklenburg Bar Association and Foundation hold several annual signature events throughout the year. All are available for sponsorship. The Bar's fiscal year is July 1 - June 30.

July

Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program Closing Reception

The Mecklenburg Bar Association's Charlotte Legal Clerkship Program (CLCP) program operates with the goal of attracting high-performing, first-year law students for a 10-week summer clerkship position with a law firm and corporate legal department in Charlotte. The program concludes with a closing reception attended by the current class, their firm and corporate employers and CLCP alums.

October

North Carolina Bar Fall Swearing-In Ceremony

The Swearing-In Ceremony is a personalized celebration of achievement. Attorneys who have passed the North Carolina Bar Exam receive individual introductions by established 26th Judicial District Bar attorneys before being sworn in to the North Carolina State Bar. The 26th Judicial District Bar/Mecklenburg Bar Association offers two in-person swearing-in ceremonies each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. The Fall event usually has a larger number of attendees than the Spring.

Legal Eagle Charity Golf Tournament

This tournament, hosted jointly by Mecklenburg Bar Association & Mecklenburg Bar Foundation, is a great way for attorneys to enjoy some fun and fellowship with the added benefit of supporting organizations and projects with a legal nexus in our community. Net proceeds benefit the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation.

November

McMillan Fellowship Fund Dinner

The McMillan Fellowship Fund promotes justice and innovation within our local legal system by awarding paid fellowships to law students interested in pursuing a career with a local nonprofit or government agency. The primary source of financial support for these fellowships is the annual McMillan Fellowship Fund Dinner. The dinner features a keynote speaker and the presentation of the annual Julius L. Chambers Diversity Champion Award.

December

MBA Holiday Party

Celebrate the season with fellow MBA members! This event provides an informal, relaxed atmosphere for Bar members to gather, reconnect and create new relationships. Location varies each year.

January

Bar Leadership Kickoff Dinner

The Bar Leadership Institute Kickoff Dinner introduces the new leadership class and brings together Bar and Foundation leaders, BLI alumni, Mecklenburg Bar members, and distinguished guests.

February

MBA Family & Friends Event

Mecklenburg Bar Association members are encouraged to bring family and friends together for an afternoon of fun, food and drinks. Location varies each year.

April

Law & Society Gala

The Law & Society Gala is the premier black-tie event celebrating the intersection of legal excellence and community service in Mecklenburg County. This evening brings together attorneys, judges, community leaders, and supporters for a night of camaraderie, recognition, and philanthropy.

May

Law Day

Read and watch a recap of the 2026 Law Day and Oath Recommitment Ceremony held on May 1.

North Carolina Bar Spring Swearing-In Ceremony

The Swearing-In Ceremony is a personalized celebration of achievement. Attorneys who have passed the North Carolina Bar Exam receive individual introductions by established 26th Judicial District Bar attorneys before being sworn in to the North Carolina State Bar. The 26th Judicial District Bar/Mecklenburg Bar Association offers two in-person swearing-in ceremonies each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. The Spring event usually has a smaller number of attendees than the Fall.

Annual Membership Meeting of the 26th Judicial District Bar/Mecklenburg Bar Association

The 26th JD Bar/MBA Annual Meeting is the Bar's yearly meeting of its members. Attendees enjoy a barbecue lunch and then move to the theater where volunteers are recognized, attorneys who have passed away in the past year are remembered, the 26th JD Bar/MBA board of directors are elected and the new 26th JD Bar/MBA presidents are sworn-in.

June

Young Lawyers Division Annual Meeting

Enjoy networking, drinks and appetizers with fellow YLD members. Meet YLD leadership and share ideas for the upcoming year! Vote on the slate of officers for the next fiscal year and help to honor the YLD Young Lawyer of the Year winner.

Year-Round

Sections/Young Lawyers Division/Continuing Legal Education Events

In addition to the annual events, MBA Sections, the Young Lawyers Division and the Continuing Legal Education department also put on a number of events each year. To view the full calendar, click here.