1729

Lancaster County is created from part of Chester County in May, 1729. The first session of the Lancaster County Court is held in John Posthlewaite’s Tavern, Conestoga Township, in August of that year. John Wright, a King’s Magistrate, serves as President Judge, and is joined on the bench by four other King’s Magistrates.

1840

The Lancaster Law Association is founded. It is the precursor to today’s Lancaster Bar Association.

1856

The Lancaster Law Library Association is founded. Thaddeus Stevens served as its president.

1881

A new Bar Association Constitution was adopted, thus signaling the start of what might be considered the “modern” Lancaster Bar Association.

1883

The Lancaster Law Review begins publication, but not under the aegis of the Bar Association.

1942

For the first time, the Lancaster Law Review is published by the Lancaster Bar Association.

1945

The Lancaster Bar Association is formally incorporated as a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation.

1991

The Lancaster Bar Association purchases 26-28 East Orange Street as its new headquarters. After a successful fund drive and major renovations, the Association moves into the building in 1992.

2002

The Lancaster Law Foundation (formerly Lancaster Bar Association Foundation) is incorporated as the charitable arm of the Lancaster Bar Association.

Notable Lancaster Bar Association Members

• George Ross, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and member of the First Continental Congress, admitted to the Lancaster Var in 1750.
• Jasper Yeates and John Hubley, both delegates to the Pennsylvania Convention who voted to ratify the Constitution.
• James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States.
• General Daniel Strickler, former Lieutenant-Governor of Pennsylvania.

Past Presidents of the Lancaster Bar Association