The Lawyers’ Club of Philadelphia is a private professional organization composed of members of the bench and bar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since its founding in 1892, the Club has served as a respected forum for fostering collegiality, civility, and meaningful connection among legal professionals—outside the formality of the courtroom.
The Lawyers’ Club of Philadelphia was chartered on July 9, 1892, by the Court of Common Pleas No. 4 of Philadelphia County. It was founded by a group of eighteen distinguished lawyers from Pennsylvania and neighboring states, united by a shared vision of professional fellowship.
The Club held its first membership meeting on June 15, 1893, in the courtroom of its first president, Judge F. Carroll Brewster, at Sixth and Chestnut Streets. Over the years, the Club occupied several notable locations throughout Philadelphia, maintaining club rooms, a library, dining facilities, and gathering spaces that served as a hub for legal professionals.
By 1912, the Club transitioned away from maintaining permanent quarters, choosing instead to focus on its core mission of connection and fellowship through hosted receptions and events at venues throughout the city.
Throughout its history, the Club has adapted to the changing nature of the profession—shifting from formal entertainment and orchestras to today’s more informal, conversation-driven gatherings—while remaining true to its founding principles.
In its early years, the Club played an active role in matters of judicial administration and legal reform. As the professional landscape evolved, and with many members also belonging to the Philadelphia Bar Association, the Club intentionally narrowed its focus.
Rather than duplicating the work of bar associations, the Club dedicated itself to what it does best: promoting goodwill, camaraderie, and respectful relationships between the bench and the bar.
For more than a century, the Club has welcomed judges from:
Pennsylvania’s appellate courts
The Courts of Common Pleas, Orphans’ Court, and Municipal Court of Philadelphia
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
The Club has also maintained an aid fund throughout its existence, offering financial assistance in the form of loans to members in need—a quiet but meaningful expression of mutual support within the profession.
Uniting the Bench and the Bar Since 1892
Our Receptions & Programming
The Club sponsors a series of informal cocktail receptions each year honoring members of the judiciary serving in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, as well as members of the federal bench.
These gatherings are designed to encourage conversation, familiarity, and mutual respect—offering a rare opportunity for members of the bench and bar to engage as peers in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Membership
Membership in The Lawyers’ Club of Philadelphia offers a unique opportunity to engage with members of the bench and bar in a collegial, informal setting—beyond the demands of the courtroom.
The Club offers three levels of membership, designed to reflect varying stages of professional practice and service.
For more than a century, The Lawyers’ Club of Philadelphia has brought the bench and bar together in the spirit of professionalism and mutual respect—creating connections that endure well beyond any single case.
AID Fund Contribution
The Lawyers Club of Philadelphia has a proud tradition of supporting its community. Through the Aid Fund, members help care for one another in meaningful and lasting ways. Each year, a portion of donations is shared with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, providing vital support to attorneys and judges navigating substance use and mental health challenges.
The Aid Fund also offers a helping hand to attorneys facing financial hardship, providing confidential, short-term loans when they’re needed most. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference—supporting our colleagues and strengthening our legal community.