If your focus, or that of your firm, is local government law, you will not find a better resource than the International Municipal Lawyers Association. IMLA is the only national organization devoted exclusively to local government law.
To find out more about membership benefits, please browse the Top Menu of the site, including descriptions of our Services, Events, and Program Offerings.
Membership is a one year term based on join date.
Municipal Members in IMLA are cities, towns, villages, and townships represented by their chief legal officer.
* These benefits are ONLY available to community members of IMLA.
| Population | Price | Population | Price | |
| Under 5,000 | $401 | 5,001-15,000 | $514 | |
| 15,001-35,000 | $669 | 35,001-50,000 | $744 | |
| 50,001-75,000 | $926 | 75,000-100,000 | $1,097 | |
| 100,001-125,000 | $1,274 | 125,001-150,000 | $1,451 | |
| 150,001-175,000 | $1,563 | 175,001-200,000 | $1,804 | |
| 200,001-300,000 | $2,297 | 300,001-400,000 | $2,543 | |
| 400,001-500,000 | $3,186 | 500,001-750,000 | $3,925 | |
| 750,001-800,000 | $5,488 | 800,001 and up | $6,597 | |
Minor increases in dues for municipal and county members generally may occur on an annual basis and are linked with increases in the Consumer Price Index.
County members in IMLA are jurisdictionally defined counties, represented by their chief legal officer.
* These benefits are ONLY available to community members of IMLA.
| Population | Price | Population | Price | |
| Up to 15,000 | $283 | 15,001-35,000 | $369 | |
| 35,001-50,000 | $401 | 50,001-75,000 | $498 | |
| 75,001-100,000 | $594 | 100,001-125,000 | $680 | |
| 125,001-150,000 | $760 | 150,001-175,000 | $819 | |
| 175,001-200,000 | $915 | 200,001-300,000 | $1,226 | |
| 300,001-400,000 | $1,344 | 400,001-500,000 | $1,761 | |
| 500,001-750,000 | $2,136 | 750,001-800,000 | $2,886 | |
| 800,001 and up | $3,314 |
Minor increases in dues for municipal and county members generally may occur on an annual basis and are linked with increases in the Consumer Price Index.
Firm Membership: Based on firm size (Firm memberships include two members from one law firm)
Example
Firm has a total of 35 attorneys, 5 want to become members.
Base: $714 (35 attorneys in firm)- covers 2 attorneys
Additional: $306- 3 additional attorneys pay $102 each
Total: $1,020
Special Districts include water/sewer authorities, transit authorities and the like, represented by their chief legal officer.
Special Municipal Districts – $510 (flat fee)
Minor increases in dues may occur on an annual basis and are linked with increases in the Consumer Price Index.
Canadian Municipal Member are local government entities, usually cities, represented by their chief solicitor.
* These benefits are ONLY available to community members of IMLA.
Under 100,000 – $400 USD
Over 100,000 – $750 USD
IMLA’s low membership rate for the State League Counsel and Municipal Attorney Association category is possible because of the commitment by these members to be responsible for supplying IMLA with their publications, pertinent research materials, annual directory and information regarding annual meeting dates and locations.
State League Counsel and Municipal Attorney Association: $484
Law Professors and Judicial Membership: $127
International lawyers and others interested in local government.
International Practitioner Members (Outside USA/Canada): $178
Lawyers who have retired from the practice of municipal law.
Retiree: $102
In 2008, IMLA introduced IMLA Lite, a new program intended to allow smaller communities that are members of their state leagues or associations to become quasi-members of IMLA at a reduced rate.
Municipalities with populations below 2500 are eligible for IMLA Lite.
The benefits of this quasi-membership include the IMLA e-newsletters, the Municipal Lawyer magazine and the ability to register for an IMLA program as a member. This is a significant cost savings for attorneys in small communities who need CLE credits. IMLA Lite members will not get the right to vote or serve on the board.
* These benefits are ONLY available to community members of IMLA.
The purpose of IMLA Lite is to provide the essential services of IMLA at a budget price. Each state league and/or association who are members of IMLA have the opportunity to sign up for IMLA Lite. If a state league and/or association chooses to sign up for IMLA Lite, the league/association will pay just $50 per community (with populations less than 2500) up to a maximum cost of $3060 per year. For example, if you have 10 communities to sign up for IMLA Lite, then your cost is $500. If you have 60 communities, then your cost is $3000. If you have 80 communities, your cost is capped at $3060.
In all cases, the municipality must be a member of the league or association that is currently an IMLA member.
If your state league/association does not want to participate in the program, any community that is a member of the respective league can still sign up for IMLA Lite for a fee of $150 per year.
In short, if you are a community of less than 2500 and your state league/association is participating, your community pays nothing (you will receive IMLA Lite as a benefit through your membership in your local league/association). If your state league is not participating, you can still participate, only if you are a current member of your state league, for $150.
For additional information, contact your state league/association to see if they are participating in IMLA Lite. If not, contact us or call 202-466-5424 x7106 for your separate membership in IMLA Lite.
IMLA has been an exceptional resource for my city attorney practice. IMLA's Legal Advocacy Program, in particular, services an important purpose for local governments throughout the United States and has helped me protect my municipalities.
- Susan C. Rocha - City Attorney for Cibolo, Texas
Having practiced law for over 33 years, I believe I have a somewhat unique perspective on the benefits of association with the International Municipal Lawyers Association. I have been active in the organization for many years and currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors, and as a member of several of the association's committees. IMLA is the best resource on municipal law issues available. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for public law practitioners to exchange ideas, gain important insights, and develop innovative, yet effective and efficient solutions both to the unique and the more common problems and opportunities all of us regularly face. IMLA has afforded me the opportunity to form long-term, quality friendships with individuals of like professional interest all across North America. I consider association with IMLA to be a must for every municipal law practitioner.
- Steve Chinn, Chair of Public Law Practice Group - Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP
Money matters to public government entities. In times when budgets and payrolls get lean, and tough choices have to be made, IMLA's programs and services have proven their value and effectiveness. IMLA's specialized expertise, cutting-edge events, and numerous publications add up to excellent value in today's economically challenged times.
- Sheryl King Benford - General Counsel for Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
IMLA is an extraordinary organization of extraordinary members. These dedicated public servants know their communities and understand their needs. City attorneys are creative, imaginative, and open to new ideas. Any organization that deals regularly with local governments needs the insights that come from listening to IMLA's members. In my experience of working with municipal attorneys for over 25 years, IMLA is the association that can help you understand the nuances and opportunities that exist in the world of municipal law.
- Nicholas P. Miller - Miller & Van Eaton, PPLC
There is simply no substitute for the cutting-edge information and practioners' perspectives that I obtain from attending IMLA conferences, which I have done since 1983. MY IMLA contacts and friends make me aware of today's problems before they become tomorrow's judicial decisions, and I'm happy to return the favor in my areas of expertise.
- Tim Hollister, Partner - Shipman & Goodwin, LLP & Town Attorney for Colchester, Connecticut
