The Charles Houston Bar Association (CHBA) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization comprised of lawyers, judges, and law students throughout northern California. Named in honor of the legendary civil rights practitioner Charles Hamilton Houston (1895 - 1950), CHBA continues his legacy by working to address the unique challenges facing the African American community.
The association was founded in 1955 as the Charles Houston Law Club. Initially, its purpose was to provide a forum in which Black lawyers could address issues that affected their practices. Since then, CHBA has grown steadily in its purpose and membership.
In 1975, the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California recognized CHBA as an official state bar association. The Charles Houston Bar Association is now also an affiliate member of the National Bar Association (NBA), and a member of the California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL).
