Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom

Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF) is the nation's oldest and largest association of LGBTQI legal professionals, serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1980. As a comprehensive legal community organization, BALIF provides essential services and advocacy initiatives that strengthen the legal profession while advancing justice for LGBTQI individuals.

BALIF's work encompasses multiple practice areas and professional development opportunities. The organization takes direct action on questions of law and justice affecting the LGBTQI community, submitting amicus briefs in significant cases and sponsoring resolutions to the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations. BALIF provides LGBTQI-focused continuing legal education opportunities designed to keep legal professionals current on issues impacting their community. The organization actively promotes the appointment of LGBTQI attorneys to the judiciary, public agencies, and commissions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Beyond advocacy, BALIF strengthens professional networks among LGBTQI members of the legal profession through social events, monthly happy hours, and community gatherings. The organization funds scholarships for LGBTQI law students and fellowships for public interest lawyers working on LGBTQI issues. BALIF also builds coalitions with other legal organizations to combat all forms of discrimination and endorses candidates for judicial offices and legal elected positions. With members and supporters including judges, lawyers, law students, and legal workers throughout the region, BALIF serves as a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and professional growth within the LGBTQI legal community.