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ASIL Membership

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Skip to main content Home / About / ASIL Membership ASIL Membership ASIL members are attorneys, academics, judges, students, and others with expertise or interest in international law. They come from all over the world, with about 40% residing outside the United States. All are welcome to join the Society, and the benefits of membership are extensive.The Society provides its members with information on the latest developments in international law, access to the larger community of international law professionals, and innumerable opportunities for professional development and public outreach. The most popular ASIL member benefits include the following. JOIN ASIL VIEW RATES AND DETAILS Printable Membership Application Current ASIL Membership Rates and Associated Benefits (2026) Discounted (E-Only) All memberships consist of the " Discounted E-Only Package " which offers electronic access (including full digital archives) to the following: American Journal of International Law International Legal Materials , Proceedings of the Annual Meeting ASIL Newsletter (limited archive) American Journal of International Law Print Add-On For those wishing to receive a quarterly print copy of the American Journal of International Law , a $50 surcharge can be added upon checkout (not applicable to Student membership). MEMBER TYPE PRICE Regular Discounted (E-only) $300 Government/Int'l Organization/Non-Governmental Organization (GOV/IO/NGO) Discounted (E-only) $255 New Professional (Available the first five years following the completion of an advanced or professional degree) Discounted (E-only) $210 Special (Available to individuals with income under $45,000/year) Discounted (E-only) $180 Retired (Available to retirees and those over 70 years old) Discounted (E-only) $200 Student (Available to individuals enrolled in a degree program) Discounted (E-only) $80 Academic Partner (Discounted (E-only)) FREE Emeritus (For individuals who have completed 50 years of paid ASIL Membership) Complimentary ASIL Patron Elihu Root Patron: $50,000 ($10,000 per year for five years) Lifetime membership. Cordell Hull Patron: $25,000 ($5,000 per year for five years) Complimentary ASIL membership for five years. James Brown Scott Patron: $15,000 ($3,000 per year for five years) Complimentary ASIL membership for five years. MEMBER BENEFITS Members receive full online access —including all archived content—to ASIL's three flagship publications: the world renowned American Journal of International Law ; the timely International Legal Materials ; and the Society's Annual Meeting Proceedings . Subscriptions to the quarterly ASIL Newsletter and the semi-monthly electronic news bulletin IL.post . Participation in the Society's online Community , including 35+ Interest Groups. Access to a searchable member directory and member profiles Discounts on print versions of ASIL periodicals and books, as well as on some publications by the Society's Publishing Partners Free or discounted registration for ASIL online and in-person events , including the Society's highly reputed Annual Meeting and Midyear Meeting Occasions to earn Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits Countless opportunities to network, to serve as a local ASIL ambassador, or even perhaps to be published by the Society Support of ASIL's public education mission FOR STUDENTS ASIL student membership comes with extensive benefits. The Society provides its student members with information on the latest developments in international law, access to the larger community of international law professionals, and innumerable opportunities for professional development and public outreach. DID YOU KNOW? Students at ASIL Academic Partner Schools receive FREE ASIL student membership. Click "View More" for full details. View More MEMBERSHIP FAQS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ASIL Membership Benefits of ASIL Membership Why should I join ASIL? ASIL provides its members with information on the latest developments in international law and access to the larger community of international law professionals. The Society is dedicated to providing its members with the tools they need to understand, promote, and practice international law. What benefits do I get with my membership? Members receive full online access —including all archived content—to ASIL's four flagship publications: the world renowned American Journal of International Law ; the timely International Legal Materials ; the Society's Annual Meeting Proceedings ; and the Society's quarterly ASIL Newsletter . Members also receive the semi-monthly electronic IL.post and early notification when new content, such as ASIL Insights , is posted. Discounts are available for meetings and events , CLE courses , and other ASIL publications . You may also join any of ASIL's 30-plus interest groups for free. See here for the full listing of ASIL member benefits. Can ASIL membership save me money? ASIL offers member discounts on event registrations , including the Annual and Midyear meetings, continuing legal education or CLE courses, and products purchased at the asil.org store. Discounts are also often offered on registration for events with ASIL cooperating organizations and on books sold by ASIL Publishing Partners. Joining ASIL Who can join ASIL? ASIL membership is open to anyone with an interest in international law. ASIL is a global association, with members from around the world. The Society has various membership categories, covering everyone from students to retirees. How can I join ASIL? You can join ASIL by completing the convenient online form linked to from the button found in the upper right of this page or by printing out, completing, and mailing in the application form found here , or by contacting the Society's Service Center at services@asil.org or +1-202-939-6001. When after purchase does my membership begin? The benefits of membership begin as soon as your payment is received, and you are sent a welcome email containing a user name and password, with which you can login to the ASIL website and access your online benefits. If you join on the first day of the month, any print subscriptions that are associated with your account will also become effective that day.  If you join after the first day of the month, your print subscriptions (should your membership type include them) will begin the following month and last for a full 12 months. What is the ASIL membership year? ASIL membership is based on an anniversary system, meaning that membership benefits last for 12 full months from the time payment is received and the Society's welcome email including your user name and password is sent to you. (These two triggering events should occur almost instantaneously when you join online.) Unless your membership is effectuated on the first day of the month, any print subscriptions affiliated with your account will start the month after your membership is acknowledged and run for a full year from then. Regardless of what day of the month you join the Society, your online benefits begin as soon as you are sent the Society's welcome email. If not renewed, your membership will expire at the end of the 12th full month from the beginning of your membership benefits. For example, if you join online and receive your welcome email on April 15, 2013, online membership benefits will begin that day; your print subscriptions (if any) will begin on May 1, 2013; and your membership will expire (in the unlikely event of non-renewal) on April 30, 2014. May anyone join an ASIL interest group? Only ASIL members may join ASIL interest groups, and they may join as many as they like at no additional cost. How do I join an ASIL Interest Group? ASIL's membership application allows you to indicate which of the Society's various interest groups you would like to join when applying for ASIL membership. Who qualifies for the Government, Non-Governmental, and International Organization Rate? To qualify for this rate as a government employee, you must be a full-time employee of a U.S. or foreign government agency (federal, state, local or tribal). Employees of government-supported universities or colleges, government contractors, and government consultants do not qualify. To qualify for this rate as a non-governmental employee, you must be a full-time employee of a U.S., foreign, or international non-profit organization recognized by the United Nations. To qualify for this rate as an international organization employee, you must be a full-time employee of an organization designated by the president of the United States through executive order to qualify for the privileges, exemptions, and immunities provided in the International Organizations Immunities Act. Paying Membership Dues How much does it cost to join ASIL? ASIL offers a wide range of membership options with different dues. Click here for details. When will I receive my renewal notice? ASIL invoices members four months prior to their membership expiration date, with monthly reminder notices sent as necessary via email or postal service through the date of expiration. How can I pay my dues? The easiest and fastest way to pay membership dues is online with a credit card. You may also pay over the telephone by contacting the ASIL Service Center at +1-202-939-6001 or by faxing your dues notice or application along with credit card information to +1-202-797-7133.  Additionally, you may pay by mailing a check drawn on a U.S. bank, together with your invoice or a completed membership application , to the following address. ASIL P.O. Box 79516 Baltimore, MD 21279-0516  USA Finally, you may pay dues via a bank wire transfer. If you wish to make a wire transfer, please contact the Service Center at services@asil.org for instructions. Does ASIL offer payment over time options? ASIL does not offer payment over time options. Members pay their annual dues in full via credit card, check drawn on a U.S. bank, or wire transfer. Does ASIL ever refund all or part of membership dues? The Society does not offer refunds on membership dues. Print Subscription Claims What print subscriptions can I claim? Any undelivered issue of the American Journal of International Law , International Legal Materials , the Annual Meeting Proceedings , or the ASIL Newsletter for which a print subscription has been paid or is part of member benefits. When can I submit a claim? Claims for print issues cannot be submitted until eight weeks after the publication date. ASIL will only accept claims for up to six months after publication date. How do I submit a claim? Claims for the following publications should be sent to journals@cambridge.org, unless otherwise listed on the online claims form. American Journal of International Law International Legal Materials Proceedings of the Annual Meeting Claims for the ASIL Newsletter should be made using the online claims form here. Other options are: Email claim to services@asil.org Mail claim to: ASIL Service Center (Claims), 2223 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA Fax claim to: +1-202-797-7133 Need additional information or want to make a suggestion for the FAQs list? Just contact the ASIL Service Center at services@asil.org or +1-202-939-6001. "ASIL is hugely important. It creates a community of individuals engaged with international law as scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who can both collaborate with and challenge one another. It promotes the most rigorous standards of thinking about international law and related subjects. And it stands for the importance of international law to any society committed to the rule of law." Donald Donovan, Partner, Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP "ASIL membership has been an essential part of my professional development, giving me access to a global network of international lawyers with whom I've had the privilege of working on ASIL projects, as well as the opportunity to share my own scholarship in international, comparative, and transnational law." Diane Amann, Professor, University of Georgia School of Law "ASIL membership is a great way to keep up while teaching around the world. Thank you so much.... helpful for my students too!" Carrie Menkel-Meadow Chancellor's Professor of Law, University of California-Irvine School of Law

Executive Summary

The American Society of International Law (ASIL) offers membership to a diverse range of professionals, including attorneys, academics, judges, and students, with a significant portion of its members residing outside the United States. Membership provides extensive benefits, including access to flagship publications, professional development opportunities, and community engagement. The article outlines various membership types and associated costs, highlighting the inclusive nature of ASIL's membership structure.

Key Points

  • ASIL membership is open to a wide range of professionals and students.
  • Membership benefits include access to key publications and professional development opportunities.
  • Membership rates are tiered based on professional status and financial circumstances.

Merits

Inclusive Membership

ASIL's membership is open to a diverse range of professionals and students, fostering a global community of international law experts.

Comprehensive Benefits

Members receive access to high-quality publications, professional development opportunities, and community engagement tools.

Tiered Membership Rates

The tiered membership rates ensure that individuals from various financial backgrounds can access the benefits of ASIL membership.

Demerits

Cost Barrier

The cost of membership, even at the discounted rates, may be prohibitive for some individuals, particularly those in developing countries or early-career professionals.

Limited Print Access

Print access to the American Journal of International Law is only available as an add-on, which may not be feasible for all members.

Expert Commentary

The American Society of International Law (ASIL) plays a pivotal role in fostering a global community of international law professionals. By offering inclusive membership to a diverse range of individuals, ASIL ensures that its benefits are accessible to a broad audience. The comprehensive benefits package, including access to flagship publications and professional development opportunities, is a significant draw for potential members. However, the cost of membership, even at discounted rates, may pose a barrier for some individuals. The tiered membership structure is a commendable approach to addressing this issue, but further consideration could be given to additional financial aid or scholarships for those who cannot afford the current rates. The limited print access to the American Journal of International Law is another area for potential improvement, as some members may prefer or require physical copies of the publication. Overall, ASIL's membership structure and benefits package are well-designed to support the professional growth and engagement of its members, and the organization continues to set a high standard for professional legal societies.

Recommendations

  • Consider offering additional financial aid or scholarships to make membership more accessible to individuals in developing countries or early-career professionals.
  • Explore the possibility of providing more comprehensive print access options for members who prefer or require physical copies of publications.

Sources

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