Founded in 1878, the American Bar Association (ABA) is the largest professional association of U.S. lawyers. The ABA helps maintain high standards within the legal profession. It also seeks to advance the practice of law and to promote the administration of justice. ABA has been influential in securing uniform laws and judicial decisions throughout the 50 states and in approving candidates for judicial posts. Headquarters are in Chicago, where ABA publishes the American Bar Association Journal and the American Bar News.