Milestones in ABE History

1938

American Bar Association resolves to create an Endowment fund to generate funds for research and education programs.

1942

American Bar Association Endowment granted a not-for-profit charter, February 13.

1946

Campaign to establish a permanent fund begins.

1949

Endowment receives tax-exempt status. William Nelson Cromwell bequeaths $400,000 to establish a library.

1952

American Bar Foundation created as the research arm of the American Bar Association.

1953

William Clarke Mason proposes that sponsorship of group life insurance could provide funds for the Endowment.

1954

Cromwell Library opens at the American Bar Center.

1955

First life plan* offered to members.

1957

Dividends from insurance plans exceed grant requests; funds deposited for investment.

1961

First group disability income plan offered to members.

1964

Endowment makes first grant to Fund for Public Education (now Fund for Justice and Education).

1966

Name changed to the American Bar Endowment.

1967

Memorial Fund established to receive member contributions.

1970

Separate hospital indemnity plan introduced.

1973

Catastrophic medical insurance program made available.

1976

Group Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage added.

1980

Endowment establishes Outstanding Public Service Project Award as part of Young Lawyers Division's Awards of Achievement competition.

1985

Endowment makes $1,000,000 grant to the National Judicial College; establishes Young Lawyers Division Liaison.

1987

Insurance programs restructured based on the IRS ruling to give members option of reclaiming dividends.

1988

Professional Overhead Expense policy offered to members.

1989

American Bar Insurance Plans Consultants, Inc. established as a for-profit subsidiary.

1992

American Bar Endowment celebrates 50th Anniversary. Total grants top $100 million.

1994

The 5-Year Banded Group Term Life Insurance plan* was introduced in September.

The Excess Major Medical (Plan II) emerged as another catastrophic medical option for members who had underlying basic major medical coverage in October. Previously, Excess Major Medical was offered as one-option policy.

2001

Mid-Term Disability underwritten by US Life.

2002

The 10-Year Group Term Life Insurance Plan* became an ABE-sponsored option for members of the ABA.

2003

The 20-Year Group Term Life Insurance* was added to available insurance plans sponsored by the ABE.

2006

The Retirement Contribution Disability Insurance** was added to available insurance plans sponsored by the ABE.

2008

The maximum Long-Term Disability** monthly benefit increases to $12,000/month for members.

The Group Hospital Indemnity Plan* daily benefit amount increased to $500/day for members and spouse/domestic partners, and increased to $250/day for children.

*Underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 on Policy Form GMR.

**Underwritten by The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York.