The origins of Belfast Solicitors' Association can be traced back to well before the second World War when it was already the largest of more than ten local associations across Northern Ireland.

The BSA Constitution and Regulations were formally approved of by the Council of the Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland on the 27^th September 1944.

Membership of the BSA has historically been open to all solicitors who have a place of business in the city of Belfast and the rural districts of Belfast and Castlereagh.

The Association is run through a Committee structure. Elections to the Executive Committee are held at the Annual General Meeting. There are three principle officers of the Committee - The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

The BSA Constitution states the objects of the organisation to include the maintenance of the highest professional standards, the provision of a social programme, interaction with other local associations and the Law Society and the delivery of an efficient and effective service to the general public.

The Association has a long history of active involvement within the structures of the Law Society with many committee members not only serving on the Council of the Law Society but also rising to become President of the Society - including former BSA Chairman, the late Thomasena McKinney, who became the first female President of any Law Society in the British Isles. In addition two of the first three County Court Judges to be drawn from the ranks of solicitors have been past Chairmen of the Association.