The role of the lawyer in the 1980's was the dominating theme of bar publications, seminars, and the annual meeting in 1980. At one conference, participants discussed priorities for the '80's. These included such activities as delivering better, less expensive services to middle-income groups; educating the public in what it can expect the law and lawyers to accomplish and in substantive law and legal procedures; and reducing the costs and complexities of litigation. In response to calls for reform, the ABA Action Commission to Reduce Court Costs and Delay was set up in March 1979. The commission planned experiments to simplify pretrial, trial, and appellate procedures in civil actions for litigants of limited means. The article reviews the activities of other ABA commissions. In addition, Leonard S. Janofsky, the 1979-1980 ABA president, discusses special programs inititated during his tenure. Important issues highlighted in the article include juvenile justice standards, victim witness intimidation, the law and the elderly, professional standards, and lawyer advertising. Membership data and financial reports are detailed, including sources and allocation of ABA revenues. Tables, charts, and photographs are provided.