The history of the Dominican Bar Association begins with the large migration of people from the Dominican Republic to the City of New York that occurred in the 1960's and 1970's. Many of those migrating over that time were lawyers, doctors, engineers, etc., who left professional careers in the Dominican Republic in search of a better life in the City of New York. However, after their arrival in the city they quickly found that life would still be difficult despite their professional credentials. Early on most Dominican lawyers, doctors, architects, engineers, etc., struggled because their professional licenses obtained in the Dominican Republic were not recognized by the State of New York. As a result, although professionally trained and experienced, most people were forced to accept employment wherever they could find it, i.e. as laborers, blue-collar workers,

Early on most Dominican lawyers, doctors, architects, engineers, etc., struggled because their professional licenses obtained in the Dominican Republic were not recognized by the State of New York. As a result, although professionally trained and experienced, most people were forced to accept employment wherever they could find it, i.e. as laborers, blue-collar workers, etc. Yet, they never abandoned their desire to resume their professional careers in the State of New York. With that goal in mind they gradually began to hold informal meetings to discuss how they could make the transition. Initially, meetings took place at their respective homes, in local restaurants and in local sporting clubs. As time went on and the number of Dominican lawyers in the city grew, the need to establish their own formal organization became apparent. The first organization of Dominican lawyers formally incorporated in the State of New York was the Dominican American Lawyers Association (DALA) in 1982.

Several years later four Dominican attorneys began to meet and discuss the creation of an organization dedicated solely to the interests of Dominican lawyers, law students and the legal interests of the Latino community within the State of New York.

As the years progressed, more Dominican lawyers became admitted in New York. In addition, second and third generation Dominicans, born and raised in this state, also became admitted practicing attorneys. That slow but steady rise shifted ASDA's primary focus away from easing the transition of foreign attorneys to advancing the interests of those attorneys already practicing law within the State of New York. As a result, in 1996 the organization was renamed the “Dominican Bar Association, Inc.” to more accurately reflect its membership, identity and purpose.

Since its creation the Dominican Bar Association has demonstrated a commitment to furthering the legal interests of all Latinos and Dominicans in all facets of the community. DBA's efforts have consisted of providing pro bono legal clinics for members of the public, assisting law students by providing scholarships and mentoring, facilitating communication between the bar and the judiciary and actively participating in judicial screening panels to name just a few activities. While much has been accomplished, even more work remains to be done. With that in mind, DBA looks forward towards continuing to aggressively promote the legal interests of the latino community both locally and nationwide.