Just a heads up. As a lawyer, I did not “pledge allegiance” to the bar. My oath as a lawyer is to uphold the law, the constitution (federal and stare) and to protect the confidences of my client. The bar is never mentioned.  Bar associations are voluntary associations where we all socialize with each other and take refresher classes on the law.  The bar was the dividing line between the crown’s representative and the public in old english courts. Only lawyers were allowed to approach the bar and argue before the court.