The Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) was established in Miami in 1974 by a group of 20 or so Cuban attorneys adapting in a different culture. They depended on each other as resources to function in a foreign legal community. Today the organization functions very similarly to other voluntary bars in Florida, but CABA is different. A bond exists not evident in most organized bars.

 The association feels lawyers and the media are responsible for ensuring the public is informed about the qualifications of competing judicial candidates. CABA will not endorse a candidate running for elective office, choosing instead to provide voter education about the choices available. During the last judicial campaign, CABA's board of directors hired a marketing consultant to assist in the design of a vociferous radio campaign aimed at encouraging the public to vote for qualified, fair, and impartial judges.

All members of the judiciary are also invited to present their positions at a judicial luncheon sponsored by CABA. A surprising factor is the association has no staff support, especially due to its size, being one of the larger voluntary bars in Florida with over 1,300 members. The organization is built upon an active leadership; one that attracts members without conducting membership campaigns. CABA is "composed of lawyers from the community who know our reputation, not just Cuban Americans," he says.

Members pay an annual dues fee of $60 and receive the quarterly newsletter, CABA Briefs. 

Activities of the association include an annual program in cooperation with the National Hispanic Bar; a scholarship program for law students funded by an annual golf tournament; the "CABA Smoker," a networking fundraiser honoring Cuba's cigar-making tradition; and the pro bono project in conjunction with the Dade County Bar.