About Us | American Board of Trial Advocates

ABOTA

ABOTA is The American Board of Trial Advocates. It is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges that are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the right to a civil jury trial-a right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA was founded in 1958. ABOTA membership consists of more than 7,600 lawyers, equally balanced between plaintiff, defense, and judges, spread among 96 chapters in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. It has worked tirelessly to uphold the jury system and to elevate the standards of professionalism, integrity, and civility in the legal profession. ABOTA’s mission is to aid in education and training trial lawyers and to provide a forum for discussion through which trial lawyers can have an active voice. Our organization seeks attorneys who display skill, integrity, and civility. We strive to help younger attorneys achieve success and seek to educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment.

ABOTA is an invitation only organization. Members must have at least five years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least 10 civil trials to conclusion and have other litigation experience. Members must also show the virtues of civility, integrity, and professionalism by following our Code of Professionalism and Principles of Civility.

ABOTA Dallas

The Dallas chapter of The American Board of Trial Advocates, like its parent organization, is by invitation only. It is made up of Defense lawyers, Plaintiff’s lawyers and judges who focus on civil trial practice. Members must meet the criteria for admission by showing specific trial experience and a proven reputation for professionalism and excellence as an attorney. ABOTA Dallas is an active chapter that sponsors numerous educational programs both for students and attorneys. Our chapter is the proud recipient of multiple chapters of the year award honors and boasts having multiple members take part in national-level and statewide-level ABOTA positions.

Our Mission

The general purpose of this Association shall be to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy to the end that individual litigants may receive more effective representation and the public be helped by more efficient administration of justice consistent with time tested and traditional principles of litigation.

Trial by Jury – Your Precious Right

America’s greatness lies in its people. And in its people lies the foundation of justice – trial by jury. The Seventh Amendment is a precious right that is increasingly under attack by those who would put an end to justice by the people in favor of justice by the bureaucracy. In 2014, ABOTA founded Save Our Juries, a public education campaign aimed at informing and mobilizing citizens in the fight to save our disappearing Seventh Amendment right, which guarantees a jury trial for civil cases in federal courts. Visit saveourjuries.org.

Judicial Independence

ABOTA is committed to preserving the independence of the judiciary, recognizing that judicial impartiality and fairness protect against the whims and demands of the government and special interests.

Bylaws

Click here for the Dallas Chapter ABOTA bylaws.