American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)

The American Board of Trial Advocates was formed to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy for individuals in the civil justice system. The organization works to preserve the jury system and improve the skills of trial lawyers.

By cultivating a spirit of loyalty, fellowship, and professionalism among its members, the organization advances the goals of trial lawyers as a group.

Membership classifications within the organization include:

• member;
• associate;
• advocate;
• diplomate;
• honorary diplomate,
• judge; and
• emeritus member.

The organization also has an honorary category of membership for an international member or a senior member. The organization is governed by a National Board of Directors and Officers and by its constitution and bylaws.

Since 1957, the American Board of Trial Advocates responded to attacks on the civil justice system and its reliance on the jury system. As judges and politicians suggested eliminating jury trials for certain types of cases including workers' compensation, liability and other civil cases, civil trial attorneys decided to form an organization to promote the interest of individuals within the civil justice system.

Preserving the civil jury trial system was the primary purpose of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). The organization seeks attorneys who display skill, civility, and integrity, to help younger attorneys achieve a higher level of trial advocacy and to educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment.

ABOTA is structured around the state, local, and regional chapters. With over 1,200 members, TEX-ABOTA is one of the largest regional chapters in ABOTA. Also, read more about the San Francisco Chapter of ABOTA.