ABOTA's Mission
 

The American Board of Trial Advocates is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. First and foremost, ABOTA works to uphold the jury system by educating the American public about the history and value of the right to trial by jury.

 

Preservation of Trial by Jury

Educating the American public about the history and value of the right to trial by jury is the primary goal of the ABOTA Foundation. We have a number of educational programs for teachers and students to preserve the constitutional vision of equal justice for all Americans and to preserve our civil justice system for future generations. 

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Professionalism, Ethics, and Civility

ABOTA is an organization that requires its members to be responsible for elevating the standards of integrity, honor, ethics, civility and courtesy in the legal profession. Members cultivate a spirit of camaraderie and fellowship among each other and work to encourage and advance members of ABOTA professionally.

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Preserving the Independence of the Judiciary

Preserving the quality and independence of the judiciary has been a hallmark of ABOTA’s efforts over the years. ABOTA works to maintain and support public confidence in the judiciary by providing timely assistance to members of the bench in responding to adverse publicity, misinformation, or unwarranted criticism of an individual judge or the judiciary.

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Public Education

Justice by the People  
Helping educators teach about the importance of trial by jury.

James Otis Lecture Series  
Educating students so they will have knowledge of and respect for the U.S. Constitution.

Teacher's Law School  
Teachers attend a modified law school specially designed for them.
Spotlight

East ABOTA Bermuda Golf Tour July 16-21, 2012

You don't have to travel far to find paradise. Discover exquisite pink beaches, enchanting blue waters, old world hospitality and a vibrant culture that sways to a beat all of its own. Come to the place where warm trade winds blow year round.  We invite you to join us for East ABOTA's Bermuda Golf Trip in mid July 2012.

This program highlights 5 nights at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, which overlooks the stunning blue water of the breathtaking Hamilton Harbor.  Also included are two mornings of CLE programs, some fantastic dinners and a sunset harbor cruise.  

With more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world, this small island is big on the sport of golf. The hardest part for even the most avid golfer in Bermuda might just be keeping your eye on the ball. Each one of their award-winning courses is surrounded by so much breathtaking scenery that you'll wish that both the game and your trip never had to end.  Opportunities are available to experience some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, such as Tucker's Point, Mid Ocean and Port Royal.  

Bermuda has a rich history, beginning when a Spanish sea captain named Juan Bermúdez spotted the then-uninhabited islands in 1505. The British arrived a century later and the rest, of course, is history. Opportunities are available to experience the many historical and unique features of the island as well as a visit to the second English town, St. Georges, established in the New World in 1609. Try your hand at reeling in the catch of the year with a deep sea fishing charter, or discover more than five centuries of nautical history waiting for you beneath clear waters with a wreck diving excursion. No matter if you're looking for your heart to race or your muscles to relax, Bermuda can offer you everything you expect and some things you don't.

Space on this program is limited, so we encourage you to make your reservation early.

We look forward to having you join us on this journey to paradise. Enroll today by calling Carrousel Travel at (800) 800-6508 and ask to join me on this very special trip.

Best to you,

Christopher Duggan

Click here to download brochure.
In the News

ABOTA Foundation presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Lewis R. Sifford


SAN DIEGO (Jan. 14, 2012) ‹ The Foundation of the American Board of Trial Advocates presented its highest honor to Lewis R. Sifford ‹ the Mark P.
Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award was created in honor of ABOTA's founding father and first President, Mark P. Robinson of Los Angeles. It is given in recognition of a lifetime of dedicated service to ABOTA, leadership of the legal profession and preservation of the right to trial by jury guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

"We wanted to recognize someone who, not for months or years, but for decades, has provided leadership and diligent effort to the many programs championed by the ABOTA Foundation," said Joel W. Collins, Jr., 2008 Foundation President and partner in the Columbia, S.C., firm of Collins and Lacy. Collins added that Mr. Sifford has both the visionary spirit of a true leader combined with the work ethic and ability to carry out plans at the local, state and national levels.

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