ABOTA partners with National Bar Association for the Second Annual Civil Trial Advocacy Boot Camp 

One-day program to be led by leading trial attorneys 

NEW ORLEANS (July 26, 2018) — The American Board of Trial Advocates is proud to partner with the National Bar Association for the Second Annual Civil Trial Advocacy Boot Camp on Saturday, July 28, 2018, in New Orleans. This event takes place during the NBA’s 93rd Annual Convention and Exhibits. 

The Civil Trial Advocacy Boot Camp is a one-day program designed to instruct lawyers on effective, winning trial skills and preparation strategies led by NBA and ABOTA members serving as faculty. 

“I am thrilled that we are partnering with ABOTA again this year and building on our inaugural program that was a tremendous success,” said Vanita M. Banks, NBA Past President and Civil Trial Advocacy Section Chair. “As we strive for greater diversity and inclusion, our collaboration is a win-win that benefits both our organizations.” 

The NBA was founded in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African-American attorneys and judges. It represents the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students. The NBA is organized around 23 substantive law sections, 9 divisions, 12 regions and 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and the world.

“Last year was the inaugural collaboration between ABOTA and the NBA. It was a great success and, as National Co-Chair of the Diversity of Membership Committee for ABOTA, I am pleased that we agreed to sponsor this event again,” said John E. Sweeney, Principal at The Sweeney Firm in Beverly Hills, Calif., and participating faculty for the event. “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long relationship between the two organizations, which should enhance diversity and inclusion within the ranks of ABOTA.” 

ABOTA is an invitation-only organization of premier plaintiff and defense civil trial attorneys across the country dedicated to preserving the civil jury trial, promoting civility, integrity and diversity in the profession, and helping younger attorneys achieve a higher level of trial advocacy. Event organizers said that collaboration among the finest trial attorneys in ABOTA and the NBA in presenting this program is a natural fit, affording learning opportunities for attendees. 

“ABOTA is proud to be part of a program that fosters improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy. Insuring that litigants receive effective representation through civil jury trials has been a core value of ABOTA over the past 60 years. We are pleased to partner with an organization that shares our mission as well as the importance of a diverse bar,” said ABOTA National President Cynthia McGuinn. 

The NBA Civil Trial Advocacy Boot Camp will provide lawyers with six hours of continuing legal education credit. This program is co-sponsored by the NBA Civil Trial Advocacy Section and Small Firms and Solo Practitioners Division. 

About the American Board of Trial Advocates

Founded in 1958, ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership consists of more than 7,600 lawyers — equally balanced between plaintiff and defense — and judges spread among 96 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information visit ABOTA.org.