ABOTA
Since 1958 we’ve worked to advance the civil jury trial and elevate the standards of integrity, ci
Thomas Jefferson was of the opinion that the right to trial by a jury of fellow citizens was a more important safeguard of personal liberty than the right to vote. Through a jury, our fellow citizens, not a governmental functionary, decide each of our rights and duties. Our primary purpose as a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges is to preserve justice by the people through the civil jury trial. We only accept attorneys of proven skill, civility and integrity, to help younger attorneys achieve, educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment. Since 1958, The American Board of Trial Advocates has worked to advance the civil jury trial and to elevate the standards of integrity, civility and professionalism in the legal profession. Our aim is to aid in further education and training of trial lawyers and to provide a forum for discussion through which trial lawyers can have an active voice. Our membership consists of more than 6,700 lawyers and judges spread among 95 Chapters in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. We are proud to be a leader in the fight to preserve and protect Americans’ right to a jury trial, support judicial independence, and promote civility and professionalism by members of the bar and bench.
09/16/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
How do you turn pixels into proof?
Host Jake Courtney talks with Florida trial attorney Kenneth Padowitz about his decades-long effort to bring new forms of visual evidence into the courtroom—from two dimensional computer animation in the early 1990s to immersive virtual reality today.
Padowitz shares how an early jury trial changed the way he thought about presenting evidence, what it takes to persuade a court to consider emerging technology in the courtroom, and why today’s trial lawyers need to keep evolving as VR and AI reshape the tools available to them.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uJWQCcAJroU
09/02/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
What can jury trials teach us about American democracy?
Host Jill Webb speaks with Pulitzer Prize finalist and acclaimed historian H.W. Brands about political parties, democratic self-government, and his own recent experience serving on a civil jury.
Together, they explore the parallels between our political and jury systems, the importance of hearing competing arguments before forming an opinion, and the trust both place in ordinary citizens to make important decisions.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lfj0j6LF3x8
08/19/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
How can leaders bring out the best in every generation?
Host Jake Courtney speaks with generational expert Amelie Karam about building stronger multigenerational workplaces through better communication, intentional leadership, and meaningful connection. Together, they explore practical strategies for reducing burnout, strengthening workplace relationships, and creating a culture where people want to stay and grow.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EZQxISdw-cA
08/05/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
How do great trial lawyers become even better?
Host Jake Courtney speaks with Hon. Patricia Alvarez, Craig Peters, and Rich Schoenberger, the 2026 ABOTA National Trial College Co-Chairs, about this exceptional program, where students learn by doing, build confidence in the courtroom, and develop lifelong professional relationships.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UDRcEj4bNEY
07/30/2026
ABOTA condemns the targeting of federal judges with social media threats.
An independent judiciary is the backbone of our system of government. When those in power publish lists singling out judges by name for rulings they disagree with, it doesn't just cross a line — it puts lives at risk and undermines public trust in the rule of law.
ABOTA is speaking out, and we won't stay silent when judicial independence is under attack regardless of politics.
Read our full statement:
https://www.abota.org/Online/News/2026_News/ABOTA_condemns_targeting_federal_judges__with_social_media_threats.aspx
ABOTA condemns targeting federal judges with social media threats /PRNewswire/ -- An independent judiciary is fundamental to our system of government and our individual rights. Judges should be free to make decisions based on...
07/22/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
How do lawyers and journalists work together to strengthen public understanding of the justice system?
In this special episode celebrating 20 years of the Journalist Law School, host Jill Webb is joined by Donna Melby, Beth Warren, and Dalila-Johari Paul to discuss the program's lasting impact on legal reporting and the relationships it has built between the legal profession and the press.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5gn6UwXTMaQ
07/08/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
From artificial intelligence to judicial independence, what are the biggest issues facing trial lawyers today?
Host Jake Courtney speaks with FLABOTA President Alex Reboso about this year's FLABOTA Annual Convention in Orlando. They discuss the outstanding Speaker Series, timely legal issues, and the relationships that make FLABOTA one of ABOTA's premier regional gatherings.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qw6CqTSxiXM
07/04/2026
🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from ABOTA!
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ABOTA National President William D. Shapiro reminds us that nearly half of the Declaration's signers were lawyers, who envisioned a nation governed not by the arbitrary will of individuals, but by the Rule of Law.
That responsibility now belongs to us.
ABOTA proudly stands for the right to trial by jury, the independence of the judiciary, and the highest standards of integrity, honor, civility, and professionalism. Reflecting on a year of travels across the country meeting Chapters, leaders, and members, President Shapiro affirms what he's long believed: there is no finer association of trial lawyers anywhere.
This Fourth of July, let's honor the lawyers of 1776 not just by remembering their words, but by living their principles — as stewards of freedom, guardians of our civil justice system, and proud ambassadors for our profession.
We wish all our members and their families a joyful, safe, and memorable Independence Day! 🎆
https://conta.cc/4fepEhb
06/24/2026
🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks
What makes an ABOTA National Meeting so special?
Host Jill Webb speaks with 2026 ABOTA National President Bill Shapiro and Michigan Chapter President Cameron Getto about the upcoming ABOTA Summer Conference and National Board Meeting in Detroit.
They discuss Detroit's remarkable transformation, the friendships and camaraderie that define ABOTA, and why attending an ABOTA National meeting can be one of the most rewarding experiences of membership.
🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/r_ZIIz4l7hQ
06/19/2026
Today, ABOTA honors Juneteenth — not just as a historical milestone, but as a living reminder of America's ongoing journey toward equality and justice.
In his message to ABOTA members, National President William D. Shapiro reflects on the meaning of this day through the lens of law, art, and civil rights history — including the pivotal Briggs v. Elliott case, the first modern legal challenge to public-school racial segregation, and the words of Judge J. Waties Waring, who said it best:
"To me, it's awfully heartening when people suddenly sniff a little breath of freedom."
That breath of freedom is what we honor today. Read President Shapiro's full Juneteenth message here: https://conta.cc/4uI1AYy
Honoring Juneteenth: ‘A little breath of freedom’ Email from American Board of Trial Advocates A message from 2026 National President, William D. Shapiro. Honoring Juneteenth: ‘A little breath of freedom’ June 19, 2026 Dear ABOTA Members: ABOTA o
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