Membership Eligibility and Application Process
ABOTA is an organization of lawyers who try civil cases to juries. One of our central missions is promote and the right to trial by jury in civil cases, a right that is guaranteed both by the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights and by the Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Although there are several options open to qualify, all require experience in trying civil cases to jury verdict. We require all applicants to have tried at least 10 civil cases to jury verdict. Reference the links below to determine if you qualify for membership.
Applications and worksheets are available in the links below. In addition, applications for an elevation or change in rank including Emeritus status, are available in the links below.
Process and Rules for New Members:
Membership Application Procedures
Membership FAQs
Constitution and Bylaws of the American Board of Trial Advocates
Application Deadline Dates
Reminders to Avoid Delay in App Process
New Membership Applications (New Forms!):
Application for Rank of Member, Associate, or Advocate
Worksheets (For Use in the Required Case Listing)
Applications for Current Members (New Forms!):
Application for Elevation in Rank
Application for Emeritus Status
Application for Senior Status
Application for Inactive Status
Public Attorney Certification