AMERICAN BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCATES ADOPTS NEW ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For immediate release [Boston, MA]: Dana Zakarian, a National Representative for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Peter McGlynn, the Massachusetts Chapter’s President-elect, attended the American Board of Trial Advocates’ national board meeting in Nashville, Tennessee on October 26, 2024. During that meeting, ABOTA amended its constitution to reduce the minimum civil jury trial requirement from 10 to 7 civil jury trials (in addition to other trial equivalency requirements). It is ABOTA’s hope and expectation that this new civil jury trial minimum requirement will allow for greater diversity in the ranks of ABOTA’s membership.

This amendment presents the Massachusetts Chapter with a tremendous opportunity to grow its membership. All current ABOTA members can nominate qualified candidates for membership and are encouraged to do so.

About ABOTA

Founded in 1958, ABOTA membership consists of over 7,300 lawyers and judges among 95 chapters, including the Massachusetts chapter, throughout the United States and the District of Columbia.

ABOTA’s general purpose is to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of trial advocacy and, toward that end, to promote and preserve the right to trial by jury guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

ABOTA is an invitation-only organization. Members must have at least five (5) years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least seven (7) civil jury trials to conclusion and possess additional litigation experience. Members must also exhibit the virtues of civility, integrity and professionalism.

For further information, please contact Dana Zakarian at dana.zakarian@smithduggan.com or Peter McGlynn at pmcglynn@bernkopflegal.com.