Awards

Hall of Fame

Paul J. Scoptur

(1953 – 2018)

2024 Hall of Fame inductee

Paul Scoptur was a long-time AAJ member, former National College of Advocacy® (NCA) Board of Trustees member and co-chair, and AAJ Education stalwart.

Paul represented plaintiffs exclusively in personal injury cases in motor vehicle collision, medical malpractice, nursing home, and products liability cases. He was a sought-after trial consultant and co-author of several books. He also was an exceptional teacher.

He volunteered thousands of hours planning programs and teaching AAJ and state trial lawyer association members nationwide. Paul was a staunch advocate of AAJ’s trial advocacy colleges, and he served as one of the lead planners for AAJ’s popular deposition colleges. He was a master when it came to taking depositions and connecting with jurors.

In memory of Paul, the NCA established the Paul J. Scoptur Trial Advocacy College Scholarship to assist lawyers who would not otherwise be able to attend one of AAJ’s colleges.

More Learn about the Paul J. Scoptur Trial Advocacy College Scholarship

About the Award

This award is presented posthumously to an AAJ member whose career made a significant and positive impact on the civil justice system. The Hall of Fame Award honors those who were active, long-time members of AAJ as well as active members of their state trial lawyer associations.

Honorees are nominated and evaluated by AAJ’s Stalwarts Hall of Fame Committee for their contributions to the civil justice system; integrity and character; contributions to the public good and welfare; contributions advancing AAJ’s mission and growth; contributions to trial advocacy; and contributions to the legal profession generally. The Stalwarts Committee votes upon and forwards the names of prospective honorees the AAJ Board, which votes on the recommended nominations.