Trial Magazine

In “Lean on Me,” Bill Withers sang, “I just might have a problem that you’ll understand. We all need somebody to lean on.” This powerful ode to community spirit captures the essence of AAJ: Our bonds are strong, and we often need to lean on each other for support. We always find someone in our community to help us because they too have faced a similar problem. AAJ is that friend you can rely on—in good times and in bad. A simple rule has served me well in my career—lean on AAJ.

AAJ offers many resources focused on the business of law. This month’s Trial includes articles on smart firm growth (p. 28); ethical obligations for staff (p. 20); hiring and retaining diverse talent (p. 36); and outsourcing tech and digital marketing (p. 44). Also, learn more about our Member Firm Pledge to Act for improving racial diversity in our firms (p. 39).

Beyond these pages, AAJ has additional tools that are also valuable for running a successful law practice.

Networking. AAJ’s greatest resource is its members. A firm’s longevity hinges on having the vision to see ahead to future cases, and AAJ members have consistently given me insights into new cases and practice areas. AAJ members also provide co-counsel options for those who need help navigating other jurisdictions or other regional legal issues. This extensive member network is the lifeblood of AAJ, and I depend on it every day.

Practice resources. AAJ Litigation Packets are available exclusively to members and provide materials, such as deposition summaries, that streamline and improve case preparation in specific practice areas (www.justice.org/litigationpackets). For instance, the Top Verdicts of 2020: Opening Statements and Closing Arguments packet brought me up to speed on different litigations and trials from 2020 that contain valuable documents I couldn’t access elsewhere.

AAJ Sections and Litigation Groups have always provided essential inside information as well—through court documents, list servers, and business meetings. For example, the Sole Practitioner and Small Firm Section helps members by focusing on the best ways to market and manage their sole practice or small firm, increase referrals, and gain visibility. To learn more, visit www.justice.org/community.

Education. I’ve gained critical tips from AAJ Education programs to better represent my clients, including learning how to combat deposition obstruction or learning how jurors’ mindsets have been affected by the pandemic. This spring, AAJ Education is offering programs on deposition skills; obtaining and deciphering electronic medical records; and handling cases involving nursing homes, birth injuries, motor vehicles, trucking litigation, and more (www.justice.org/education).

Mental health education is also crucial: The combined pressures of practicing law and the pandemic have taken a serious mental health toll on many in the legal community. That’s why I am so appreciative when AAJ Education and various member groups, such as the Women Trial Lawyers Caucus and the New Lawyers Division, have held mental health programs. They are hugely beneficial to our AAJ community. (To get recordings of Monday Meditations led by Past President Lisa Blue, email membership@justice.org, and to download a complimentary webinar on mindfulness during the pandemic, visit https://www.pathlms.com/aaj/courses/22343.)

Further litigation support. AAJ also provides access to companies that support the legal industry in important areas such as trial visuals, expert witness services, case management software, and much more. For example, I recently needed help with my graphic and visual presentations for a trial, but my firm’s graphics team had a conflict. It was a lifesaver to then find a company through AAJ to assist me. I encourage you to reach out to the companies that support AAJ to see how they can assist your firm too.

I always lean on AAJ and our members and recommend that you do too. As trial lawyers, we are not alone, and more important, our problems are not unique. Somebody somewhere has already overcome your issue—through success or even failure. Learn from them, use the tools available, and build the best practice you can.

Navan Ward Jr. is a principal at Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles in Atlanta and can be reached at navan.ward@justice.org.