Trial Magazine

Engaging with AAJ really works. I’ve repeatedly returned to this topic—probably sounding like a broken record—because it means everything to me. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I credit AAJ for much of my success as a trial lawyer and firm owner. It’s so important that we make engagement with AAJ a central and permanent feature in our lives. We’re either in or we’re out; there are no half measures.

It all began in Toronto. I attended my first AAJ convention there, and my life changed forever. When I left that convention, and after every one since, I felt renewed about my practice, encouraged about the tips I learned, and excited about the wider network I developed. Whether attending conventions and education programs, serving on AAJ committees, or joining a Litigation Group, great things have happened for me and my practice every time I engage with AAJ. On that note, I hope to see you in July at AAJ’s Annual Convention in Philadelphia (www.justiceannualconvention.org).

Member engagement also elevates and strengthens AAJ, making our association what it is today. Our members hold up the pillars of AAJ—advocacy, education, and community. Members participate in events like AAJ Lobby Days, are active in membership recruitment, join Leaders Forum, or volunteer as faculty on CLE programs or as STAC judges for AAJ’s student mock trial competition.

I became a trial lawyer because I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless. The more I engaged with AAJ over the years, the more I found my voice. I became ready for anything. Something clicked in my head along the way: Engage with AAJ, and the rest will follow. This is my guiding principle and an urgent call to action for all of you; however, we must engage as one community, not just as individuals. Engaging together is how we win.

An engaged, united membership is how we build a stronger AAJ to fight for our clients’ rights in Washington, D.C. Member support (such as joining Leaders Forum or giving through the Evergreen Fund or AAJ PAC) is critical to the fight for civil justice. Notable victories—such as last year’s law prohibiting forced arbitration that returned the rights of sexual assault and sexual harassment survivors to seek accountability in court—happened only because of unrelenting member engagement.

Strong member engagement is also how we build an unstoppable trial lawyer community to battle in the courts. I am the best trial lawyer that I can be because I have used AAJ’s incredible resources. But I’ve also helped strengthen our community through giving back. I’ve attended and taught CLE programs; purchased and contributed to litigation packets; joined and collaborated with Sections and Litigation Groups; learned from and written for Trial; and received advice from and offered advice to members.

When we participate together—giving of ourselves while benefiting from others—we become better trial lawyers and build a stronger community for the fights ahead. By committing to this association every day, we are building a world where Americans can access justice in the courtroom; where we deter powerful corporations from putting profits before people; and where the voiceless have a voice.

Engagement with AAJ is a way of life and the means for achieving our common goals. We are one community fighting for justice. We must engage more, we must engage together, and we can win the fight for civil justice. I will always be a broken record for justice: Stay engaged, and we can change the world.

Tad Thomas is the founder and the managing partner of Thomas Law Offices in Louisville, Ky., and can be reached at tad.thomas@justice.org.