Our Vision

The ABOTA Foundation envisions equal justice for all in a vibrant and civil democracy.

Our Mission

The mission of the ABOTA Foundation is to promote and improve the American civil justice system and to preserve the Seventh Amendment right to civil jury trials for future generations.

The American Board

of Trial Advocates

Founded in 1958, ABOTA is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership consists of more than 7,300 lawyers—equally balanced between plaintiff and defense—and judges spread among 96 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. 

ABOTA is an invitation-only organization. Members must have at least five years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion and possess additional litigation experience. Members must also exhibit the virtues of civility, integrity and professionalism by following our Code of Professionalism and Principles of Civility.

The

Foundation

American Board of

Trial Advocates

The ABOTA Foundation was formed in 1991 to be the education arm of ABOTA, supporting its goals to educate the legal profession and the American public. The ABOTA Foundation works to ensure that people of all ages understand the history and value of their Seventh Amendment right to civil trial by jury.

The mission of the ABOTA Foundation is to support the purposes of the American Board of Trial Advocates: to preserve the constitutional vision of equal justice for all Americans and preserve our civil justice system for future generations.

  • Promote public appreciation and respect for the civil justice system and its role in upholding societal values in democracy.

To achieve the mission, the Trustees of the Foundation will dedicate themselves to accomplish the following:

  • Elevate the importance and understanding, among our country’s youth, of the Seventh Amendment to our democracy and civil justice system.

  • Equip and inspire lawyers and law students to serve as ethical, civil, and skilled advocates for the Seventh Amendment and our civil justice system.

What We Do — At A Glance

  • Professional Education

    The next generation of lawyers must be ambassadors for the profession, for the Constitution and for ethics. The ABOTA Foundation offers professional education programs aimed at enhancing the advocacy skills of trial lawyers throughout the United States, promoting civility among ABOTA members and their colleagues, and training lawyers to meet the highest standards of professionalism and advocacy in the practice of law.

  • Civics Education

    We believe teachers are the primary guardians of democracy. Their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm provide students with the tools to understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The ABOTA Foundation provides resources and programs for teachers and students to better understand the Constitution, the judicial system and civic engagement.

  • Public Awareness

    American citizens must understand the importance of an independent judiciary and its role in protecting our democracy. Through campaigns on jury service, civic engagement, and every citizen’s right to the Seventh Amendment, the ABOTA Foundation is working to ensure an independent and thriving judiciary for generations to come.

The ABOTA Foundation relies on supporters like you to provide free programs and resources for K-12 teachers and students across the nation.

Your donation directly supports ABOTA Foundation Civics Education Programs, including:

  • Teachers Law School

  • James Otis Lectures

  • AT BAT Literacy Program

  • ACE Grants (ABOTA Foundation Award for Civics Excellence)