ABOTA

Since 1958 we’ve worked to advance the civil jury trial and elevate the standards of integrity, ci

Thomas Jefferson was of the opinion that the right to trial by a jury of fellow citizens was a more important safeguard of personal liberty than the right to vote. Through a jury, our fellow citizens, not a governmental functionary, decide each of our rights and duties. Our primary purpose as a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges is to preserve justice by the people throug

h the civil jury trial. We only accept attorneys of proven skill, civility and integrity, to help younger attorneys achieve, educate the public about the vital importance of the Seventh Amendment. Since 1958, The American Board of Trial Advocates has worked to advance the civil jury trial and to elevate the standards of integrity, civility and professionalism in the legal profession. Our aim is to aid in further education and training of trial lawyers and to provide a forum for discussion through which trial lawyers can have an active voice. Our membership consists of more than 6,700 lawyers and judges spread among 95 Chapters in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. We are proud to be a leader in the fight to preserve and protect Americans’ right to a jury trial, support judicial independence, and promote civility and professionalism by members of the bar and bench.

05/27/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

What do civility, jury trials, and legal-themed musicals have in common?

Host Jill Webb speaks with Chief Judge Jennifer W. Elrod of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit about professionalism in the legal profession, the constitutional importance of jury trials, and the responsibility we all share in protecting public confidence in the courts.

Chief Judge Elrod also shares how musical performances through her local Inn of Court help teach civility and professionalism in a way that truly sticks.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about mentorship, collegiality, and why human connection still matters deeply in the practice of law.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RAjaSOOTWEY

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

05/13/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

How should lawyers be using artificial intelligence, and what happens if they ignore it?

Host Jake Courtney speaks with Professor Elizabeth Fraley of Baylor Law School about AI, legal ethics, and why technological competence is quickly becoming part of ethical legal practice.

They discuss how AI can improve efficiency for clients, support trial preparation, and help lawyers work smarter, while still protecting confidentiality, professional judgment, and trust.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TjNMo_fUXA8

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

04/29/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

Judicial independence and public trust are foundational to our system of justice—but how are they maintained in practice?

In this episode, Chief Judges Dori Contreras (Texas), Mark Green (Massachusetts), and Mark Pfeiffer (Missouri) in their courts of appeals in their respective states, discuss the role of appellate courts, the importance of collaboration between the bench and the bar, and the challenges facing the judiciary today. The CCJSCA is a strong partner of ABOTA.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oW4TapBnmRs

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

04/15/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

The SEABOTA Annual Conference returns this spring in Charleston, South Carolina—bringing together trial lawyers from across the southeastern United States for a weekend of connection, mentorship, and professional growth.

Host Jake Courtney speaks with SEABOTA President, Christy Crow, about this year’s conference, Trial Advocacy in Bloom: Advancing Justice in the Lowcountry. Their discussion includes featured speakers, CLE programming, and the key role SEABOTA plays in strengthening the trial bar across the region.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X8oxiaQqQJ4

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

04/01/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

The National ABOTA Women’s Leadership Summit returns for its second year—bringing together women trial lawyers from across the country for a weekend of connection, mentorship, and professional growth.

Host Jill Webb speaks with Stacy Garcia and Christa Ramey about this year’s Summit in Savannah, Georgia, including keynote speakers, panels, and the importance of creating space for collaboration and leadership within the trial bar.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6UYYy1fY53E

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

03/18/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

Leadership in the trial bar often begins with a simple step—showing up.

In this episode, host Jake Courtney speaks with Scott Costantino, trial lawyer, ABOTA leader, and President of the International Society of Barristers, about the importance of involvement, mentorship, and service within the profession.

Scott shares how ABOTA became an early aspiration in his career and how raising his hand to serve on committees ultimately led to leadership roles within the organization. The conversation also explores the evolving path to trial experience for younger lawyers and why involvement in professional organizations continues to play a vital role in strengthening the civil justice system.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fyF0MVO9Gkw

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org
International Society of Barristers: www.isob.com

03/04/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

The right to trial by jury is guaranteed twice in the Constitution- in the 7th Amendment and the 6th Amendment. But preserving it requires ongoing leadership and collaboration.
In this episode, host Jill Webb speaks with John Cuttino and Sean Domnick about the American Civil Trial Bar Roundtable—a unique forum where leaders from across the trial bar come together to address challenges facing the civil justice system.

From artificial intelligence to mandatory arbitration clauses to protecting the judiciary, the Roundtable provides a unique space for collaboration focused on protecting the Seventh Amendment and strengthening the Rule of Law.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NIEZf1mJY9U

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

02/18/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

What does it take to stay disciplined and credible in one of the most watched civil jury trials in recent history?

Host Jake Courtney talks with trial attorney Camille Vasquez—known for her cross-examination of Amber Heard in the Johnny Depp jury trial—about preparation, professionalism, and composure under pressure. She also reflects on her early experience in the ABOTA Fellowship program and how it shaped her approach to trial advocacy.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HNjLpE61C4c

Next episode: March 4, 2026.
Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

02/04/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

What do judges see that lawyers sometimes miss?

In this episode, U.S. Judge Robert L. Pitman of the Western District of Texas, U.S. Chief Judge Amos L. Mazzant III, of the Eastern District of Texas, and Justice Chari L. Kelly for the Texas Third Court of Appeals join host Jill Webb to discuss civility, credibility, and the future of the jury trial. The judges share insights on juror perception, professionalism, and why trust in the courtroom matters more than ever.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
Prefer video? Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zTh2Ju4o3iE

🗓️ ABOTA Speaks now releases new episodes every two weeks. Next episode: February 18, 2026.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

01/21/2026

🎙️ New Episode of ABOTA Speaks

In our latest episode, host Jake Courtney talks with Talmage Boston—trial lawyer, historian, and author—about leadership, discipline, and the importance of historical perspective.

Talmage shares how curiosity, preparation, and long-term thinking have shaped his work in the courtroom and beyond.

🎧 Listen here: https://pod.link/1841941063
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1sV14tuDcc0

ABOTA Speaks is now released every two weeks.
Next episode: February 4, 2026.

Learn more about ABOTA: www.abota.org

01/07/2026

🎙️ Season 2 of ABOTA Speaks Is Here!

We’re kicking off with a conversation that looks ahead to an exciting year for ABOTA. Host Jake Courtney speaks with Bill Shapiro, incoming ABOTA National President for 2026, about leadership, civility, and his vision for a connected and engaging organization. Bill shares what drew him to ABOTA, why helping members feel relaxed and included matters, and how he hopes to create a productive and enjoyable year ahead.

Listen now: https://pod.link/1841941063

🗓️ ABOTA Speaks now releases new episodes every two weeks. The next episode drops January 21, 2026 on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

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2001 Bryan Street, Ste 3000
Dallas, TX
75201

Telephone

+18009322682

Website

http://www.abota.org/

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