A call to action.As my tenure as ATLA ATLA Association of Trial Lawyers of America ATLA American Theological Library Association ATLA American Trial Lawyers Association ATLA Air Transport Licensing Authority (Hong Kong) ATLA Avatar: The Last Airbender president begins, I find myself pondering the role of trial lawyers in the struggle for justice. Is it fair to say we are at war? I believe it is. We are fierce protectors of freedom and equality fighting a war on many fronts. Every day in America's courtrooms, we are the warriors who do battle on behalf of innocent people harmed by dangerous products, toxic drugs, assembly-line medicine, and other byproducts of corporate greed. Our courthouse foes--insurers, manufacturers, and other large corporations--are armed with limitless resources. We meet the same forces in Congress and statehouses, where they work relentlessly to undermine America's civil justice system in the name of "reform." On these fronts, we fight to preserve basic rights on which this country was founded--access to the courts, trial by jury, equal protection of the law equal protection of the law n. the right of all persons to have the same access to the law and courts, and to be treated equally by the law and courts, both in procedures and in the substance of the law. . We prevent wealthy corporate interests from turning "justice for all" into "justice for some." With no end in sight, I agree that "if you want peace, work for justice." Few have worked harder to that end than outgoing president An outgoing president is a president or, generally, other head of state or government when he holds office between the election of his successor and the inauguration by which that successor assumes power. Leo Leo, in astronomy Leo [Lat.,=the lion], northern constellation lying S of Ursa Major and on the ecliptic (apparent path of the sun through the heavens) between Cancer and Virgo; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Boyle. Two months into his term, the September 11 attacks September 11 attacks Series of airline hijackings and suicide bombings against U.S. targets perpetrated by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda. thrust all of us into chaotic and difficult times. Under Leo's leadership, ATLA called for a moratorium on civil suits arising from the attacks. Then ATLA--with the essential support of trial lawyer associations in New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states--created the largest ever pro bono Short for pro bono publico [Latin, For the public good]. The designation given to the free legal work done by an attorney for indigent clients and religious, charitable, and other nonprofit entities. program, Trial Lawyers Care, under which more than 1,000 families seeking justice through the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund was created by an act of congress shortly after 9/11 to compensate the victims of the attack (or their families) in exchange for their agreement not to sue the airline corporations involved. already have been matched with volunteer lawyers. I thank Leo and everyone else involved, especially the dedicated trial lawyers who are donating their time, energy, and skill to one of our finest hours. I begin my presidency with humility, energy, and the resolve to continue ATLA's great work. We are at a crucial moment in our history. The November elections could not be more important. This election is a turning point in our battle to protect consumer and patient rights and to preserve the civil justice system. Our call to action must be: * electing congressional leaders who believe that the doors of America's courtrooms should remain open to all on an equal basis, regardless of wealth or power * defeating tort "reform" bills and fighting for the rights of hardworking Americans in Congress and the states * challenging erosion of the right to trial by jury in the courts * improving the public's understanding of the civil justice system and the image of trial lawyers * strengthening ATLA's membership through broader participation and increased value to our members. We face many challenges. As president of the Consumer Attorneys of California This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications. Alone, primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of this article are not sufficient for an accurate encyclopedia article. , I learned the importance of unity. In 1996, we fought three major tort restriction initiatives--the "Terrible 200s" referenda--and saw 60 bills pass the assembly that would have destroyed the state's civil justice system. With unity of purpose, we won. Dave Casey, president-elect in California at the time, played a key role, and I am pleased that he is ATLA's president-elect this year. I have asked him and other stalwart Stalwart A description of companies that have large capitalizations and provide investors with slow but steady and dependable growth prospects. Notes: The annual gain that would be viewed as the norm for investing in stalwarts is about 10% to 12%. ATLA leaders--Leo Boyle, Todd Smith, and Fred Baron--to help formulate a strategy for success in the November elections. Our strength lies in our commitment to justice. The ancient military strategist Sun Tzu Sun Tzu (s  n dz), fl. c.500–320. B.C. said, "[The] army whose ranks
are united in purpose will be victorious." All ATLA members must
mobilize for this campaign.
The political landscape is complex. Civil justice supporters sit on both sides of the aisle, and we support good candidates regardless of party label. But leadership sets the agenda. We need to reach out to our Republican friends and make new ones. Currently, Republican leaders in the House--with a six-seat majority--are wedded to big-business interests that seek to place greedy corporations above the law. Democrats control the Senate by a single vote. Most of them, along with a significant handful of principled prin·ci·pled adj. Based on, marked by, or manifesting principle: a principled decision; a highly principled person. Republicans, support the rights of injured in·jure tr.v. in·jured, in·jur·ing, in·jures 1. To cause physical harm to; hurt. 2. To cause damage to; impair. 3. people. This tenuous balance holds back a torrent of tort "reform" legislation, but the floodgates will open unless we elect more Democrats and Republicans who support our principles. Make a difference in November by increasing your commitment to good candidates. Every contribution--whether to ATLA PAC or individual candidates--counts, no matter how small. Sign up for ATLA's List, which identifies the best candidates in tight races, so you'll know where your support will have the most impact. For more information, visit www.atla.org and click on Political Outreach, or call (800) 424-2725, ext. 359. Finally, justice will prevail if we ensure that our clients are registered to vote and know what's at stake. As grassroots advocates, they have powerful stories to tell. As voters, they can protect their own rights and those of others. With your courage, commitment, and conviction, we can and will preserve justice on behalf of all Americans. Thank you for the honor of working with you in this vital endeavor. Your friend, Mary Alexander |
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